When starting work at a design institute right after graduation, should one focus on learning how to draw diagrams first, or on learning calculations first?
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When starting work at a design institute right after graduation, should one focus on learning how to draw diagrams first, or on learning calculations first? It is said that the engineering technology field is mainly based on calculations. . But it seems to me that when I first started working at the design institute, the main task was simply to draw diagrams. . . All calculations are carried out by software using specialized personnel. . Is it enough to just draw diagrams to have a promising career in a design institute?
Each has its advantages. In larger facilities or engineering companies, the specialties are divided in more detail. For those working in process engineering, drawing diagrams is not a simple task either; creating PFDs, PID diagrams, etc., requires considerable skill. Calculation is a specialized field within engineering – there are specialties such as process engineering, systems engineering, and many others. For beginners, it’s best to be humble, observe more, learn as much as possible, and determine one’s area of interest before deciding on a career path!
One has to learn everything, right? But you can’t eat an elephant in one bite; learn things gradually, one by one*, and master each one as you go……
Everything needs to be learned; it doesn’t matter what to learn first. A serious attitude is the most important. The master shows the way, but it is up to the individual to practice. Fate favors those who are prepared.
First, learn *calculation; by combining it with the theoretical knowledge learned at school, you can further consolidate and improve your skills.
Drawing is essential; it’s hard to believe that people in design institutes can’t draw, unless you work in the field of cost estimation.
Drawing is a method of transforming your design concepts into engineering projects, and it reflects your technical skill level. A computer is a tool, in the same category as foreign languages; you can draw with a pencil or you can use a computer to draw. :lol
Personal opinion: Calculation should take priority; after all, what was learned upon graduation is still fresh in memory, so it’s best to reinforce that knowledge first. Drawing is relatively simpler, but of course it’s ideal to progress in both areas at the same time!
Everything needs to be learned, with computing given priority.
For process engineering, drawing diagrams is not a simple task either; creating PFDs, PID diagrams, etc. requires a great deal of skill. Calculation is a rather specialized aspect of the industry; to excel in a design institute, one needs to be proficient in both areas. It depends on the specific circumstances of the company as well as an individual’s preferences to decide which one to learn first
Everything needs to be learned. Drawing is not simple; in what is known as engineering language, the results of calculations have to be presented through drawings. There are many software tools to assist with calculations, but it is necessary to understand both how they work and why.
No matter how well one draws, it’s still best to be a drawer. Moreover, many large design institutes are now starting to use intelligent drawing software, with dedicated draftsmen. Personally, I think craftsmanship is not just about drawing and calculating! Some standards still need to be thoroughly understood; effort should be put into studying process simulation software for calculations, and the calculation of safety valves deserves in-depth investigation, as does the flare system and similar systems. There’s a lot that needs to be learned regarding the total value. It’s sufficient to dedicate up to 3 months specifically to drawing. And when drawing, one shouldn’t just draw mechanically; one needs to understand why certain changes are made or why things are drawn in that particular way! Why are controls, valves, fittings, and so on designed (made) that way?
Although drawing is just a basic task, it is indeed a necessary step for every designer. Before computers were available for drawing, people had to draw by hand; now that computers exist, it seems simpler； Designing doesn’t necessarily require doing all the calculations; using certain tools can make things much more efficient. It’s just that you’re not yet at the stage where you can engage in design work.
Start doing process calculations as soon as you join the design institute? I think there’s no doubt about this question. The manufacturing process is not just about using software; it also includes an understanding of the processes and equipment, as well as experience in engineering design (which I think is even more important). I think the original poster should first draw diagrams to understand the structure and features of various devices, as well as to get to know the company culture and the transition from school life.
Process design calculations are the essence; calculation is the foundation of everything.