Here's how you can enhance your technical expertise as a mid-career engineer in design simulation.

Frankly, the core skills of FEA, CFD, and CAF all apply to the various different packages- the only differences are the GUI and the freedom/flexibility you have to develop your models/simulations. Learn the GUI, but understand the fundamentals- it'll get you far.

As someone who has mostly self-trained in engineering design through online resources, I can fully attest to the importance of expanding one's knowledge in FEA and CFD. Recently, I have been enhancing my skills with Autodesk CFD, running simulations involving water. This experience has been incredibly enlightening.

Continuous learning is pivotal for mid-career engineers in design simulation. Keeping up with the latest advancements in simulation software and techniques can significantly enhance technical expertise. In the construction industry, staying updated on new tools for structural analysis or materials simulation can lead to more accurate and efficient designs. Enrolling in relevant courses, attending industry conferences, and participating in webinars are effective ways to maintain and expand your knowledge base. Embracing lifelong learning not only keeps your skills sharp but also positions you as a valuable asset in an ever-evolving field.

There is a very good reason why university and college students are required to complete compulsory internships: the symbiosis of practical and theoretical knowledge. Running simulations is great because it often saves cost and time, but eventually, a physical model needs to be built, which is where practical knowledge and skills come into play. As a teenager, I loved construction but gradually realized how cost-intensive it was. Then my dad mentioned AutoCAD to me, and since then, I've explored various Autodesk software, finally landing on Inventor, CFD, and Revit. Now, I run my modeling and simulations on the computer and build prototypes once I achieve what I would call promising results from my simulations.

Practical application of newly acquired knowledge is essential for solidifying technical expertise. As a mid-career engineer, integrating advanced simulation techniques into real-world projects allows you to test and refine your skills. In the construction industry, this might involve using simulation to optimize building performance, assess structural integrity, or improve energy efficiency. By applying theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, you can demonstrate the tangible benefits of advanced simulations, drive innovation in your projects, and ensure that your expertise translates into measurable improvements in project outcomes.

In movies, I often saw scientists or engineers recording their progress in journals or with audio and video devices, and I used to think it was unnecessary and time-consuming. However, once I started keeping records of my own projects and research, primarily in audio and written formats, I realized how incredibly useful it is. I've frequently referred back to these recordings, even for topics unrelated to the original projects.