Computer Aided Drafting and Design Program helps student find her career path

LEVELLAND -- Andrea Campos once thought to herself that she might like architecture as a profession. The thought was very fleeting. Like many young people who graduate from high school, the next challenge is starting college. The first summer session after her commencement ceremony at Lubbock High School, Campos enrolled in Texas Tech University.

“I did go straight to college but I started initially to get a general studies degree,” she said. “So rather than waste two years trying to figure it out, I knew I would need the courses anyway” she said.

Campos tried to find her way at the huge institution but grew frustrated. She left Texas Tech altogether and entered the workforce full time. Her hiatus lasted two years until she decided that she knew what she wanted to do with her career.

“It actually took me by surprise when I decided to join the Computer Aided Drafting and Design Program at South Plains College,” she said.

“I’ve always been interested in architecture and the things you can accomplish with architecture aside from a place to live or a commercial building,” she said. “You can do so much with a building based on the way you build it. You can control air flow and sunlight.

“Mostly though, my passion comes from environmental architecture and engineering,” she said. “I’m interested in the types of buildings and houses that utilize natural and sustainable materials.”

Campos said that when she was in high school, she toured a building that was completely covered in plants. She asked the people who worked there why they used plants on the building and she learned it was to make the place more energy efficient and cut down on energy costs. The two-story commercial building served as an office for the architectural firm that built it.

Campos said the experience sparked an interest in her to seek out houses and buildings that featured green architecture and utilized recyclable materials like glass bottles. Campos stayed in contact with the staff members at the firm who suggested different topics that she could research pertaining to green architecture. One thing she did notice at that time was there were mostly men in the firm and only a couple of females.  

Campos said she found the program at SPC to be everything she dreamed it would be. She overcame her initial fears of not knowing the software, tools and other tricks of the trade because she had never actually had any experience in the industry. Although the class is predominantly male, she has found an ally in the only other female student in the program.

“It was hard catching on to all of the materials, software and tools we were learning,” she said. “I didn’t let that bother me because I know that I’m doing this to reach my goals,” she said.

After a while, Campos gained an equal footing with her male colleagues and now they all get along. She is one semester away from completing her associate’s degree in May 2021. Campos said she will look for paid internship opportunities in Austin for the summer. She wants to gain some hands-on experience in the industry that she loves. In the fall, she wants to attend the University of Colorado Boulder where she will major in architecture.

“I would tell any female student who wants to work in a male dominated field like this that she needs to give it a try,” Campos said. “The instructors in this program are very knowledgeable and have experience in machine drafting and building neighborhoods. Just because something is non-traditional does mean you shouldn’t pursue it. Women can learn to do the job better than some of the guys.”

"Even though drafting does not have many paths carved out for female students, do it anyway,” she said. “Carve your own path because drafting and other male-dominated fields are just places we haven't had a whole lot of opportunities to explore. So, if you have an interest, water those seeds. Because women are fierce and brilliant, and we bring new ideas and a whole new perspective to the table. They're lucky to have us." 

Computer Aided Drafting and Design is a field that presents many opportunities in high-tech industry. The Computer Aided Drafting and Design curriculum is designed to provide graduates with the essential knowledge and skills in technical drawing on a computer and use of specialized software.  Upon obtaining an Associate of Applied Science degree, the student is prepared to enter the workforce as an entry-level technical graphics and design specialist in the fields of architecture, engineering, manufacturing, surveying, GIS and related industries. Certificate of Proficiency options in Basic CAD design and Advanced CAD design also are offered for students seeking short-term training.

To qualify for the A.A.S. degree, students must complete a Capstone Experience, which includes comprehensive oral, written and practical skills exams or an external learning experience during the final semester of the program.