There are a number of associate’s degree programs for industrial design technology, which train computer-based technical skills – cornerstones of industrial design. Today, computer software is becoming implemented in more and more components of the design process. Therefore, an associate’s degree in the technical knowledge needed to use these programs effectively can do more than set students up for a well-paying job after graduation. They can also give enough skills to promote upward mobility in the industry.

This advantage should be taken seriously, considering recent advances in technology, such as the three-dimensional printer. As this technology comes more cheaply, it will decrease the value of modeling skills. At the same time, it will increase the value of computer-aided industrial design software, which will give users the ability to “print out” their products as soon as a technician can produce a finished digital draft.

Specialization: Prepare for Your Career Early: Another advantage of industrial design technology degrees is the ability to gain a specialized skill quite early in life. In only one or two years, graduates of industrial design schools will have the tools to perform a vital function. This provides job security early.

Differences Between Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Programs: Associate’s degrees in design technology prepare students to succeed in a specific role in the design community. Students gain exposure to the design process, though this exposure is limited to CAID only. Whereas undergraduate and MFA programs include drawing and ideation, two processes that normally precede the drafting stage, industrial design technology degrees focus on giving students the tools to take a fleshed out idea and model it on the computer.

For this reason, industrial design technology degrees do limit career growth because they provide technical expertise without the conceptual training performed in MFA programs. It can be difficult to grapple with learning conceptual skills in the workplace, and career advancement can be difficult. However, graduates of associate’s programs have about a five-year professional advantage, which can be used to fuel significant growth. However, professionals coming from an associate’s background will need to consistently perform above and beyond expectations on assignments and look to increase responsibility on the front end of projects, contributing to brainstorming sessions, developing drawing skills, and gaining a good business sense. The way is harder without the credentials, but sharp, hard-working designers can take their careers where they want with this degree.