What do you do if your current skillset doesn't align with a career in 3D Printing?

1 Assess your strengths and interests

Before you dive into 3D printing, you need to have a clear idea of what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. Do you have a creative flair, a technical mindset, or a problem-solving attitude? Do you prefer working with software, hardware, or materials? Do you have any experience or knowledge in related fields, such as engineering, design, or art? These questions can help you identify your strengths and interests, and how they can be applied to 3D printing.

2 Explore the opportunities and challenges

3D printing is a diverse and dynamic industry that offers many opportunities and challenges for different roles and functions. You can work as a designer, engineer, technician, operator, researcher, educator, or entrepreneur, depending on your skills and goals. You can also choose from various sectors and applications, such as medical, aerospace, automotive, fashion, or architecture. However, you also need to be aware of the limitations and risks of 3D printing, such as quality, safety, cost, regulation, and ethics. You need to do your research and understand the market and the demand for 3D printing skills and services.

3 Learn the basics and beyond

To get started in 3D printing, you need to learn the basics of how it works, what are the different types of 3D printers and materials, and how to use the software and tools to create and print your models. You can find many online courses, tutorials, blogs, podcasts, and videos that can teach you the fundamentals and the best practices of 3D printing. You can also join online communities, forums, and groups that can offer you support, feedback, and advice. However, learning the basics is not enough. You also need to keep up with the latest trends, innovations, and developments in 3D printing, and expand your knowledge and skills to more advanced and specialized topics.

4 Practice and experiment

The best way to learn and improve your 3D printing skills is to practice and experiment. You can buy or borrow a 3D printer and start making your own projects, or use online platforms and services that allow you to upload your designs and order them to be printed. You can also participate in challenges, competitions, hackathons, and workshops that can give you a chance to showcase your work, network with other 3D printing enthusiasts, and learn from experts and mentors. You can also collaborate with others who have different skills and backgrounds, and learn from their perspectives and experiences.

5 Build your portfolio and network

If you want to pursue a career in 3D printing, you need to have a portfolio and a network that can demonstrate your skills and potential. You can create a website, a blog, a social media account, or a online portfolio platform that can showcase your 3D printing projects, achievements, and testimonials. You can also use these channels to share your insights, opinions, and tips on 3D printing, and engage with your audience and peers. You can also network with other 3D printing professionals, employers, clients, and partners, by attending events, conferences, meetups, and webinars, or by reaching out to them via email, LinkedIn, or other platforms. You can also ask for referrals, recommendations, and feedback from your contacts and connections.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?