[Rcfd1]

Hello everyone,


I have a a couple of questions regarding the CFD career path and would really appreaciate it if I can get some answers and guidance from people already in the field.


Let me first tell something about myself. I graduated with bachelors degree in Marine Engineering 2 years ago. We studied the general engineering disciplines and maths in the first 2 years. But the last 2 years were more focused on Ship machinery so that we are prepared for engineers on board ships.


I have an interest in CFD and want to make a career change in this area.
I have the following questions.


1. Is it realistic to self teach yourself CFD and land a job with a portfolio presentation without any further degrees/education. Or is master degrees the minimum?
2. Is this type of profession in demand and is it hard to land such a job?
3. Does the prestige of university for a master degree matter for job employers (considering the science is the same and similar things should be taught in every university)?
4. Good university choices for Master's degree in CFD in Europe?
5. Is it hard to find PhD position in university?
6. Is it hard to find a job after having a PhD?
7. Is PhD worth pursuing if you want to work in the industry?
8. Is it possible to work remotely or as a freelancer?



I would be very thankful to anyone who can share opinions on these questions.


Regards!

[Gert-Jan]

Originally Posted by Rcfd1

Hello everyone,

I have a a couple of questions regarding the CFD career path and would really appreaciate it if I can get some answers and guidance from people already in the field.

Let me first tell something about myself. I graduated with bachelors degree in Marine Engineering 2 years ago. We studied the general engineering disciplines and maths in the first 2 years. But the last 2 years were more focused on Ship machinery so that we are prepared for engineers on board ships.

I have an interest in CFD and want to make a career change in this area.
I have the following questions.

1. Is it realistic to self teach yourself CFD and land a job with a portfolio presentation without any further degrees/education. Or is master degrees the minimum?

It depends on the country. In some countries people demand degrees. In some it is less relevant.

But in general I would say you need a MSC or PHD degree.

Originally Posted by Rcfd1

2. Is this type of profession in demand and is it hard to land such a job?

I would say the demand is increasing. But it remains a niche market. Not as developed as FEM. The applications are more limited.

Originally Posted by Rcfd1

3. Does the prestige of university for a master degree matter for job employers (considering the science is the same and similar things should be taught in every university)?

It depends on the country. But in the end, Hands-on experience with CFD-software packages is most important.

Originally Posted by Rcfd1

4. Good university choices for Master's degree in CFD in Europe?

It depends on the country. But in the end it doesn't really matter in industry. The physics are the same everywhere.
In Science it matters a lot. So it depends on where you want a career. In science or industry.

Originally Posted by Rcfd1

5. Is it hard to find PhD position in university?'

Don't know. Look at the jobs portal.

Originally Posted by Rcfd1

6. Is it hard to find a job after having a PhD?

No, but Msc is easier I think in industry. In science you need PhD.

Originally Posted by Rcfd1

7. Is PhD worth pursuing if you want to work in the industry?

No. Msc is easier.

Originally Posted by Rcfd1

8. Is it possible to work remotely or as a freelancer?

Yes. The software is very expensive so small companies cannot afford it, especially if they don't use it every day. Freelance is very well possible. Remote is more difficult as you need to do acquisition.

Originally Posted by Rcfd1

I would be very thankful to anyone who can share opinions on these questions.

Regards!