There are a lot of resources being made available now to CAD and design professionals who have found themselves out of a job. For those laid off, fired, or otherwise unemployed professionals, there are some really great opportunities with the Autodesk Assistance Program that you should definitely check out such as free software licenses, to discounted or free training from resellers, product certification, and even some new deals offered to prospective employers to those CAD professionals taking part in the Assistance Program.

Autodesk isn’t the only player in this game, though. There are many other organizations helping people improve their skills, make themselves more marketable, and get them back to work. These services range from free resumé writing assistance, webcasts on how to prepare for and communicate in an interview, and free training (just Google it-there are a lot out there). I even like the perspective one website has taken for the opposite side of this issue – what mistakes people make that keep them unemployed – which you can find here.

Don’t just stop at online sources when looking for assistance. Your state and local government might just be offering some great ways to skill up that you don’t want to overlook. Take, for instance, that you can become an INDOT Certified Technician (i.e. Certified Indiana DOT Construction Inspector) by preparing for and taking a series of free exams offered by the State of Indiana throughout the year.

This and other training or certification may not be exactly what you want to be doing in your next job, but they are opportunities to bolster your resume and gain knowledge on areas you may not be familiar with yet. These are also chances to potentially network with other professionals in your field. And, if you are currently employed and your employer is paying attention, taking initiatives such as this may tell him or her that you care about your job and will continue to improve over time.

I almost forgot one of the best resources you could have. If you are not a member or don’t attend any local user groups, you are definitely missing out. Going to a user group meeting is a very powerful and easy way to pick up new skills and network with other professionals. This should be one of the first steps on your list of to-do’s while looking for a new job or keeping the one you have.

In summary, take advantage of every opportunity available out there. You never know when you’ll need some of the skills you’ll gain in the process. Also keep in mind it may just be the key to getting not just your next job, but your dream career. Please comment on any other resources and opportunities you’ve discovered and/or taken advantage of below.