Hi everyone, I’m a 4th-year engineering student from India with a strong interest in mechanical design and CAD, particularly SolidWorks. I really enjoy designing and want to build a serious career as a mechanical/design engineer.

However, I’m at a stage where I’m not quite sure how to go from being someone who can use CAD to becoming a genuinely skilled and well-known designer in the industry.

I did talk to people working in this field, and they always had this one common question : " In which fieldyou specifiy as a designer ? ", and honestly I have no idea, I didn't even know there were fields.

For those of you who have experience in mechanical design :

• What skills should I focus on beyond just learning SolidWorks?
• What kind of projects would actually help me build a strong portfolio?
• How important are GD&T, manufacturing, FEA, DFM/DFA, etc.?
• What would you recommend a 4th-year student do over the next 1–2 years to become industry-ready?
• And realistically, how does someone build a reputation and become well-known in the design community?

I’d really appreciate advice from experienced designers and engineers on what path you would take if you were starting again today. 
Thank you.