I do modeling in the sense of computational fluid Dynamics (cfd) or finite element analysis (fea) or just basic physics-based models and my background is in chemical and mechanical engineering.

if you want to get into the field doing it though, you'll ideally need a PhD. It takes a lot of time to understand all the nuances of how to model a system and reading and practicing are the best ways.

If you don't want to do a PhD, the best way to break into the field in industry is develop your own EASY TO USE open source copy cat of the commerical software. By easy to use I mean no command line, no OS or hardware dependent implementations (best to assume all users are on windows), and doesn't rely heavily on any programming.

Most people doing modeling in industry have backgrounds in engineering, math, or physics, not software. Most of us code but it heavily varies.