You can become a BIM Manager without a college or university degree. There are more affordable and quicker ways to receive the required training and the on-the-job experience necessary to secure this role than a traditional two- to four-year degree program. Before deciding whether to forgo a degree, however, you will want to consider the benefits and the risks of this decision. Read on to learn about what you need to consider before making this important career decision and what non-degree forms of training exist for prospective BIM Managers. 

Pros and Cons of Becoming a BIM Manager Without a Degree

Before deciding whether to pursue BIM management without a degree, you will want to consider the benefits and the limitations of this decision. The current average cost of university education in the US ranges from $10,000 per year for attending a public university in your home state to upwards of $47,000 for attending a private institution. For many, the costs of this mode of education are too high, especially considering that you must also invest time in regularly attending both general education and degree-specific courses. 

Without a degree does not mean without training, instead, it often means you are seeking more training that is skills-focused and that is quicker and more affordable than a traditional two- to four-year degree program. Certificate programs, for example, can offer more cost-effective and career-specific training, in comparison to degree programs. Prospective BIM Managers will find that this kind of training provides students with the knowledge, technical skills, and professional development necessary to enter the workforce upon completion of the program. These programs also come with career-support services that someone without a degree will need to break into the workforce, like mentorship from an industry expert or aid with finding job opportunities.

Pursuing any profession without a degree can be risky. Some employers still see a formal degree as a prerequisite to working in specialized and senior roles within the AEC industry. You can check job listings to see whether BIM Managers within your desired industry sector are usually required to have a formal degree. For the most part, you can pursue BIM Manager roles without a degree, though you will need to compensate with more on-the-job experience or proof of one’s skillsets. This can mean spending more time working in entry-level positions as a BIM Technician or BIM Modeler or showing your leadership skills through working as a BIM Coordinator before applying for BIM Manager positions. 

Learning Methods to Become a BIM Manager Without a Degree

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are one of the best ways to launch a career working with BIM. These programs of study are geared toward providing career-oriented, comprehensive training for those who want to work in the AEC industry. They allow you to receive career-specific training in the necessary technical skills, soft skills, and knowledge to enter the workforce after completing the full course of study. These programs will be shorter than a typical two- or four-year degree program and also more cost-effective. 

Not only do certificate programs provide technical training, but most will also come with career-support services. This can include receiving individual 1-on-1 mentoring from an instructor, opportunities to network with industry leaders and program alumni, help to compose a CV, LinkedIn profile, or portfolio, access to job boards, or being able to meet with a career coach. Networking, mentorship, and help navigating the job market are some of the best ways that someone can break into BIM management without a formal degree. 

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Bootcamps

Bootcamps are accelerated courses focused on one specific skill. Someone pursuing BIM management might find a bootcamp in Revit, for instance, or another related BIM software. Bootcamps are a great way to learn industry-standard technical skills or to receive supplemental training for skills that weren’t part of your degree program, vocational training, or on-the-job training. Bootcamps will be shorter than degree programs and certificate programs and some will also come with similar kinds of career-support services. 

This kind of training is usually condensed so that students can learn the skills they need quickly. That does mean that they might not be right for all learners. Those who want a slower pace can consider finding individual classes in any required BIM Manager skills or enrolling in a self-paced, online bootcamp that will allow you to learn the material at your own speed. 

Free Resources

There are also free training materials and classes you can take online to aid your BIM Manager training. Autodesk offers free learning aids for its products, which include tutorials and short course modules. Those with a public library card can often access LinkedIn Learning for free, this is LinkedIn’s online learning platform that provides self-paced training in many topics including BIM management and necessary industry-standard programs. Many learners also find YouTube to be an invaluable resource for learning the basics of BIM software or figuring out what one can expect when working as a BIM Manager. 

Free resources are a good way to learn some of the basics about software or the skills you’ll need as a BIM Manager. However, they will not be a substitute for the kind of professional skill development you will receive in a certificate program and some bootcamps. Free resources are more likely to offer limited support, be out-of-date, or include incorrect information. 

In-Person vs. Online Learning

As you decide which training format is best for your own needs, consider also whether you need in-person or online training. In-person training is still one of the best ways to learn new material. It allows you to learn from a live instructor who can guide you in best practices for working in BIM management. However, in-person training may not be available in all locations, it can be less cost-effective than other options, and those with full-time jobs or other obligations might find it difficult to attend regularly scheduled in-person classes. 

Online training is a convenient alternative to in-person learning. This mode of training allows you to learn from any location and live online classes will also have a dedicated expert instructor who can provide hands-on training similar to in-person courses. Online courses are also more accessible for those with busy schedules, as live online classes tend to offer more options for part-time, evening, and weekend classes. Self-paced online classes will have no live instructor but will allow students to work through the course material at their own speed. Online learning, however, is not for everyone, as some find it hard to remain focused and engage with the course material in this training mode. 

What is a BIM Manager?

BIM Managers are responsible for developing and managing the use of BIM software practices at an organizational level. BIM stands for building information modeling and is becoming an essential part of drafting, modeling, and managing projects in industries like design and Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). BIM Managers will lead their organization’s use of digital software and construction documentation and are responsible for tasks such as setting standards for creating BIMs, handling BIM software updates or issues, assigning project tasks to team members, managing important construction documents, and interfacing with clients and other important project stakeholders. 

The role of a BIM Manager requires these professionals to oversee an organization’s use of BIM software. To be successful, BIM Managers need to know how to work with BIM software like Revit and need to know how this software interacts with others like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and other BIM and CAD programs depending on their organization’s needs. In addition to knowing how to use BIM software, these professionals will need strong communication and leadership skills, as they will be in charge of a larger team and need to facilitate communication between different project stakeholders. While one can find entry-level BIM jobs after receiving the necessary training, this role will require five to ten years of on-the-job experience, similar to other manager and director roles within an organization. 

Can You Really Become a BIM Manager Without a Degree?

It is possible to become a BIM Manager without a college or university degree. Some employers will require a degree for this professional role, but many are looking for the right combination of training and experience. This means that, depending on the employer, your on-the-job experience will compensate for the lack of a formal university degree. Generally, you will be able to secure entry-level BIM positions, working as a BIM Technician or BIM Modeler, for instance, without a degree and these positions will allow you to work your way up to a position as a BIM Manager. 

In addition to experience, you can find lower-cost, accelerated training programs that will help you become a BIM Manager. Certificate programs are a particularly useful way to gain the training necessary to work with BIM in the AEC industry. These programs aim to prepare learners to move from the classroom into the workplace upon completion of the course of study. Certificate program enrollees will also earn a physical or digital certificate that they can show to potential employers to prove their training in the necessary skillsets. 

If you have a degree in a non-relevant field, you can also work toward becoming a BIM Manager. Any degree or vocational training can show an employer that you can put in the work and accomplish your goals. Most people will also be able to use some of the coursework or projects they’ve finished to show that they have the required BIM Manager skills. For example, successful group projects help to show your communication, leadership, and project management skills, all of which are necessary for working as a BIM Manager. 

Steps to Become a BIM Manager

Pursue Formal Training

Educational background is important for prospective BIM Managers. Many within this role do have a degree in construction, computer drafting, architecture, engineering, or a related field. A career-oriented certificate program, a skills bootcamp, or an individual class in industry-standard BIM software can all provide other ways to show that you’ve received the appropriate training to work as a BIM Manager. Use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to find in-person and online BIM training that will meet your needs. Nationally accredited education provider Virtual Design & Construction Institute offers two self-paced, part-time certificate programs for prospective BIM Managers, the BIM Certificate Program and the BIM/CAD Certificate Program. 

Choose Industry Specialization 

BIM Managers generally work in the AEC industry but is important to determine which field you want to work in within this industry. Some BIM Managers specialize in working within construction whereas others will work in architecture or engineering. You should choose the industry sector that you find most interesting or one that you already have formal training in. Some people more naturally will gravitate towards wanting to work with others designing systems or infrastructure while others like the on-the-ground nature of construction management. 

Gain On-The-Job Experience 

Someone wanting to work as a BIM Manager will need years of on-the-job experience. While some can find BIM Manager positions after only a few years of experience, the average amount of experience needed for this position is five to ten years. Many BIM Managers start working as BIM Technicians, BIM Modelers, or even CAD Modelers or Technicians. These are entry-level positions that you can get after completing a degree program or certificate program. They are a great way to start learning how to use software to tackle real-world projects and you will start learning how a company or organization manages projects.

Develop Leadership & Project Management Skills

While mastering BIM software and other technical skills is important for BIM Managers, it will also be important to develop the skills to lead a team of other professionals and manage projects for your organization or company. Starting with entry-level positions and listening to those working at various levels within your organization will help you lead your organization’s use of BIM software. Communication is one of the most important skills for both a team leader and a project manager. BIM Managers will need to communicate with BIM professionals, Architects, Engineers, construction professionals, and project stakeholders to set expectations for how to use BIM software and to provide any necessary training or troubleshooting help with the technology. 

Learn the Skills to Become a BIM Manager at Noble Desktop

The Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) offers two comprehensive certificate programs for those needing BIM Manager training. VDCI offers nationally accredited training for those pursuing work in the AEC industry and design fields which makes them a great option for those who want accelerated, career-oriented training. Their classes and certificate programs are conveniently online and part-time and provide industry-standard technical skills, software, and professional skill development so that students can easily move from the classroom to the workplace. 

The BIM Certificate Program is a condensed, self-paced online training program that aims to get students job-ready in just eight months. This course of study tasks students with learning introductory and intermediate Revit skills, designing a complex 3D building model, and generating necessary construction documentation. Those enrolled in this program will also take additional electives and have the chance to specialize in Revit MEP, Revit Structure, or SketchUp Pro. Students will have access to software during their course of study. 

Another VDCI program to consider is the CAD/BIM Certificate Program, a ten-month, self-paced training program for those who need both AutoCAD and BIM training. Like the BIM Certificate Program, those in this program will learn how to use Revit and create detailed construction documents through BIM software. This longer course of study will include detailed training in 2D drafting with AutoCAD and how to use this software to create construction documents. Students will have access to any necessary software when taking this course and can specialize through electives in Revit MEP, Revit Structure, or AutoCAD construction documents. 

Noble Desktop also offers top-rated, career-oriented training in AutoCAD. Their 30-hour AutoCAD Bootcamp provides intensive training in using the basic and advanced features of this software’s industry-standard 2D drawing features. Those pursuing Autodesk certification will be interested in the AutoCAD Certification Program, which provides comprehensive training in introductory, intermediate, and advanced AutoCAD drawing tools and technical skillsets. The cost of the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam is included in the course’s tuition and enrolled students will also receive six hours of 1-on-1 private tutoring to prepare for this certification exam and enhance their AutoCAD skills. All of Noble Desktop’s classes are taught by expert instructors who will provide students with hands-on training and individualized feedback on their skill levels. Classes can be taken in person at their Manhattan training facility or online from any location.