Some Civil 3D Coordinators work on a freelance basis. Working as a freelancer can be significantly different to working in-house. Keep reading to learn more about some of the advantages and potential downsides associated with freelancing. This article also discusses the steps to becoming a freelance Civil 3D Coordinator.

Freelance vs. In-house Civil 3D Coordinator

If you decide to work as a freelancer, you will be self-employed. This means that rather than being employed by somebody else, you work for yourself. Since you are your own boss, you’ll have the freedom to choose when you work and what projects you work on. Freelancers often decide to work from home, however, this is not necessary. Instead, as a freelancer you can work from any location that you want. Freelancers generally work on a contract or per-project basis. This means that you’ll likely need to look for new work regularly. You’ll also need to deal with a few responsibilities that you wouldn’t have to deal with as a paid employee, like paying certain types of taxes. In addition, you won’t get paid time off or sick days.

In comparison, if you decide to work as an in-house Civil 3D Coordinator, you’ll be employed by somebody else. You’ll have to work when and where your employer dictates, and on the projects that they give you. Most Civil 3D Coordinators work in an office, although in recent years it has become more common for employers to offer the option to complete some work remotely. Most full-time Civil 3D Coordinator jobs include benefits such as paid vacation and sick days, access to a healthcare plan, and a retirement plan.

Benefits & Potential Challenges of Civil 3D Coordinator Freelancing

There are both benefits and challenges associated with working as a freelancer. One of the biggest benefits is that freelancing allows a lot of flexibility. You don’t have to follow a set schedule, and you don’t have to commute to an office. Instead, you can work from any location that you want, set your own hours, and choose your own projects. Many freelancers say that they like freelancing because it gives them the flexibility to balance work with their personal responsibilities in a way that works best for them. In addition, freelancing allows the potential for a higher income.

However, there are also potential downsides to freelancing. Your income might be inconsistent and you’ll have to constantly look for new work. Working by yourself rather than in an office can also feel isolating. In addition, depending on where you work from, you might encounter more distractions. If you work from home, it can also be more difficult to distance yourself from your work at the end of the work day.

If you are interested in working as a freelance Civil CD Coordinator, consider that freelance jobs in this field may be more difficult to find. According to VDCI: “All responsibilities of a Civil 3D Coordinator can be done remotely, however, remote positions are highly sought after and typically require a lot of experience. On-site jobs would be easier to find and more typical.”

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What is a Civil 3D Coordinator?

A Civil 3D Coordinator works with a Civil 3D design team to coordinate projects and ensure that they progress smoothly. This role includes a range of different tasks such as administration, communication, data management, research, and scheduling. More specifically, Civil 3D Coordinators provide training, implement standards, ensure compliance, set up workflows, offer technical support, and help protect company data. They work with a variety of different departments and help ensure that there is good communication between various team members. In addition, they communicate status changes with management.

Civil 3D Coordinators have experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, and are proficient in Civil 3D, which is an Autodesk software application used for civil engineering design and documentation. Civil 3D supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows for many different types of civil engineering projects including water, land development, roads, rail, and airports. Civil 3D Coordinators are also skilled in other applications used in civil engineering, such as AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Bluebeam. In addition, they have strong communication skills and can work well as part of a team.

What is Freelancing Like for a Civil 3D Coordinator?

As a freelancer, rather than finding a job once, you’ll be constantly looking for new work. That means you’ll need to work to build your business. In an article titled, “How Can You Build a Freelance Business While Working Full-Time?” LinkedIn provides some tips on doing so. It says that the process starts with setting some realistic goals. It states, “You need to have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish, how much time and money you can invest, and how you will measure your progress.” In addition, LinkedIn stresses that developing a strong online presence has become an essential part of freelancing. It explains, “A professional online presence is essential for attracting and retaining clients as a freelancer. You need to have a website, a portfolio, and a social media profile that showcases your work, your skills, and your personality.” Another important part of successful freelancing is cultivating a professional network. That network often plays an essential role in helping you find work, and can be a great place to get advice and ideas.

Is Freelancing as a Civil 3D Coordinator Right for Me?

If you’re trying to figure out whether or not working as a freelance Civil 3D Coordinator is right for you, it’s a good idea to think about how well you work independently, what your working style is, what your personality is like, and your personal obligations. Freelancing can give you the flexibility to more easily balance work and personal obligations, however, it can come with additional responsibility, which can add stress. If you plan to freelance, you’ll also need to be good at staying motivated and directing your own work. Finally, with freelancing, you may also spend a significant amount of time working alone, so you’ll need to be okay with that.

Steps to Become a Freelance Civil 3D Coordinator

To work as a 3D Civil Coordinator, you’ll need experience in the AEC industry; civil engineering experience in particular. Civil engineering is the branch of engineering that is focused on designing and building infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and water systems. Civil Engineers create and maintain many of the structures and systems that are an essential part of daily life. Working in this field also involves having an understanding of the physical environment. There are many unique concepts related to this field. For instance, you’ll need to understand the different types of materials used, how structures respond to loads, and how different types of structures interact with the natural environment.

Civil Engineers use a variety of different computer applications to create and analyze models of projects. You’ll need to be proficient in these applications. Autodesk Civil 3D is one important application. It is used for civil engineering design and documentation and helps users work more efficiently and quickly, easily make project changes, and collaborate with team members.AutoCAD is another common tool in this field. This is a computer-aided software design (CAD) program from Autodesk that is used for creating and editing 2D and 3D models and drawings. AutoCAD is an industry-standard application in a number of different fields including civil engineering. Other software applications that you’ll need to be proficient in are Navisworks, which is an Autodesk software application for 3D design review and coordination, and Bluebeam, which is an application that helps design and construction teams create, collaborate, and communicate together. 

If you want to be a Civil 3D Coordinator, you’ll also need a number of soft skills. Strong communication skills are essential in this role since it involves constant communication with other team members and also with management. In addition, you’ll need to be able to work well as part of a team, for instance, you should be able to contribute to the team and to understand the needs of others. Another soft skill that is useful in this role is organization, since you’ll be juggling a lot of different information and responsibilities.

Learn Business Skills

In addition to all the skills of a regular Civil 3D Coordinator, future freelance Civil 3D Coordinators will need to learn skills for running their own business (such as an understanding of finance and contract law) and marketing their business (such as web design and social media marketing). Even freelance Civil 3D Coordinators who plan to contract consultants to help run their small business should have a basic understanding of these areas in order to understand what kind of outsourcing they need to support their freelance work.

Learn the Skills to Become a Civil 3D Coordinator at Noble Desktop

The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a variety of training options for individuals looking to gain the skills needed to become a Civil 3D Coordinator. This school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Its online, self-paced classes allow you to create your own learning schedule. You’ll also be able to get advice and feedback on your submissions and projects, and interact with peers in discussion forums. VDCI classes are approved by Autodesk, Adobe, Trimble, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for elearning. 

  • VDCI offers three different Civil 3D classes. For each class, the instructor is a licensed Civil Engineer and also an Autodesk Certified Instructor. In Intermediate Civil 3D: Surveying and Mapping, you’ll learn about the surveying and mapping elements and commands in Civil 3D. Covered topics include survey and COGO points, point marker and label styles, point groups, linework code sets, figure prefix databases, survey imports, parcels, sites, parcel labels, TIN surfaces, surface labels, and surface analysis. Intermediate Civil 3D: Transportation Design is focused on the transportation design elements and commands in Civil 3D. Instructors cover alignments, surface profiles, design profiles, and view windows, assemblies, corridors, intersections, sample lines, cross sections, and 3D visualization. The third VDCI option is Intermediate Civil 3D: Land Development. This course covers land development design elements and commands such as drawing template files, data shortcuts, feature lines, grading groups, pipe networks, pressure networks, and paper space.
  • VDCI also offers a variety of AutoCAD classes. In Introduction to AutoCAD, you can learn the basics of this application. You’ll learn about the user interface and basic commands, including drawing, modifying, layering standards, text, dimensioning, and plotting. You’ll create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and a floor plan, and will integrate all of the information. Another option is Intermediate AutoCAD, which covers more advanced topics, including file referencing across the project data, user coordinate systems, dynamic viewing, and paper/model space conventions. You’ll create a set of CAD construction documents for a Habitat for Humanity project, including the floor plan, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan, and building elevations.

Noble Desktop is another place to learn AutoCAD. This coding and design school is based in New York City and offers live AutoCAD classes either in person or online. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department and all of its classes come with a certificate of completion and the option of a free retake within one year. 

  • If you’re looking for a shorter course, Noble runs a multi-day class called AutoCAD Level 1, where you can learn to use AutoCAD’s basic drawing and editing tools to create drawings for architectural and mechanical objects. AutoCAD Level 2, is another short option. In this intermediate class, you’ll work on more advanced and technical projects. You’ll also learn how to create templates by setting units, drawing limits, and scales, and how to use the interface to complete advanced layer and block techniques. Noble also offers AutoCAD Level 3, an advanced course where you’ll learn about annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. In this class, you’ll learn to execute advanced AutoCAD projects from start to finish as well as how to use the program’s tools to increase efficiency. If you’d like a longer class, Noble also offers the AutoCAD Bootcamp, which is a combination of its beginner and intermediate classes, at a 10 percent discount. 
  • If you want a more comprehensive AutoCAD course, you might be interested in the AutoCAD Masterclass, where you’ll go from a beginner to an advanced level. This class begins by covering basic skills such as understanding the interface, creating drawings, using object snap tracking, and using editing commands. After that, you’ll learn more complex skills like working with templates and layouts, creating and organizing blocks, and using external references. The course also covers advanced AutoCAD skills, including tables, text objects, attributes, and dynamic blocks. In addition, you’ll work on a variety of projects.
  • Another Noble Desktop option is the AutoDesk Certification Program. This is designed for students who want to earn the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting. This program starts with three AutoCAD classes, which are intended to take you from beginner to advanced level. You’ll also receive six hours of private tutoring, where you can work on any difficult skills and make sure you are fully prepared for the exam. After that, you’ll take the Autodesk AutoCAD exam. The exam, proctoring, and a free retake are included in the course fee. If you don’t want to take the exam, you can opt for an extra hour of private tutoring instead.