Every Civil 3D Coordinator will take a slightly different career path. While some people begin with a college degree, others find different ways to get the knowledge and skills that they need. The process of gaining experience is also different for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about the Civil 3D Coordinator career path including ideas for getting started, information about degree programs and alternatives, advice about internships, and a discussion of the different types of Civil 3D Coordinator jobs out there.

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.

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Getting Started

One of the best ways to get started on the Civil 3D Coordinator career path is to do a lot of research so that you can gain an understanding of this job is like, the knowledge and skills you’ll need, how much experience employers are looking for, and how to find a job. This research can give you a better understanding of whether being a Civil 3D Coordinator will be a good fit for you, and what you need to do to be successful in finding the job that you want. There are many different sources of information. You’ll find many online resources and also books about the field of civil engineering. For instance, YouTube and some other sites offer free lectures on a variety of civil engineering topics. You can also read journals and other publications published by professional organizations. Another option is to attend free classes and informational sessions at schools and libraries. Finally, you can gain a lot of insight by talking to professionals who work in this industry, and have a wealth of inside knowledge about what jobs in this field are really like.

Do I Need a Degree to Become a Civil 3D Coordinator?

Historically, a degree has been the traditional way to get into many different occupations, however, in recent years an increasing number of employers have started to put more of a focus on finding candidates who have demonstrable skills. Many explain that they are not simply looking for a degree, but are more interested in employees who have the skills and experience to do the job well, whether they have a degree or not. Some people refer to this as skills-based hiring. This trend means that it is definitely possible to become a Civil 3D Coordinator without a degree.

However, while you may not need a degree to become a Civil 3D Coordinator, you will need job training. Professional training centers have become a popular option in recent years. These centers offer comprehensive, hands-on, accelerated courses designed to get you job-ready as soon as possible. You’ll focus on learning the skills that you’ll actually use in your job. Most of the certificate programs and bootcamps offered at these centers only take weeks or months to complete. Since these programs have a focus on getting you career-ready, they usually include career support too. This might include help building a portfolio and resume, mock interviews, and even access to internships and professional networks. Classes are typically conducted live, either in-person or in a live online format, which means that you’ll be able to get immediate answers to your questions, and feedback on your progress.

Internships

If you want to work as a Civil 3D Coordinator you’ll need an education, however, just as important is gaining experience. Finding an internship can be a great way to get some experience while you’re still getting your education. In an Indeed article titled, “How to Become a Civil Designer,” the author discusses some of the potential benefits of interning, explaining, “While completing your studies, it may be helpful to look for internship opportunities or an apprenticeship in civil design or engineering construction. These can help you develop your existing skills and develop practical experience with . . . programs in the workplace. You can learn how to document landscape information, review drawings and designs, inspect the construction site and help senior engineers. You may also expand your knowledge of structural engineering and design.” Some internships are paid and others are unpaid, but both types can provide valuable experience. Another benefit of an internship is that while you’re working in an intern position you may be able to work on projects that you can use for your portfolio.

Another Path: Freelancing

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of people who work in this field are employed by engineering companies, or state or local governments, however, some people do work as freelancers. As a freelancer, you work on a contract or per-project basis. Civil 3D is designed to facilitate real-time collaboration among team members who are not physically present in the same space, so many people say that it works well for freelancers. For instance, you can make and share updates in real time. One of the biggest benefits of freelancing is the flexibility it offers; you can set your own hours, work from wherever you want, and choose your own projects. However, you’ll also need to keep looking for new work, and you’ll be responsible for some tasks associated with running your own business, such as additional tax responsibilities.

How Do I Find A Civil 3D Coordinator Job?

To work as a 3D Civil Coordinator, you’ll need civil engineering knowledge and experience. You’ll also need to learn to use a number of different computer applications including Autodesk Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Bluebeam. In addition, you’ll need a number of soft skills including communication, teamwork, and organization. There are a number of different ways to gain the skills and knowledge needed to work in this role. Career-focused training programs--which include bootcamps and certificate courses--have become an increasingly popular option in recent years. These types of courses provide immersive and accelerated training that is specifically designed to prepare you for your chosen career in a relatively short period of time. In addition, many include a variety of career support services. 

In addition to education, if you want to work as a Civil 3D Coordinator you’ll need to gain experience. The amount of experience required varies widely, however, in general, you can expect to need about two years of experience for an entry-level job, and more for a higher-level position. The Virtual Design and Construction Institute suggests that you should have about three to five years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Ways to gain that experience while you’re still learning include volunteering, working on a side project, or taking on an internship or part-time job.

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 has a more comprehensive Civil 3D Certificate Program. This nationally accredited program takes a number of months to complete and will equip you with the skills to develop and refurbish public sites and infrastructure systems with Civil 3D. It includes courses in both Civil 3D and AutoCAD. You’ll also take a number of elective courses and work on a capstone project. You’ll be exposed to real-world databases and will learn about file sharing and data management.
  • 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.
  • Another VDCI option is the Essential Skills Bundle. This bundle is a great way to improve your communication, teamwork, collaboration, and self-management skills, all of which are essential if you want to work as a Civil 3D Coordinator. Three classes are included. In Communication and Connection, you’ll learn a variety of communication skills including negotiation and conflict management. You’ll also work on your emotional intelligence and learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Self-Management Skills covers skills such as prioritizing, improving efficiency, focusing on ethics and integrity, and setting goals. Finally, in Teamwork, Collaboration & Leadership, you’ll learn to build collaboration, conduct meetings effectively, inspire other people, and make decisions as a group.

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 AutoCAD 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.