A Civil 3D Coordinator works within the field of civil engineering and is an expert in Autodesk Civil 3D. They facilitate communication and coordination among team members who are working on a Civil 3D project, review Civil 3D designs, and help ensure that projects are successfully completed. Some people get into this profession by utilizing resources that they can access from home. Keep reading for more information about the process of learning from home.
What Civil 3D Coordinator Training Method is Right for Me?
If you want to learn the skills that you’ll need to become a Civil 3D Coordinator, it’s important to understand that there is more than one way to learn. Instead, you’ll find a number of different training options including certificate courses, bootcamps, on-demand classes, online tutorials, and self-guided learning programs. The decision about which learning format is right for you will depend on many different factors including how you learn, your finances, you learning goals, and your schedule. Most people do find that it’s beneficial to take at least one live class so that they can get some real-time feedback and advice from an expert, however, the best learning path will be different for everyone.
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.
Can I Learn to be a Civil 3D Coordinator from Home?
It is possible to learn to be a Civil 3D Coordinator from home. In recent years, an increasing number of schools have begun to offer learning resources that can be accessed from home. Some of these--such as live online classes--allow you to get the same education as you would in person.
Learn Architecture and Construction
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Career placement assistance
- Authorized Autodesk training center
What are the Advantages of Learning from Home?
When you learn from home, you’ll get a lot more flexibility in the learning process. You won’t have to spend time and money on a commute. In addition, you won’t be limited to classes that run in your geographic area; instead, you can choose from online options all over the country. The process of learning from home can also be beneficial in itself, since you’ll need to learn to work independently and manage your time well.
What are the Disadvantages of Learning from Home?
Learning from home has its disadvantages too, though. You won’t get the face-to-face interaction of an in-person classroom, and without it you might feel less connected to the learning experience. In-person interaction can also lead to valuable networking opportunities, and you may have to work harder for those types of opportunities when you learn from home. Another potential disadvantage of learning from home is that the home environment can have more distractions than an in-person class that is specifically designed for learning.
What Resources Are Available to Help Me Become a Civil 3D Coordinator at Home?
If you’re interested in learning to become a Civil 3D Coordinator from home, there are a variety of different types of learning resources that you can utilize. Free resources can be a good starting point, and can help you gain an overview of what’s involved in this field. On-demand classes are a good option if you need a lot of learning flexibility, since they allow you to work at your own pace. Finally, there are live online classes and bootcamps. If you’re serious about becoming a Civil 3D Coordinator, you’ll probably end up enrolling in a live class at some point. A live class will provide comprehensive instruction and guidance from an expert.
Free Resources
Free resources are one way to learn some of the skills you’ll need to gain if you want to become a Civil 3D Coordinator. There are a vast number of free options, however, while they can be a great way to learn a few new skills or find an answer to a specific question, not all free resources are accurate or up-to-date, so you’ll need to spend some time checking your sources. In addition, most are not comprehensive enough to cover everything that you’ll need to learn. If you’re serious about becoming a Civil 3D Coordinator, you’ll likely end up opting for a paid class where you can follow a comprehensive curriculum under the guidance of an expert.
On-Demand Classes
On-demand learning is another way to learn Civil 3D Coordinator skills from home. These types of classes are pre-recorded and do not have a live instructor, however, they are usually significantly cheaper than live options. When you learn on-demand, you can work at your own pace, stopping and starting whenever you need to. You can even rewind or fast-forward the lesson if you need to. Some on-demand classes include interaction with both instructors and peers, allowing you to ask questions and get feedback.
Live Online Classes and Bootcamps
Live online classes and bootcamps have become popular in recent years because they provide the opportunity to prepare for a career like a Civil 3D Coordinator without the time and expense required for a college degree. With these types of classes, you’ll focus on learning the skills that you’ll actually use in a position as a Civil 3D Coordinator. Certificate programs are the most comprehensive type of live online program and usually take a few months to complete. Bootcamps and other types of live online classes typically take only weeks or days. Since these programs have a focus on getting students 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. Because classes are live, you’ll be able to get immediate answers to your questions, and regular feedback on your progress.
How to Find Civil 3D Coordinator Work at Home
If you want to work from home as a Civil 3D Coordinator, you might choose to become a freelancer, which means that you will work for yourself and you’ll be paid individually for each job that you complete. Another option is to work remotely. This means that you will have an employer, but rather than working from their office, you will do your work from a remote location, usually at home.
Freelance Opportunities
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 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.
Finding Remote Jobs as a Civil 3D Coordinator
Working remotely is another option. Remote workers are employed by a specific company, but they do their work from home, or another location of their choosing. According to VDCI, there can be a lot of job flexibility in the role of Civil 3D Coordinator because it can be done remotely. However, the organization notes, “Remote positions are highly sought after and typically require a lot of experience. On-site jobs would be easier to find and more typical.”
How Will Remote Work as a Civil 3D Coordinator Differ from On-site work?
When you work remotely, you won’t have to commute to an office so you’ll have more flexibility. Work as a 3D Civil Coordinator is likely to include meetings with team members, which can often be accomplished remotely, however, this means that you won’t have complete freedom in your schedule. Many people enjoy working remotely, however, some find that it can be isolating and include more distractions. Additionally, if you work from home, it can be hard to distance yourself from your work at the end of the day. Some people find it helpful to have a dedicated work area that they can step away from when they clock out.
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.