What Degree Do You Need to Become a Civil 3D Coordinator?

There is more than one way to become a Civil 3D Coordinator. Some people enter this job field after earning a college degree, however, this is not the only path. Another way to learn the skills you’ll need for this job is to enroll in a certificate course, bootcamp program, or on-demand class at a professional training school. These types of programs are popular because they are less expensive and time-consuming than college. This article contains more information about both degree and non-degree paths to becoming a Civil 3D Coordinator.

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.

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.

Learn Architecture and Construction

• Nationally accredited
• Create your own portfolio
• Free student software
• Learn at your convenience
• Career placement assistance
• Authorized Autodesk training center

Learn More

Common Degrees for Civil 3D Coordinators

Not every Civil 3D Coordinator has a degree, but for those who do, a civil engineering degree is most common. Within the field of civil engineering, there are many different specializations, such as construction, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, and transportation. Some Civil 3D Coordinators have a degree in a different type of engineering, such as mechanical engineering. Since this job involves design, there are also people who come into it with a degree in design, such as in architecture, computer aided drafting, or graphic design. Overall, many different types of degrees can be beneficial if you want to become a Civil 3D Coordinator.

Tips for Starting a Civil 3D Coordinator Career Without a Degree

If you’re trying to start a Civil 3D Coordinator career without a degree, there are many different strategies that you can utilize:

Gain Professional Experience

Experience is a great way to show employers that you’re capable of doing the job. You can start gaining experience while you’re still in school, for instance through an internship or volunteer position.

Build a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio is a collection of your best work and is another way to show potential employers what you’re capable of. Your portfolio can be online or it can be a physical portfolio, and it should include a variety of different types of projects.

Be Willing to Start in an Entry-Level Position

While an entry-level position might not be your dream job, it can be a great way to get your foot in the door. You’ll gain experience and make professional connections, and in time you can advance to a higher-level position.

Enroll in a Certificate Program or Bootcamp

Certificate programs and bootcamp courses are an excellent way to build skills and gain hands-on experience. Additionally, most of these programs are focused on getting students career-ready, which means that they usually include career support services such as help creating your resume, and advice about interviewing for a job.

Network

Networking is often a critical part of finding a job. By connecting with professionals in your field you’re likely to have a better chance of discovering job opportunities, and getting noticed when you apply. You can network through websites like LinkedIn. You can also network by joining professional associations, going to job fairs and conferences, or participating in internships or volunteer positions.

Work on Your Soft Skills Too

Technical skills and industry knowledge are important if you want to be a Civil 3D Coordinator. However, most employers also want their team members to have strong soft skills. Soft skills that are beneficial in this role include attention to detail, organization, problem-solving, and communication. Just as with technical skills, soft skills can be improved by taking a class.

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.