Before you commit time and resources to Civil Coordinator 3D training, it’s a good idea to get a better understanding of what this job is like and whether it will be a good fit for your skills, personality, and career goals. For instance, what is the job outlook in this field, what kind of work will you be doing, and how does this career rate in terms of job satisfaction? This article discusses these and other factors that you might want to consider if you’re thinking about 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.
Why Become a Civil 3D Coordinator?
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Positive Job Outlook
The field of civil engineering is expected to experience strong job growth in the future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a federal agency that collects and analyzes U.S. labor market information. It reports that over the next ten years, Civil Engineers will see 6 percent job growth, which is faster than the average job growth rate of 4 percent. It explains, “With continued investment in U.S. infrastructure, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects that meet society's need for upgrading bridges, roads, water systems, buildings, and other structures.” In addition, it says, “Civil engineers also will be needed to oversee renewable-energy projects, such as construction of wind farms and solar arrays, as these projects gain approval.”
BLS also provides statistics for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians, who are defined as professionals who “help civil engineers plan, design, and build infrastructure and development projects.” It says, “The need to preserve, repair, and upgrade the country’s infrastructure continues to increase. . . . Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee this work, and civil engineering technologists and technicians will be needed to assist the engineers in these projects. Civil engineering technologists and technicians also will find work assisting civil engineers with renewable-energy projects.” The Virtual Design and Construction Institute reports that while salaries vary from state to state, on average a Civil 3D Coordinator earns about $60,000 to $70,000 yearly.
Work Variety
Civil engineering projects take place within many different industries including construction, energy, and transportation. When you work within civil engineering, you may get the opportunity to work on a variety of different types of projects such as roads, airports, dams, pipelines, water systems, tunnels, and bridges. BLS discusses some of the types of civil engineering projects that are likely to be common in the future in the United States. It says, “The need to preserve, repair, and upgrade the country’s infrastructure continues to increase. Bridges, roads, levees, airports, and dams will need to be rebuilt, maintained, and enhanced. In addition, more waste treatment plants will be needed to help clean the nation’s waterways, and water systems must be maintained to reduce or eliminate loss of potable water.” It adds, “Civil engineering technologists and technicians also will find work assisting civil engineers with renewable-energy projects.”
For a blog post on the Institution of Civil Engineers website titled, “7 Top Reasons Why Civil Engineering Is the Best Career,” the author interviewed a number of people who work in the field of civil engineering to gain a better understanding of what’s involved. They found that the diversity of projects associated with this field is one of the things that many people enjoy about it. For instance, one of those people interviewed commented, “There’s so much variety,” and another said, “You get to work with a ton of new people on new tasks every day!”
Job Satisfaction
In addition to enjoying the work variety, many people find it very fulfilling to work in the field of civil engineering because civil engineering projects have a direct and observable impact on everyday life. In its “Civil Engineer Overview,” U.S. News & World Report cites Maria Lehman, who is the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) president. She stresses that civil engineering projects are everywhere. She says, “I do this thing with middle school students: I challenge them to tell me something they don’t think a civil engineer has been involved in, and I haven’t been stumped in 30 years.” Lehman comments, “Based on the broadness of the profession, it has (an) incredible impact on our daily lives.”
Teamwork
If you like working with other people, then the role of Civil 3D Coordinator may be a good fit for you, since it includes a lot of teamwork. You’ll help train and guide team members who are working with Civil 3D, ensuring that they meet project guidelines and standards and helping to set up workflows. The Institution of Civil Engineers blog post cites Civil Engineer Kishore Ramdeen, who insists that teamwork is an important part of civil engineering, stating, “The civil engineering industry is built on team spirit and collaboration. Ramdeen adds, "We encourage each other to achieve more and challenge ourselves. And when we work together well, we get things done safer, faster and cheaper.”
Creativity
Working as a Civil 3D Coordinator can also be creative, since this field involves a lot of problem-solving. In an article titled, “Why Should I Be a Civil Engineer?” Indeed explains that civil engineering in general involves a lot of creativity. It explains, “If you like using your creative skills in the workplace, then you might consider a civil engineering career. These skills help engineers conceptualize unique solutions to building and construction projects. Creativity skills can also help engineers develop new ways to use materials, which can improve public safety and enable them to create one-of-a-kind buildings that make a lasting impression on the community.” Overall, it says that every civil engineering project involves its own set of creative solutions.
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 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.