Daisy,
I have taught at Authorized Training Centers and currently teach at a
community college. And although I am a teacher, and should have a vested
interest in perpetuating the system, you may be surprised to hear me say
that you most likely don't need to take classes to learn AutoCAD and
whatever else you want to learn.
You do need a computer and a legal copy of the program. If you are a
student, you can buy a student version of AutoCAD Architecture, or MEP 2008
for about $160. That's an unbelievable bargain. You can also legally
download Revit and Civil 3D, etc. However, all student software may not be
used for commercial work. So I suggest you look into buying AutoCAD LT 2008,
which should cost under $1,000. Please know that it will pay to do things
legally and in the right order.
Make sure you find a field that attracts you personally. Ideally, you will
find work that you'd be willing to do for free, because it feels like so
much fun (for example architectural work, interiors, street improvements,
grading, 3D modeling, rendering, animation, programming or whatever you
like). There is almost nothing like working late at night or for long hours
on a project you love, knowing you're getting paid to do it.
Once you have the software, become intimately familiar with the contents of
the Help System (F1). Read it in your spare time. Look for tutorials online.
Buy some courseware, usually under $80 and work through it on your own.
Three to four day classes cost several hundred dollars. You can do those on
your own. Become very familiar with the Autodesk newsgroups. You will find
many talented, generous people who will help you if you ask. If you can't do
these things, you might consider traditional employment, instead of
consulting.
>>am not interested in pursuing an engineering degree<< I hope that by that
>>you don't mean that you're not willing to learn and understand the field
>>you will be getting into. Drafts people as "smart" Xerox machines is a
>>dangerous recipe. I am not saying you need to become an engineer. However,
>>you need to have an open, inquisitive attitude if you want to make it as a
>>consultant. Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.
--
Regards from Los Angeles,
Emmanuel
Microsoft Windows Vista
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz 3GB RAM
NVidia GeForce 8500 GT 512 MB
"daisymay" wrote in message news:5809722@discussion.autodesk.com...
I am not sure if this is the right place to ask, but I am interested in
finding out how to get into CAD/drafting...
I've been at home with the kids for 5 years, and am looking to reenter the
workforce soon. I have a MS in environmental science, GIS experience, and
used to do environmental consulting along with GIS work and some basic
AutoCAD work (basically adding wetland delineation GPS data to the CAD maps,
etc...). What sort of classes do I need to take, to brush up on the
AutoCAD, so I'd be able to apply with engineering firms? I'm *not* an
engineer... and am not interested in pursuing an engineering degree, but am
just looking at possibilities... The consulting work is super limited in our
new area, so looking at engineering groups instead. Thanks for any advice!
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