Welcome to CAD Conversations, a series designed to help newcomers and experienced professionals in Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Each article in this series addresses unique challenges faced by new ones entering the industry and provides valuable insight for current professionals looking to advance their careers.
We bring you exclusive conversations with pioneers and innovators shaping the future of CAD. Our interviews dive into the minds of industry leaders, revealing their strategies and experiences. No matter where you are in your journey, you’ll find valuable advice and inspiration to elevate your CAD skills and knowledge. Join us as we have a conversation with a CAD Professional and push the CAD industry forward.
In this edition, we are excited to introduce Donnia Tabor-Hanson, aka the CAD Mama! Let’s dive into our conversation with Donnia and uncover their expert tips for excelling in the CAD industry.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in these interviews are based on personal experience and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers. Consider this as general advice to help guide your career.
Donnia Tabor-Hanson
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Title: Senior Associate, Senior CAD/BIM Analyst
Bio: I am an Autodesk Expert Elite and won the Autodesk Design and Make Award for AEC Community Leader 2023.
My brand is Hints and Hacks because Tips and Tricks are too blasé for me. [I've had the nickname] CADMama for too many years to count, a nickname that came from an architect I worked with but word got out. I have it on my license plate as well.
How did you decide which industry you wanted to become a CAD Professional in?
D - When I was a child, my sisters played with Barbie. I built houses and furniture for them. I always loved architecture. I went into education after the death of my first husband. I was in my 20s and had two small children. I found a love for teaching adults, and about that same time, CAD was beginning to show up in the classrooms. I grew up with it after that. I started with Autodesk on AutoCAD 1.2. Revit is my love now.
Can you describe a typical day in the life of a CAD Professional?
D - As a member of the Design Technical Services team, our work is anything but typical. We don't just work on projects; we step in when something isn't going as planned. Each of us has a unique specialty that we focus on more than others. Mine, for instance, is Revit customization for templates and families. We operate a ticket system, and it's not uncommon for us to come across a ticket that aligns with someone’s expertise and inform them about it. We also have our own special projects.
I customize the company’s standard template for various groups. I can be pared down for some that only do renovations, like our Asset Strategy team. Our industry group, for example, needs more custom wall types. Some of these templates get tweaked once the users start using them. I can be on a template for months. Tickets mean that we could be touching just about anything in Revit. Today, it was a key schedule that was not filled out correctly, and then a person needed to relinquish borrowed items in Revit. Next, it was a custom tag for a certain customer.
Change is the only constant. That should be what everyone looks at in a career. The worst new employee is the one who comes in with the attitude, “At my last office, we did it this way.” That attitude is not going to work out. Accept the change and grow with the change.
What are common mistakes or challenges beginners face in your industry, and how can you overcome them?
D - Coming into the industry, the hubris of youth leads one to believe they are the best at what they do. They just did well in classes, they graduated with honors, and they can take on the world. Can you still learn? Can you admit that you do not know everything? Even after starting a job, if one is recognized as being more knowledgeable in the software, one should not take on the idea that they are the expert. Many times, we come across a group with their own expert within their group. They know more than anyone else in their department. They may know “shortcuts” or even “workarounds” that they share to get by. Those who are not willing to admit that they do not know it all are a hindrance to themselves.
Never stop asking if you are doing it correctly. Never be stubborn enough to think that you know it all. Don’t be a stumbling block to yourself. I was at a conference this summer and someone shared something that I did not know. They got excited that they taught me something. I am not there yet. I am always happy to learn things.
Can you share an example of a challenging project or situation and how you overcame it?
D - When I think about a personal challenge in my career, there is one thing that pops into my mind, how it was almost stopped before it even got started. When I was in high school. I wanted to take drafting during my sophomore and junior years. These classes were three out of the six periods every day. I registered for it at the end of my freshman year. I got a call into the office and was told that I did not have enough math for a girl to take the class. As a freshman, I competed in Algebra I competitions and was third in the state. The next year, I took Algebra II and that must have satisfied them. I got to take drafting in my junior and senior years.
During those classes, my instructor had one of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, VICA, at the school. In my senior year, he took me to a regional competition and then to the state. I placed first in the regional and third in the state competitions for architecture. Many years later, I was judging some of those same competitions. That man took me around introducing me to everyone as if he had given birth to me. What had happened, he was following my career. I had been published, I had been the President of the Autodesk User Group International and I had started on this path of recognition.
I was also the first female to graduate from the local community college with an associate degree in architecture. The local paper wrote about that. The article was in the Women’s section of the paper, right there with birth announcements, engagements, and weddings.
So, what is my advice about challenges? If you know you can do it, don’t take no for an answer. I knew what I wanted, and I knew what I needed to do to get there. I stayed my course.
What resources would you recommend for someone starting their CAD career?
D - Never believe you are the best expert there is. Always be willing to grow, learn, and accept challenges. Remember, when you are hired to do a job, you go into the company to work with them. Learn how the company does things before you try changing things to how you may have been taught. When the time is right, you can suggest changes showing your knowledge and patience at the right time.
What best practices or tips have you learned from your experience?
D -
- Always tell the truth; it is easy to remember the truth.
- Make sure you practice empathy in your work. You don't know what is going on in others' life.
- Start all emails with a greeting and an upbeat tone.
- Smile when you are talking to someone, even on the phone. It helps your attitude.
How do you network and build relationships with other professionals in your industry?
D - Conferences and communities are the best places to develop contacts. To build relationships, you must put in your efforts and not wait for things to come to you. Your efforts may be questions to the forums as much as answering them. Don't forget social media. You will only get out as much as you put in.
What is one thing you could tell your younger self when entering this industry?
D - Dear Donnia,
You are on the right track. It will be tough at times. Don't take a no from anyone.Sometimes you may want to quit school even. Don't do it. You will be happy in your career for the majority of your adult live. It is worth it.
Be Strong,
Your Older Self
What advice would you give someone looking to specialize in CAD?
D - If you like a challenge, you can do it. It is more than just putting out black lines on white paper, or pdfs nowadays. Never quit learning. Research for yourself. Ask others. Connect with communities. Believe in yourself.
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Summary
- Master the Basics: Start by becoming proficient with essential CAD tools and functions.
- Stay Informed: Stay ahead with industry trends and new technologies.
- Continuous Learning: Enhance your skills through advanced courses and certifications.
- Build a Portfolio: Showcase your projects to highlight your expertise.
- Network: Connect with other professionals for new opportunities and valuable advice.
- Seek Mentorship: Get guidance from experienced mentors to accelerate your career growth.
- Adapt to New Tools: Embrace and learn new software and tools to stay adaptable.
- Develop Soft Skills: Improve communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
- Set Career Goals: Define clear goals and work towards them to stay focused and motivated.
- Maintain Passion: Stay inspired, be innovative, and feed your curiosity and passion for design.
We hope you found these insights from our CAD expert valuable and inspiring. Make sure to follow them on their journey and get involved with CAD Communities where you will continue to learn and grow. You may even find yourself helping others along the way.
The full interview can be found in my book "CADversity — The Insider's Guide to Crushing Your CAD Interview". Look for future articles in the CAD Conversations series for additional tips, industry insights, and exclusive advice. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences—leave a comment below and join the conversation. Reach out to me if you would like to be featured as a future guest. And don’t forget to share this article with your network to help others on their CAD journey!
