Advice Needed

[leed7]

I have not used AutoCAD since version R13 while taking the course in College. I am wondering if it would be a huge step as far as taking a beginner Course in any of the later versions and would it be beneficial.

BS EET but have worked in IT for the past 6 yrs.

 

[borgunit]

"This is not your father's AutoCAD" (as the saying might go). It has evolved a lot since then. If you do not have a lot of time to learn, then a class would definitely be in order.

http://mechcad-insider.blogspot.com/

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"

 

[leed7]

Thank you for the quick reply. I am now in an Engineering, mainly manufacturing market. I feel that gaining this skill is pretty important here and I am trying to finalize a decision to move forward. Though I am and EET, I have a very mechanical mind. Thanks again!!!!!

 

[JStephen]

Where do you propose to take the classes? Seems like I have seen classes specifically for updating people on new features. In any case, check with the people offering classes to see what they'd suggest.

A part of it would depend on whether you were somewhat familiar with using R13 or were thoroughly and completely familiar with it.

 

[cfee]

Based on your initial post, unless you've had ANY opprortunity to use ACAD since college, you'd be best served taking a class. It won't make you a user, and you really can't apply for a job saying you "have experience using AutoCAD", but if you're in a situation where you need some familiarity, I'd suggest that you pay for the class. Your next task after making the base decision, is where to take the class. If you have local access to an AutoDESK Authorized Training Center, that's a good place to start your search, but be careful, and do your research. The ATC lasses offered by junior colleges sometimes have folks "also" teaching ACAD, even tho they nominally qualify for the ATC Certificate. Find out how much genuine hands-on the instructor has, and what other ACAD classes they are qualified/certified to teach. This will give you some insight into whether or not your dollar should go there. Don't worry about hurting feelings. Find what you believe to be a GOOD class and take it. Sometimes a good place to go for training is any company that sells ACAD, and usually better if they an Authorized Reseller. They usually have closer contact with actual professional users and their companies, and often have been called upon to solve problems for their clients that have resulted in additional insights.

Then- buy a book, and work your way all the way (as far as you can...) through it.

You still won't be a "user", but your familiarity will aid your efforts in overcoming a lack of experience, and you will be up to speed sooner.

Finally-
I've been using ACAD since 1984, and STILL come here for answers to how-2's (!) sometimes to often almost embarrasing questions about the basics ! Some of the folks that come here both for questions and to offer answers, are some of the most knowledgable I've found. My point? Mastery is an ongoing process, not a destination. Check back here frequently for answers to questions as they arise, and soon after you've been actually using ACAD to feed yourself and pay the mortgage, you'll feel confident enough to offer insights of your own !

Good luck !

C. Fee

 

[leed7]

I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I do understand that there is time and work involved but I am willing to go for it. Thanks for the advice.