Forums >> Community >> Newbies >> Are BIM associate degrees a good and economical way to learn REVIT

skasdi

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Joined: Sat, Aug 25, 2007
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I am considering a BIM associate degree online at IADT. However, I am not sure if I will be able to recupe the cost after I finish. I am seeking a structure and community to help learn REVIT. However, I am debating whether this is the best way for me. I already have a degree in architecture and have used AutoCAD for a number of years. But, I am not currently working in architecture (new dad again and several small children) so I want to have my REVIT skills down for when I return to the field. Any thoughts?

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WWHub

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Joined: Tue, May 16, 2006
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I have some real doubts about the value of any on-line training.  You could probably do as well using the u-tube videos and going through the tutorials provided from AutoDESK. 

I am not saying that training has no value. It is very important, especially at the begining but it needs to be in a group environment where you also learn off of others.  And that learning off of others can and should continue if you want the best results.  We found in our office that our best users are from an open office area where they share their problems and solutions.

So my suggestion is don't waste your money on-line.  Can you find a quality re-seller that provides training in your area?  That would be better.  Otherwise - I would do it on your own but do a project... or re-do a project.

Post Added:>  As an employer, I would not place a lot of stock in an on-line degree on BIM.  I probably wouldn't give much to any degree because the field is too young.  Real experience is more important.  If you can develope a full BIM model with working drawings showing compentency in all aspects, modeling, family creation, project coordination, detailing, CAD & Revit linking - that I would VALUE!

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coreed

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Joined: Fri, Feb 10, 2006
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i think all training has some value. in today's market it seems you have to have paper (certificates) if your looking for Revit work. Even Autodesk certifies. Autodesk recoommends 100 and 400 hours of hands on time before taking there certifications. in the end no one is going to be able to pour Revit into your head. Beyound some training to get you started, it's going to take time. lots of hands on time. Not only do companies have to implement Revit as my saying goes, users do too. As the saying goes, do you really have 24 months experience or 1 month expericence doing the same thing for 24 months.

If you are totally new to Revit and looking for work in Revit i would get the paper. you going to need it. No matter what you know, most serious Revit companies are going to have to teach you how they have implemented Revit. what they don't want to teach you is what is a view range, reference plane, elevation marker, etc.

-----------------------------------

best regards,

coreed,aia

bmpArchitects,Inc.

"Revit has to be implemented, Not installed." 

Long Live Revit

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rachaelh

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Joined: Mon, Jun 13, 2011
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I took a 4 day corse from Imaginit.  I took the fundamentals class, it was a great way to learn the basics.  They also have more advanced classes.  The 4 day class was around $1300, not sure if they have an office near you.  Check it out I recommend this training company.  They have mulitple in person traiing locations. 

http://imaginit.com

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gregguz

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Joined: Wed, Apr 14, 2010
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I don't know if a BIM associate degree would be worth the cost, seeing as you already have a degree in architecture. You already have a piece of paper to get in the door, now you just need samples that you are trained in BIM. I would see if any of your local community colleges have BIM classes and take a few of those, and get your certification. Online tutorials would also not be a bad way to learn the basics and some. One way I helped train myself was take the floor plan of my home and re-create it in Revit. It was a little slow and I was a constantly searching through forums, but it really did help a lot, especially with detailing and scheduling.

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mbsteve

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Joined: Fri, Sep 22, 2006
759 Posts

I agree with WW, you probably do not need any degree in BIM, to learn it take a small project very small. Forget about ACAD, and how you used to do it. Remember that you are building a model of the building not making drawings. Do the small building entirely make a few families and a couple of modeled in place objects. This will really teach you what is needed. Also If you are on your own your pricing will change somewhat. There are some threads on this site. Basically, the working drawings phase is drastically reduced time wise where as the designing end at the beginning is increased considerably. After a few projects you will not want to go back to ACAD. I think you can learn a lot more doing the one project, asking questions here viewing the Youtube vids, and doing some of the tutorials. Revit is so much more than ACAD 2D which is what most of us shifted from.

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itsmyalterego

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Joined: Thu, May 28, 2009
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It might look okay on a resume.   But portfolio images are better, and if you follow a course you don't get any of those. if you're going to take a class, take it later.  Take it after you have a pretty good revit knowledge base so that new techniques have a framework to stick to.

I was largely self-taught, and it worked out alright.  What I suggest if you go this route is to pick practice projects that FORCE you to figure out new tools.  If you build a "dream-home" like so many first projects are... you're not going to go beyond the limited toolbox of commands you figure out int he first day.

When a coworker of mine tried to dabble in revit, he built a castle entirely out of 8" walls.  And he was satisfied.  It had no roof, no floor, no modified wall profiles profiles, no doors.  He spent a couple hours drawing walls because it was fun. 

Pick something you can SEE, something you can go and measure.  Like your office or home.  Or something you have plans for.  Then, when you run into something complicated, you can look up the specifics of how to make a ______.   If something starts to seem tedious in revit, that should be a red flag that there IS a better way to do what you're doing. 

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