Expert: Bob - 10/14/2008

Question
What is the best way for me to learn AutoCAD?
Background:
I am 42 years old and returning to work/school after raising kids. I have a BS in actuarial math (Univ. of Mich. 1988). Eventhough I have not worked professionally using the computer since the early '90's, I am still somewhat computer savvy, able to follow tutorials and teach myself. I spent some time working with a free down load of AutoCAD and doing some tutorials but I want to learn more. I recently returned to school (Meredith College, Raligh NC)to take interior design courses. I've got the basic drafting courses done (floor plans, elevations, sections, rendering)and I am considering taking the AutoCAD class that is offered at Meredith. But Meredith College is very expensive so I am investigating other options. (Because I already have a degree, I can get a 'second major' in ID from Meredith College without taking AutoCAD but I am more interested in learning useful skills than I am in getting another degree). I need to do my training close to home (Chapel Hill, NC). Ideally I would like to be working in the Interior Design field doing hands-on projects as soon as possible.

Answer
HI -- let me see if this way of replying works...PARDON THE CAPS

I am 42 years old and returning to work/school after raising kids.  GOOD

I have a BS in actuarial math (Univ. of Mich. 1988).
THIS SCARES DESIGN FIRMS A BIT -- RIGHT BRAIN VS LEFT

Eventhough I have not worked professionally using the computer since the early '90's, I am still somewhat computer savvy, able to follow tutorials and teach myself. I spent some time working with a free down load of AutoCAD and doing some tutorials but I want to learn more.
TEACHING YOURSELF AUTOCAD IS POSSIBLE, BUT NOT ADVISABLE, AND TAKES A LOT OF TIME --DANGER IS "INVENTING MY WAY TO DO IT" AND MAKING DRAWINGS THAT ARE NOT UPDATABLE BY OTHERS EASILY.

I recently returned to school (Meredith College, Raligh NC)to take interior design courses. I've got the basic drafting courses done (floor plans, elevations, sections, rendering)and I am considering taking the AutoCAD class that is offered at Meredith.
THERE IS A GREAT ADVANTAGE IF THE COURSE IS GEARED TO DESIGNERS, NOT MECHANICAL

(Because I already have a degree, I can get a 'second major' in ID from Meredith College without taking AutoCAD but I am more interested in learning useful skills than I am in getting another degree).
GET THE DEGREE, IT SHOWS YOU ARE SERIOUS, BUT NOT WITHOUT THE AUTOCAD--- THAT MAKES YOUR LOOK "MY WAY", WHEN YOU NEED TO COME OFF AS YOUNG, FLEXIBLE, AND DOING IT HOW IT IS DONE

AND YOU HAVE TO BE AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN THE YOUNG KIDS -- PEOPLE WILL THINK SOMEONE WITH YOUR BACKGROUND IS RIGID UNTIL YOU PROVE OTHERWISE

TO GET GOOD IN AUTOCAD --  
FIRST DO ALL YOUR SCHOOL DRAFTING PROJECTS OVER AGAIN WITH IT (NOT NEW ONES-- DO SOME YOU KNOW OR COPY DRAWINGS BY AN ARCHITECT OR DESIGNER) --
AND DO YOUR ADVANCED CLASSES IN AUTOCAD NOT HAND (THEY SHOULD NOT ALLOW HAND DRAFTING IN A GOOD SCHOOL, JUST HAND SKETCHING AND RENDERING)

I need to do my training close to home (Chapel Hill, NC).
I AM SURE THAT AUTOCAD INTENSIVE CLASSES BY AUTOCAD RESELLERS (3DAYS) ARE NEAR YOU --- USE AUTODESK WEBSITE TO FIND OR GOOGLE

Ideally I would like to be working in the Interior Design field doing hands-on projects as soon as possible.
YOU KNOW THE NEW HIRES ARE PUT INTO THE LIBRARY OR DOING CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS IN AUTOCAD FOR CRAP MONEY, THEN THEY EASE YOU INTO REAL PROJECTS --- SO PLAN FOR THAT.

To be blunt: check the salaries. If you have to support yourself and kids, it will be tough. If you have another breadwinner, it works.

Good luck

BOB

PS --- I should mention that I went back to school much later than you, and learned the computer in 1999 for AutoCAD, so I am not a loud kid yelling at you.