I want to work for an Architectural Firm

Posted by Ernie on January 23, 2003 at 05:01:56:
Hi,
I want to make a career change. Any advice?
I have an AAS Architectural Technology 1987. But I never went to work for an architect. I got into CAD and started doing Autocad for a small company that did whatever came in the door, from architectural working drawings to electrical schematics and alot of paper to digital drawing conversion. I did this because there was a job and no architectural firms where hiring at the time. Later I started working for a civil engineering firm using Microstation to create bridge plans. I also worked on some facilities and roadway projects. Currently I am with that companies Planning Department creating maps with Microstation and Decartes and Autocad. But mostly I am the guy who helps put out fires for all of the departments. But I am really bored with the work and don't see where I am going with it.
What I want to do now is 3D. Specifically interior and exterior architectural renderings. I do draw and paint some. What programs should I learn. I am working on Photoshop now but cannot afford VIZ or MAX and shudder at the thought of learning 3D with Autocad. I don't have a portfolio.
So I have extensive 2D drafting experience and am willing to continue doing that if I also get the chance to start learning 3D.
I actually enrolled in a Scientific Visualization curriculum at my local community college which would have given me some 3D skills but after one semester it was cancelled due to lack of enrollment. So now I want to try to get the knowledge on the job.
Any advice in attracting an employer would be helpful.
Thanks,
Ernie

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