[Shawn Boyd]

Can you send me a link for Autocad 2013?

[Shawn Boyd]

Anyway suggestions for purchasing the LT version or an older version (including regular CAD if possible) at an affordable price? The free LT version is the typical 30-day trial and Autodesk charges 45/month or 360/year. The problem I always run into is having a program for a short amount of time or paying a hefty price for it. I saw an Autocad 2016 book at Barnes&Noble with exercises and a software download. What was stupid was that the software was good for 30 days. So I guess if the CD expires you can’t finish the book.

[Shawn Boyd]

What about Autocad LT? does it matter?

[Shawn Boyd]

I’ll check out the mentor option. Thanks.

[Shawn Boyd]

Hi Kevin,

Thank you for your reply.

I have already mentioned in my post that I have thought about taking certificate courses in CAD and even Solid Works at my local campus but they are at night (6:30pm – 9:30pm) and I have a night job (2:30pm – 10:30pm). I understand that I need CAD experience but isn’t CAD from school good enough. I am familiar with the program but unfortunately offices want more experience and I get that. Also, I am still working on getting in touch with LA, CE and LS offices in the area and having no luck so far. Maybe voluntary positions on the side if there are any. In terms of the economy in PA, I am not so sure. It must suck because I haven’t gotten anywhere yet. It seems very limited to specific positions and experience obviously.

In terms of moving, yes I have considered it but I want to exhaust my options in the area first so I don’t have any regrets. Then I need to research where the profession is growing so I don’t make a big risk in moving. I have a general idea where the profession is growing but not specifically. I would like an office to take me in (even with minimal experience) and have me get caught up in the field. You mentioned Tennessee is booming. So would I be able to get employed based on my experience?

I would like to also mention that I do have a part-time job in the morning creating designs for residential clients using 3D software. The office specializes in decking, patios and landscape with its focus mainly in residential. I am unable to pursue it full-time because the pay is low and it lacks health benefits which is crucial for me having asthma.

I considered going back to school but that is just more debt for me to carry and I’m already trying to pay off my current loans. That’s why I would consider taking certificate programs because its cheaper and I get to brush up on CAD and learn other programs. But again there’s a time issue.

Thank you again for your reply and hope to hear from you soon.

[Shawn Boyd]

I quit that job in fall 2013. I currently work full time at a battery plant right next to the town and part time as a designer for decking, patios, etc. I am trying to broaden my search but still feel like I’m having difficulty.

[Shawn Boyd]

Lyon Station, PA

[Shawn Boyd]

I must of misread your response. I am willing to be flexible for any type of work. It’s just a matter of finding the right employer who can take me in and get me started.

[Shawn Boyd]

Hi Andrew,

At the moment I can only market my skill sets because I’m not officially a licensed LA. With the experience that I had with offices around here, I already marketed myself as a landscape designer not a LA. They were only interested in what they do and if I had enough experience to do the work on my own without needed assistance. I’d love to present my landscape design skills to a non LA/Design office but I feel like they wouldn’t be interested. They’d listen but wouldn’t be interested. Maybe if had more experience and a license under my belt I don’t know.

I believe cover letters are very valuable in a way where you can sum your skills/abilities and present yourself as a beneficial employee for the future. When I lived in Philly for a few years, most of the offices did require a cover letter. Where I live now, I doesn’t seem as much as a requirement.

In terms of small local firms in my area, where exactly are you looking at because I want to know? Do know the names of the offices because I can see whether I’ve been in contact with them already?

Thank you for your response.

[Shawn Boyd]

Thank you for your advice but I already tried local surveying and engineering jobs and didn’t have much luck. I’m just becoming more annoyed and exhausted about the whole situation.

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