Purchase AutoCAD for your computer and make sure you have enough power and RAM to run the program efficiently and without any delays. Depending on your computer setup, you will most likely benefit from having at least two different monitor displays or a totally different computer so that you can view your tutorial or online learning materials on one screen and view the AutoCAD program on the other screen. This will eliminate toggling back and forth between different programs on the same screen, increase time productivity and boost efficiency.
Look for free online courses and tutorials. There are many available on the Internet. Finding free tutorials, programs, videos, or courses can help you get your feet wet with little or no upfront financial investment. This will allow you to see if learning AutoCAD is going to be something that you want to continue to explore or if it is not the right fit for you.
CADTutor.net offers free courses, forums, tutorials, and tips of the day to help you learn from others in the AutoCAD industry and break down the coursework in a way that is suitable for your learning style. Being an active AutoCAD student will require initiative on your part to interact as much as possible with others in the AutoCAD industry. There are over 100 tutorials listed for AutoCAD as well as 3Ds Max, Photoshop and Bryce.
Track your progress. Complete online tutorials in a way that builds and progresses your AutoCAD knowledge and ability. We-r-here.com is another site offering free, up to date resources, forums, and tutorials for beginning AutoCAD users. One of the benefits of this website is that there are fifty lessons built into a sequence. The lessons are divided into four different levels so that you can easily track your progress. Create a list of lessons you have learned or techniques you need to practice or revisit. This will help you to best track your progress so you know your strengths and weaknesses in AutoCAD.
Complete advanced training. CADDTrain.com offers resources, free tutorials, as well as a Master of AutoCAD Certificate with a full money back guarantee. The Certificate program is also valid for 25.6 Continuing Education Units for working professionals as well as those looking to boost their resume and skill sets. This website also offers free AutoCAD 2010 student software, which can be an added perk if you want to start learning about AutoCAD but do not have the financial resources to commit to purchasing expensive software.
Find an internship or volunteer at a place where you can continue to test and hone your AutoCAD skill set. If you seriously want to pursue AutoCAD as an employable skill, finding a place, whether through online connections or in your local community where you can continue to hone and develop your skills, build networks and references, and get more practical design experience with real world applications will be an invaluable asset.