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The Architectural, Engineering & Construction industry is undergoing a rapid transformation into adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the industry is in profound need for young and qualified engineers who can spearhead the process to meet the ever-increasing needs of the AEC industry. 

Let’s have a sneak peek into the intricacies of BIM and how can it be a promising career for budding engineers?

What is BIM? Is it another software package?

Here is where it gets tricky!

No, BIM is not another software package rather it is an intelligent workflow process built on coordinated, reliable information about a project from design through construction and into operation. 

CAD (Computer Aided Design) is simply the use of computers to assist the design of a building process, the term "CAD" is generally used more for drafting programs. Though BIM tools technically fall under the category of CAD they are very different from the CAD drafting tools such as AutoCAD, which are used to create lines and arcs to represent a building design. Whereas BIM tools such as Autodesk Revit can be used to create data rich intelligent 3D models of building designs.

 short, BIM can be called as a process that facilitates 

• Architects to efficiently design buildings

• Engineers to efficiently plan & construct buildings

• Project managers to efficiently manage the entire project cycle and avoid budget overruns 

 What all can you do during the preconstruction phase in BIM implemented projects?

An easier question to answer would be, what can you not do in BIM implemented projects? The answer would be there isn’t a thing you can’t do in the preconstruction stage on BIM implemented projects. 

Let’s see the benefits of BIM compared to the conventional methods 

1. BIM is an effective tool for cost management, project management and Finance management.

2. BIM enables efficient space planning

3. BIM models are apt for better visualization and better rendering.

4. BIM provides a better platform for collaboration among the various stakeholders involved in a project. 

5. BIM facilitates easier clash detection and resolution by better coordination.

6. Ensures that your project stays on budget by avoiding rework and material wastage.

What does it take to have a promising career in BIM? 

A close eye for detail, guts to face challenges, efficiency to handle intricate designs and proficiency in the state of the art 3D construction design and planning software packages are the foremost requirements for having a promising career in BIM. 

Apart from these basic requirements, for a viable growth in career one needs to work on his/her managerial and organizational skills. A BIM engineer may be responsible for a range of tasks such as designing a 3D model in Revitto carrying out coordination among the MEP, HVAC, Structural & Architectural elements of the proposed design, figuring out the clashes between any elements, carrying out meetings to resolve the conflicts, and so on. 

The Possible Designations of a BIM Engineer:

1. Jr. BIM Engineer

Being a Jr. BIM engineer is the stepping stone to having a remarkable career in BIM. As a Jr. BIM engineer you will be trained intensively on the most Advanced BIM tools and on working in a 3D BIM environment. 

2. BIM Engineer

When you become a BIM engineer you start handling more complex projects and start working independently. It is when you become a BIM engineer, you begin handling multiple domains like Architecture & Structural or Architecture & MEP. You start playing with the big boys! 

3. BIM Coordinator

Being a BIM coordinator may be termed as the first step to climbing the ladder of BIM careers. The job description of a BIM coordinator may vary from company to company.

The foremost requirement of being a BIM coordinator is to have considerable industrial exposure and good managerial skills. As a BIM coordinator, you will be responsible to coordinate with the concerned people and pass on the right information for achieving the project goals.

As a BIM coordinator, it will be your task to ensure that there are no clashes and if any are resolved at the earliest.  This is a job which demands high responsibility, which is why a considerable industrial experience is always preferred. 

4. BIM manager

As a BIM manager, one will be responsible for considering budgets, productivity, and most importantly they should have the ability to carry out both “High level” and “Low level” technical conversation.

Which means, they will have to work equally on projects, technology, training, creating BIM standards and supervising marketing initiatives.

5. VDC manager

As a Virtual Design & Construction Manager, you will need to know BIM backwards and forwards. The VDC manager in an organization will be responsible for helping clients advance their BIM practices and to make sure that they get the most out of their association with the organization you are working for.

 You'll need to be comfortable talking about 4D and 5D BIM and the best ways to implement those models. And you'll be tasked with helping the clients and your internal development team improve their understanding of BIM and virtual construction planning.

6. Preconstruction Manager

It is the Preconstruction manager who plays a decisive role during the initial phase of construction projects. A deep understanding of the industry best practices, BIM as well as strong analytical abilities, are typically needed in this profession.

As a preconstruction manager, you will be responsible for evaluating the technical drawings like blueprints or project proposals and accurately interpret them. In addition to analytical abilities, preconstruction managers will also need strong communication skills, as the role involves interacting with a variety of personnel, including subcontractors, architects, and even owners.

7. The BIM Director / Director of BIM Services

These guys are the big shots of any BIM service providing company, coming at the top of a hierarchy chart. They will be members of the top level management or a trusted ally/adviser to the team of top-level management.

Getting promoted to this designation happens only with years. BIM directors should be visionaries apart form good leaders capable of spearheading the engineering team.  These abilities come only with years of managerial experience in the AEC industry. 

Has BIM got a bright future?

The world we live in is on the path of undergoing a rapid transformation and infrastructural development is an integral part of it. Which means there is going to be so much of a burden on the AEC industry to cater to the increased demands.

BIM has become a big thing in the AEC industry. Engineers/designers have largely begun relying on it as a one-stop solution for all their requirements. Most European countries are making BIM mandatory in the construction industry. 

In short, BIM is expanding in a full swing and it won’t be long before there is going to be an immense need for BIM engineers globally! If nothing else, this makes BIM one of the highly promising career for engineers.