MSCM To BIM Engineer – What To Expect?

  • Pranathi Gompa – Assistant BIM/VDC Project Manager (BIM/VDC)
  • August 18, 2021

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries have long sought techniques to decrease project cost, increase productivity and quality, and reduce project delivery time. BIM offers the potential to achieve these objectives. With BIM, an accurate virtual model of a building is digitally constructed. When completed, the computer-generated model contains precise geometry and relevant data needed to support the construction, fabrication and procurement activities. As the future of BIM looks lucrative, many colleges have started adding BIM courses as part of their curriculum, giving exposure to more students, to aspire a career in BIM. 

Coming into a career in BIM, due to the diverse nature of construction projects in the industry, there are multiple roles one can get into. Understanding and developing an interest to work with BIM software is the first step in this process. Most of the people for the first few years assume the role of a BIM Engineer/Modeler with primary duties of modeling. However, the amount and type of modeling depends on the nature of the employer. From modeling, one can slowly transition themselves into more of Project Management/Coordination roles if interested. There are 3 major types of employers: the general contractor, the trade/sub-contractor, and the technology company specializing in BIM. The chart below gives a basic understanding of the nature of work at each employer.

MSCM To BIM: What to Expect

As a student or recent graduate, it is important to assess your skills and interests to identify your career path. Depending on your skillset, you are either looking at modeling and working with innovative technology to make modeling more productive or to slowly move your career into Project Management, working with different clients. To understand and experiment either, a technology company gives you the best experience.