Being the easiest CAD modeling software among many others, SOLIDWORKS is extremely easy to learn. However, it does depend on the learner and many other aspects that decide the exact time that they need to understand the software. Let us have a quick look at the different features of their software. And also get an overview of how a beginner must proceed to learn SOLIDWORKS.
How To Start Learning?
1. Know your field
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In order to make your learning experience more efficient and quick, one must always research various software. Only after thorough research, one must select the final software that they wish to work on. There is numerous software in the market that have different capabilities. Some might be suitable for architectural design and some for interior design. Therefore, it is a crucial step in the learning process to know which software best suits your needs. If you are over your research and selection phase and your final software is SOLIDWORKS, then let us move on to the next step.
After downloading and completing the installation process of Solidworks, the first step should be to navigate the software. By navigation, we mean that you must try and understand each and every button, feature, option, and all the other things that are present on the screen. To dive a little deeper, you can also open options in options and ultimately create a list of all things you could discover on the software by yourself. This is an important step in learning the software. As the more you discover by yourself, the longer you remember those things. After having a glance at the various features present in SOLIDWORKS let us move on to the most important step.
3. Choose Your Teacher
This step plays a very important role in your learning journey. There are a lot of ways in which you can learn the software including teaching it to yourself by hit and trial, watching YouTube tutorials and videos by well-known creators, or maybe enrolling in a course. There are some pros and cons of each type of learning. Firstly if you decide to go with the hit and trial method, it will be a great way. This is because you will be learning from your mistakes and it makes you remember things for a longer duration of time. But the problem here is that it will take a huge amount. Secondly, if you choose to learn from a YouTube channel, there is a possibility of not getting a proper tutorial. This means that there are many channels that do not explain each and every feature of Solidworks. And you might end up learning a very small fraction of the software. Lastly, there are many platforms that provide structural and complete training of Solidworks. These learning platforms include each and every feature of Solidworks in their learning program. They also explain everything in a creative and concise manner and have a doubt clearing session too. The problem that one might face with this mode of learning can be avoided with a little smartness. You must only choose those platforms which are well-known and are popular for their loyalty towards the customers. This ensures that you are learning from the best and becoming the best.
4. Keep Practicing
After choosing the mode of learning that best suits you the next step is practicing. It is quite obvious that in order to get a good grasp on Solidworks one will require dedication and a lot of practice. Only mugging up the commands and features will not be enough to create hi-tech and crucial models. Whatever new you learn about Solidworks always requires practice to retain the knowledge for a longer duration of time. Even if you do not have time you must make sure that before moving on to a new feature or command you must practice the previous one thoroughly. The problem with jumping on to new features without practicing the older ones is many. You will not be able to, sometimes understand the new commands and sometimes you will forget them easily. So for an effective process, keep a balance between learning and practicing.
5. Self Evaluation
If you enroll in a good learning program, they will take assessments from time to time. This helps you brush up on your knowledge and test yourself. If we keep on learning without testing ourselves, there will be no assurance of how much the retention ratio is. On the other hand, if you are learning by yourself, or on any YouTube channel then it becomes your responsibility to test your knowledge from time to time. You can download an exercise pdf, a questionnaire, or even ask a friend to assign a design task. There are many online resources including, question banks, practice sheets, and even applications that help in self-assessments. Fix a day in your schedule for tests and attempt them sincerely.
6. Take the Official Certification test
Many of you might not be aware of the fact that SOLIDWORKS conducts its certification exams. These are held at certain times of the year. SOLIDWORKS also provides guidelines, sample papers, and practice sheets in order to help the candidate prepare for the examination. These exams are of three stages and a candidate may appear as many times as they want. But we suggest it is better to prepare perfectly and then attempt this examination. The three stages are Associate level (CSWA), Professional level (CSWP), and Expert level (CSWE). Upon passing these examinations, the candidate receives certificates for each level. These certificates are of much importance and can help you stand out from others in a job interview. It is a seal of surety from the company itself, i.e., Dassault Systemes, that the certificate holder is capable of working on Solidworks in an efficient manner.
