About Matt and His Goals
Matt Flake has always been immersed in the world of construction. As a superintendent for over eight years with TA Loving Company in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Matt was no stranger to hard work and long hours on the job site. But after years of being away from home, Matt found himself longing for a role that would allow for more time with his family and less travel. It was during this time that he decided to explore a new career path that would combine his experience in construction with cutting-edge technology.
"I wanted to shift into a role that offered a better work-life balance," Matt shares. "As a superintendent, I was on the road a lot, traveling up to an hour and a half each day to the job site. I knew I needed a change that would provide more flexibility, and that’s when I started looking into virtual design coordination."
This new goal was not just about working fewer hours, it was about upgrading his skills and taking his career to the next level. Matt's mission was clear: he needed to enhance his knowledge of CAD software and fully understand the inner workings of Revit, a tool that had become indispensable in the construction industry.
Matt’s Experience as a CAD/BIM Certificate Program Graduate
When Matt started his journey to a new career, he turned to VDCI’s CAD BIM Certificate Program. As someone who already had some exposure to CAD and construction management during his degree program, Matt knew that the key to success in his new role would be mastering the technical aspects of software tools like AutoCAD and Revit.
Learn BIM
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
The flexibility of VDCI’s online, hands-on training was the perfect fit for Matt’s busy lifestyle. "What drew me to VDCI was the hands-on approach," he explains. "You can’t just read about these tools, you have to actually use them. That’s the real-world experience that I needed."
Matt credits the program’s practical approach to teaching for his ability to fully grasp how to take a CAD file and translate it into a functional Revit model. By diving deep into the details of Revit, he was able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the software, learning how each part and piece of the tool fits into the bigger picture of virtual design coordination. This newfound expertise was not just an academic exercise, it was directly applicable to his career goals.
Where Matt is Now: A New Role and a New Future
Today, Matt is thriving in his new role as Virtual Design Coordinator at TA Loving Company. Having transitioned away from his time-consuming job as a superintendent, Matt now enjoys more family time while utilizing his technical skills to streamline design processes and enhance project coordination.
“The skills I gained from the VDCI program have completely changed my day-to-day work,” Matt reflects. “I understand how to integrate CAD files into Revit and manage projects with greater efficiency. These are the tools I need to be successful in this role and they’re what help me collaborate better with my team.”
Matt’s story is a testament to the power of learning and evolving professionally. His dedication to mastering new tools, combined with the practical training he received from VDCI, has set him up for long-term success in virtual design coordination. His advice to others considering a career change? “It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you’re at in your career. You’re never too old to learn something new. If you’re looking to make a change, VDCI is a great place to start.”
Matt's experience with VDCI has been transformative, and it’s clear that his commitment to learning has opened new doors in his career. Whether you’re like Matt, looking for a better work-life balance, or simply seeking to level up your skills, VDCI offers the hands-on, flexible learning experience you need to succeed.