Suzie Key Tima

As an engineer, I have new software all the time and sometimes I need to learn them fast. Whether you’re learning for fun, school, or work, here are some tips to get you the working knowledge you need.

Figure Out What It Does

You can save a lot of time if you understand what the software does before you start learning how to use it. What processes does it automate? Is it in any way similar to something you’ve used before?

Figure Out What You Need to Know

I’ll use ORD as an example. What will you be using it for? Do you work on geometry, production, traffic or something else? Figuring out what you need to learn will stop you from wasting time on the things you don’t need and accelerate your mastery of what you do need.

Find the Right Resource

Learn the Interface

Where is the home button? What does each tab or ribbon do?

Don’t Be Passive

I spent the first few weeks learning Open Roads Designer by watching videos and trying to remember all the information I was getting. It wasn’t very effective. Once I started practicing the processes on my own, in addition to the videos, I started remembering them.

Deliberate Practice

Set time aside to work on that new software and stay focused during that time. This will help you retain more from your practice session.

Ask for help

This is one of the most important tips to help you get better faster. Get help from those who have used the software before.

Use the Online Communities

Most software packages have online communities built around them. Use them.

Start Using It

Start putting your new knowledge into practice as soon as you possibly can.

Volunteer to help someone else

This one is more about deepening knowledge but teaching someone is a great way to solidify your own and it might even accelerate it.