using art and CAD to get into architecture.

22M, I am interested in architecture drafting and a BIM Modeling career (eventually.) I have done an internship drafting homes at an architectural firm (about a year) I realize that to get into architecture and a lot of CAD jobs I would have to have certifications/education. I’ve been told in other forums unpaid internships aren’t the way to go. I have done things/projects in autoCAD like sections and elevations and wouldn’t even be so deep into architecture learning if I didn’t do the internship.

There’s mixed opinions with CAD and BIM. The idea that CAD is outdated to BIM and that architecture drafting isn’t a solid (dependable) career choice due to A.I. For me, I’ve just stuck with studying both however it’s an iceberg. There’s building design principles I don’t know, there’s building code standards. A lot of information I can’t put to use right now.

I have no laptop right now and I’m not enrolled in the program (Associates for Architecture at a community college) I plan to attend. I attended a semester of trade school for drafting and have debt their still (didn’t complete it).

I don’t know what to do while working or how to stay motivated. I feel there are many loose ends and questions for what I want to do and I’m not sure how to move foward. I work at a grocery store and I want to take ownership of my situation however, it’s gonna take a while to save for a good computer (I can’t get a cheap one because I need to run CAD softwares) At work I try to just not think about anything and when I’m at home I’m trying to soak up information at random times to keep my goals on my mind.

This is a lot to process, I know there are many directions I can go. Just looking for insight considering it’s on my mind and I’m trying to figure it out.

I’m aware that getting into architecture is a process. In my free time I’ve come up with this idea (talking with Gemini) to make 2-3 really good drawings of a single car + draw a house plan accurately with dimensions and annotations to showcase my “dedication to details” I’m talking about making 2-3 attempts for the cars and showing the most accurate ones. You can look at my previous works on my Reddit to see a visual. I’m considering this due to not having a laptop (or portfolio) and being in school. I figure while I draw I can listen to podcasts and YT on BIM/Architecture. Some podcasts like Archispeak, and others I’ve heard of. (I try to take notes in random information but I realize not being in a course unstructured information rarely helps) I wanted to know how true idea is. If someone where to come into your office and try getting a job as a drafter/BIM considering my situation what would be your response/advice.