Obviously there is the surface level modeling; you can transform models in the basic ways and even modify their faces, lines, and polys. The biggest thing I notice is that, as far as I'm aware, there is no boolean function. There are also no basic modifiers like twist or array. I miss the ease of changing how the axis works so you can better move objects along their own rotation, as well as align to put things together easier.
It certainly helped me start out with transformations. What we're doing now is definitely simple, but I imagine things getting more complicated later on if we try to make characters or animated objects. 3d modeling is also generally useful for using a 3d software, especially if one plans on using that software in their career. If not necessary now, it would be later.
Trying to remember how to use some of the tools I learned in courses I took over the summer. I know some things I learned, but don't entirely remember how to make those things happen again, which was frustrating. I did work with what I did know, though, which was landscape manipulation and landscape texturing.