NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS— The inability to find qualified staff and arranging training for existing staff are the top two challenges facing AEC firms, according to respondents of ZweigWhite’s 2007 AEC Business Trends Survey. "In today’s highly competitive job market, companies that have established career development programs are positioned well to attract and retain good talent as well as develop home-grown talent," says John Ford, an Education and Training Consultant with ZweigWhite’s Strategic Advisory Services Group.
 
Creating a career path program for your organization is an investment that takes time to create and implement, but has huge payoffs for your employees and your firm. John shares some ideas to get started:

Draft job descriptions. Update job descriptions to be more competency-based. What does the person who either holds or aspires to this position need to know to do the job well? What type of decision-making and problem-solving is involved? If the position is part of a career path, what are the logical steps for someone currently in the position to prepare for the next level?

Provide training development solutions. If job descriptions require specific experience or training as a pre-requisite for attaining the position, clearly identify the training and how it can be accessed. This may include professional certifications, academic education, internal mentoring, etc. If training is needed from outside sources, identify known providers.

Support non-linear career paths. Don’t set the expectation for your employees that once they enter into a particular discipline or part of the organization, their career path is limited to that function. Talented employees who are focused on learning more about the many aspects of your business will prove to be the most valuable in the long run.

Communicate opportunities. Communication is critical in this endeavor as the firm positions itself to embrace future success through the career development program. Let the staff know they are part of the firm’s future and that career paths will help them determine how they can more actively contribute.

About ZweigWhite: ZweigWhite is the nation’s leading source of business management services for architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms. The ZweigWhite team consists of experts in strategic business planning, business valuation, ownership transition, human resources management, finance and administration, mergers and acquisitions, market research, marketing, project management and project delivery methods who collectively produce a comprehensive suite of products and services, including newsletters, industry reports, executive training, business conferences, and advisory services covering virtually every aspect of firm management. The firm is headquartered in Wayland, MA , with additional offices in, Chicago, IL and Washington, DC.