They don’t teach the business side of architecture, engineering, or construction (AEC) in most technical degree programs. We know this and it will never change. So, new professionals must learn these skills through professional development and on-the-job training…a process that can often be slow (for the individual) and costly (for the firm).

This is why I’m encouraged to see more AEC firm leaders taking an interest in upping their game when it comes to learning and development (L&D) programs lately. They are developing more structured programs that are more tuned into what really works…from topics to formats. Some of the best ones I’ve seen are built around clear growth tracks within the firm as well as clear expectations for needed skills at the different stops along those tracks. When a program is well-built and well-executed, employees are more engaged which leads to a faster return on investment, lower employee turnover, and other valuable benefits.

Here’s the catch. Too many L&D programs still wait too long to teach critical non-technical skills. For example, an individual won’t learn the basics of financial management until they are thrust into a role that requires these skills. This got me thinking back to when I first started my career as a young Environmental Scientist and what skills I learned or should have learned back then. Here’s my wish list for entry-level professionals (let’s say less than five years of professional experience) in an L&D program:

1.    INTRO TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Backlog doesn’t grow on trees. Business development is the fuel to support an AEC firm’s growth and even the brand-new professional can help with that by learning how to get the most value from attending client-focused events, by ‘wowing’ a client with organizational skills and professionalism at project sites, and by getting opportunities to attend an interview or even just proofread a proposal.

2.    INTRO TO PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION: Communication (not technical) skills are your differentiator. Partially because of what I just mentioned above, one’s ability to communicate effectively and concisely will largely dictate their growth potential in the firm. Learning how to write clear and compelling emails, how to speak and listen with purpose, and the art of good storytelling will all build a great foundation.

3.    INTRO TO TASK MANAGEMENT: The Project Manager is your internal client. Project Managers are busy people who are juggling a lot. Even if they don’t say it, they will greatly appreciate junior-level staff who treat the PM like a client. Learning how to own the tasks, deal with change, and speak in bullet-format are key here. By the way, the ones who nail this are your future Project Managers.

4.    INTRO TO FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Overhead is a very real (and valuable) thing. An individual’s billing rate covers a lot more than their salary…indirect labor, employee benefits and taxes, insurance, rent, professional development, and maybe even some profit! Learning the basics of how the firm translates revenue into profit will unlock a critical respect for project financial performance that should last a lifetime. 

5.    INTRO TO OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT: Equity opportunities are almost always a great investment. Of course, there are exceptions to this. But, by and large, this is a fantastic opportunity to create long-term wealth. Unfortunately, most firms spend no time educating potential future owners about the value of ownership or the basics of the firm’s ownership program (in a way that stimulates more future demand than supply). Even just covering the general concept of ownership in a privately-held enterprise is a good start!

Of course, a good L&D program mixes mediums and formats. Some topics like ownership might just be a few brief on-demand self-paced e-learning classes. Others, like communication skills, could be a series of one-hour in-person sessions and workshops.

How does your L&D program deliver this content to entry-level talent? What else do you incorporate into your firm’s L&D curriculum?

Need some more ideas? Join me at AEC TalentMAX coming up on April 30-May 2 in New Orleans where we’ll have more sessions on L&D than we’ve ever had before!