UAF proposes construction management graduate certificate: partnership with Alaska DOT&PF helps engineers build people skills.

• Author: Bailey, Meadow
• Position: BUILDING ALASKA

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Eight years ago Jake Allen was fresh out of college and confident in the technical knowledge he gained earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Allen started working at the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) as an engineer assistant in design. He advanced to design manager before moving to the construction section as a quality assurance engineer, a position requiring him to supervise seven to 10 employees and provide review and support services to construction projects. Without any formal management or leadership training, Allen discovered a people-oriented style of voicing support, working cooperatively and discussing goals created the most positive and productive work environment. This new set of "soft skills" was required to effectively manage projects and lead staff.

LEADERSHIP MISSING

This situation is not unique to Allen or to DOT&PF. The typical undergraduate engineering program develops engineers with strong technical skills who often lack management or leadership training. Most programs do not provide the "soft skills" training essential to successfully manage projects and lead personnel in an atmosphere of support and cooperation. Right now, the need for effective management training in a competitive environment is even more urgent as Alaska's aging work force continues to retire. The Department has an influx of new staff that has missed the traditional mentoring between experienced and new employees.

Allen's supervisor, DOT&PF Northern Region Construction Engineer Lon Krol recognized two years ago that newer employees, such as Allen, would benefit from advanced training as these employees began transitioning into supervisory roles. "Our employees are skilled engineers, but leadership and management is about people and we needed to incorporate interpersonal skills into our training," Krol said.

GRADUATE TRAINING

Krol took this need for advanced training to Robert Perkins Ph.D., P.E. at the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Engineering and Mines. At Krol's request Perkins organized a roundtable discussion between DOT&PF, UAF College of Engineering and Mines and leaders in the construction industry. The roundtable goal was to identify specific skills industry leaders were seeking in construction professionals. Those skills became the basis of the Graduate Certificate in Construction Management, a new degree proposed for approval by the University of Alaska...