Michael Baker International honors first graduates of Project Excellence

Pittsburgh — Michael Baker International is investing in employee development and client satisfaction with the launch of a comprehensive training and development program for project managers across the enterprise. Titled Project Excellence, the initiative targets employees at various stages in their careers and focuses on the development of key skill sets related to managing large-scale projects. The first class of project managers celebrated the completion of their training on July 17 by attending a graduation ceremony at the company’s new headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh.

“In our business, project managers are on the front lines with our clients every day, overseeing complex projects that require balancing the demands of scheduling, budgeting, compliance and customer satisfaction,” said Joseph Bongiovi, chief human resources officer. “Project Excellence is really a dual investment. We help our people grow and expand their careers with us by adding project management skills to their technical background. We also strengthen client relationships with the delivery of superior service by highly trained employees.”

The company began developing Project Excellence last fall and launched the first class in March. Instructors include subject matter experts within Michael Baker International and a variety of outside consultants, who combine to teach courses on budgeting and accounting, profit/loss management, client relationship management and overall project management.

“Thanks to Project Excellence, the participants make valuable and long-lasting connections with fellow professionals throughout the company,” Bongiovi added. “That fosters understanding, mutual respect and collaboration across our disciplines in a company that has a global footprint. It’s a good thing for our people and for our business.”

“The training I received through Project Excellence at Michael Baker International truly sets us apart,” said Wendy Berrill, civil engineer with Michael Baker International and a recent graduate of Project Excellence. “It is by far the most intensive and comprehensive training I’ve completed, and I know it sets me up to better serve our clients. I’m already putting the training to good use on my current projects.”

Additional Project Excellence modules are planned for the remainder of the year, and Michael Baker International has set aggressive long-term goals for the program. The company plans to enroll and train more than 700 employees by 2018, which represents more than 10 percent of its global workforce and 100 percent of the project managers who are employed across the enterprise.