How ABET Accreditation Quickly Helps You Spot Remarkably Outstanding Talent – Ep 061

In this episode, I talk with Hamid Fonooni, Ph.D., CPE, F.ABET, 2023-24 ABET president and director of the ergonomics program at the University of California-Davis, and Suzanne Beckstoffer, chair of the ABET Industry Advisory Council, about how ABET accreditation helps hiring managers identify top talent and overcome the unique challenges of the AEC sector. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Hamid and Suzanne: What are the biggest challenges technical hiring managers in the AEC industry face when balancing production goals, budgets, deadlines, and effective talent acquisition? How does ABET accreditation help hiring managers identify top talent equipped to meet the technical and project management demands of AEC roles? What is the value of ABET accreditation for AEC firms in maintaining high employee morale and ensuring long-term resource stability? How can AEC hiring managers use ABET accreditation to attract and retain talent amidst competitive hiring pressures? How can collaboration between AEC hiring managers and ABET improve workforce readiness and support long-term success in engineering project delivery? What advice can help AEC hiring managers strategically use ABET accreditation to address talent challenges and improve project outcomes? Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How ABET Accreditation Quickly Helps You Spot Remarkably Outstanding Talent: Hiring managers in the AEC industry face significant challenges balancing tight budgets, deadlines, and the need for highly skilled talent. Strategic hiring decisions, supported by tools like ABET accreditation, ensure quality candidates while minimizing risks associated with short-term compromises. ABET accreditation plays a critical role in ensuring engineering and technical programs deliver high-quality education that meets industry standards. Hiring graduates from ABET-accredited programs allows managers to confidently select candidates equipped with the skills required to meet technical and project management demands. ABET accreditation provides AEC firms with a clear advantage by ensuring they hire graduates with globally recognized technical skills and competencies. This improves employee morale, secures long-term resource stability, and reduces risks and costs tied to uncertain hiring outcomes. Establishing relationships with ABET-accredited institutions connects AEC firms to top talent and creates a steady supply of skilled graduates. Collaborating through internships, scholarships, and industry advisory boards strengthens these connections and aligns educational programs with industry needs, making firms more appealing to potential hires. Mentoring and industry collaboration play a critical role in developing successful engineering professionals. By building connections with universities and supporting initiatives like internships and mentorship programs, AEC firms improve workforce readiness and achieve long-term success in project delivery. ABET accreditation sets a consistent standard for engineering education, ensuring graduates possess the skills needed for success in the industry. Partnering with ABET-accredited programs enables AEC firms to strategically address talent challenges, improve workforce development, and achieve high-quality project outcomes. More Details in This Episode… About Hamid Fonooni, Ph.D., CPE, F.ABET Hamid Fonooni, Ph.D., CPE, F.ABET, (ABET President): currently serving as the director of the ergonomics program in occupational health services at the University of California-Davis. Prior to his appointment at UC Davis, he served as the director of the master of science in occupational safety...