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

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ABET Accreditation

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 viewedย here.***

Engineering Quotes:

ABET Accreditation

ABET Accreditation

ABET Accreditation

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 Episodeโ€ฆ

About Hamid Fonooni, Ph.D., CPE, F.ABET

University of California-DavisHamid 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 at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, for 10 years, and from 1995-2006, he served as the director of the master of environmental health and safety program at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He has 22 years of experience working in academia plus 13 years of industrial experience, which includes eight years working as a senior ergonomics engineer for the Ohio Division of Safety and Hygiene serving industries in Northwest Ohio. In addition, he has provided consultation in the areas of ergonomics, process improvement and risk management to industries in Northern Minnesota and Eastern North Carolina.

Fonooni received his doctoral and masterโ€™s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and his undergrad degree in mechanical engineering technology from Indiana State University. He has published numerous articles, book chapters, papers and technical reports related to occupational ergonomics, biomechanics and occupational safety. Fonooni is also a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE).

About Suzanne Beckstoffer

ABET IndustrySuzanne M. Beckstoffer (Chair of the ABET Industry Advisory Council): Suzanne retired in 2016 as an engineering director at Newport News Shipbuilding, after a 30+ year shipbuilding career. During her tenure at NNS, she led the migration of the new FORD class aircraft carrier 3D product model to a new product lifecycle management tool set; directed the companyโ€™s research & development program; managed the installation of the automated steel facility robotic cutting and welding lines for steel fabrication; and performed engineering and design activities for aircraft carriers, submarines, and commercial vessels. The Peninsula Engineers Council elected her Engineer of the Year 2015.

Suzanne continues her work in engineering, education, and financial literacy. She is a fellow, pastpresident, and executive committee member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) and a member of the Marine Board of the National Academies of Science-Engineering-Medicine. She is an adjunct professor in the graduate program of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, teaching Marine Engineering Management and Shipyard & Operations Management. Furthermore, she was also elected a Fellow and Hall of Fame member of the North Carolina State University Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.

Sources/References:

ABET
SNAME
Lemelson Foundation
Connect with Hamid Fonooni, Ph.D., CPE, F.ABET, on LinkedIn
Connect with Suzanne Beckstoffer on LinkedIn

We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on how ABET accreditation helps you spot remarkably outstanding talent.

Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.

To your success,

Anthony Fasano, PE, AEC PM, F. ASCE
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

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