ASFE's Fundamentals of Professional Practice (FOPP) is absolutely unique, often described as "boot camp for a firm's rising stars." Working with a mentor within their firm, participants engage in six months of home study. The home-study element of the course is designed to emulate a small project, precisely the kind of engagement that ASFE case histories show to be the most problem-prone. The course director plays the role of a no-nonsense/no-sympathy client representative who regards the "project" as a big deal. That attitude irritates some participants, especially those who regard the course (at first) as somewhat of a "put-offable" bother. "Why should I pay you to be nasty?" some participants ask. In truth, firms all too often wind up paying "unappreciative" small-project clients, due to overruns or claims.
Participants are required to read the text Practice Management for Design Professionals, and a thought-provoking book yet to be selected, and take six open-book examinations to demonstrate they have done the reading. Participants also select (or create) a research project that uses either the firm or the local professional community as the focus of research, and prepare a proposal for conducting the research. They then implement the proposal and submit a draft report and, subsequently, the final report.
Many participants and firm CEOs have reported that the value derived from the research project alone has far more than paid for the cost of the course. Improved writing skills are also a common result, given that everything participants write - from e-mails and memos to the proposal and draft report - are reviewed closely and commented on extensively. (Both the course and the course director's red pen were the subject of a highly flattering article in Engineering News-Record (ENR).)
Throughout the home-study period, participants learn that failure to meet deadlines or to promptly notify "the client" of delays can result in harsh penalties. So can failure to document oral conversations.
The program is capped off by a 2 1/2-day seminar. Participants' oral skills are tested when they present biographical information and research report summaries. They learn about the problems that can arise when professionals forget about their duty to the public through a dramatic Kansas City Hyatt case history workshop. The FOPP Laureate – a senior professional – provides guidance on "what I'd do if I were you, knowing what I know now." And a role-playing session is used to focus on the need for effective dispute resolution skills. The final session, on professional futures, has been described as one of the most powerful professional experiences ever.
FUNDAMENTALS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE begins in late August. Space is strictly limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Call 301/565-2733 or e-mail sara@asfe.org to learn if space is available for the next FOPP class or to request an application. Or register online today!
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See what FOPP 19 participants thought about their course!