Sure, many of the self-improvement topics, including those I mentioned, will help you professionally, but they’ll take you only so far in your career. Eventually, to make your way up the career path, you need to prove to others that “you know what you’re doing.” Generally, this is gained through experience. However, there are other means of achieving the knowledge that typically comes with experience, but at a quicker pace. Continuing education in your profession will give you the knowledge that may (or may not) come with experience.
Through CSI, the member has a variety of sources available to build their knowledge base:
• CSI Webinars - These are 90-minute interactive telephone/internet education sessions on a variety of topics ranging from technical subjects such as “Fundamentals of Joint Sealants and Joint Design” and “Roof System Design: The Architect’s Achilles Heel,” to productivity subjects like “Finding an Extra Hour Every Day” and “Managing and Leading Great Staff and Team Meetings.” To get more information on CSI’s webiners, click here.
• Region Conferences - Hosted by local chapters, these conferences occur throughout the year and usually have education sessions that address our industry. The Phoenix Chapter is hosting the 2008 Southwest Region Conference this month, and has a day and a half of educational sessions for all categories of CSI members. You don’t have to be a member of a region to attend a regional conference; so, the week after the Southwest Region Conference, you can hop on a flight to Pensacola Beach, Florida, to attend the Gulf States Region Conference. To get more information on the Southwest Region Conference, click here.
• CSI Academies - Held annually, the CSI Academies are 3 days of educational sessions focusing specifications, contract administration, and product representation.
• CONSTRUCT2008 - This is the new CSI annual convention and show and is packed with many educational sessions with titles ranging from “Understanding Metal Roofing” to “Why Building Enclosures Fail” to “Managing Post-Construction Claims.” To get more information on CONSTRUCT2008, click here.
• Chapter Educational Seminars - The Phoenix Chapter frequently conducts educational seminars for its members and others in the construction industry. These sessions in the past have covered topics specification writing, construction documents, contract administration, MasterFormat 2004, roofing, and many more.
All of these educational opportunities are excellent means to expanding one’s knowledge, but nothing exhibits “knowledgeable” more visibly than a credential--a CSI certification credential. Participating in CSI’s certification program is a smart way to show your colleagues, employers, clients, and customers that you have achieved a level of expertise within your career field.
Earning the Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) certificate is the foundation of CSI advanced certifications. The Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) is available for those individuals who deal with the day to day issues of managing a construction project. The Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) is the oldest certification program offered by CSI and is available for those who are in the field of writing construction specifications. And finally, the Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR) is available for industry members in the field of sales or marketing of construction-related products.
The CDT has moved from its paper-based format to a computer-based format similar to that provided by other certification programs. With this new format, CSI can now offer the CDT nationally more than just once a year. Paper-based exams are still offered at the convention and most region conferences. Eventually, all of CSI’s certification exams will be available in a computer-based format.
CSI is currently looking at expanding its certification program to include the National CAD Standard (NCS). No details on what the program will entail, but a task team will eventually be formed to develop the program.
To get more information on CSI’s certification program, click here.
Although you obtain the immediate benefit of the knowledge you gain through continuing education, your company and those you work with will also realize betterment from your knowledge by having you as a resource in the office.
The bottom line: Get the experience now through education, or get it through trial and error.
“Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't.”
- Pete Seeger, singer/songwriter