REAL STORIES OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

BENJAMIN CHIERICI, PE

Can you tell us about the certification program and why you decided to pursue it?

I recently became a licensed Professional Engineer, which requires passing two intensive competency exams, earning a four-year college degree, and completing four years of work under the supervision of another licensed engineer. I pursued this certification because it enhances my credibility and trust with clients, signals a higher level of responsibility to my employer, and represents a personal achievement that I find deeply rewarding.

 

How has McCormick Taylor and/or your co-workers supported your certification and/or other additional professional development (industry organizations, trainings)?

McCormick Taylor supported me by offering to cover the cost of a Professional Engineering Exam prep course, which was incredibly helpful. The course kept me accountable and helped me feel more confident going into the exam. My coworkers were also very supportive—those who had already taken the exam shared their old study materials and offered great advice.

 

What advice or recommendations would you offer others considering the pursuit of professional development certifications at McCormick Taylor?

Preparing for the exam can feel overwhelming and time-consuming, but it's important to remember that it's a one-time hurdle. Set yourself up for success by studying in a distraction-free environment—whether it's your local library or another quiet space—with your favorite snacks on hand. Stay consistent, and remind yourself that passing the exam is not only achievable but also a major milestone in your career as an engineer.

RIDDHI BATRA, AICP

Can you tell us about the certification program and why you decided to pursue it?

I decided to pursue the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification soon after joining MT. My manager and department director encourage our team to weave professional development into our everyday tasks. Preparing for the AICP was a good way to revise the wide range of planning concepts and tools I learned in graduate school. It also really helped that MT covered my membership and exam fee.

 

Have you been able to apply what you learned from the course to your day-to-day tasks or projects?

Definitely! Preparing for and obtaining the AICP credential gave me more confidence in making everyday decisions related to our projects. It has a certificate maintenance requirement that helps me stay abreast of industry trends. It also reiterates the importance of planning as work we do for public welfare. 

 

How has McCormick Taylor and/or your co-workers supported your certification and/or other additional professional development (industry organizations, trainings)?

We check-in regularly about professional development in our team, and across teams, which helps me prioritize important opportunities. Part of this involves resource-sharing; for instance, people who took the AICP previously shared their guidebooks and exam tips. My manager, Christina, also reviewed my 'Experience Assessment Worksheet' before I submitted after passing my test to obtain the official certification. 

JUSTIN BANKS, EIT, CBSI

Can you tell us about the certification program and why you decided to pursue it?

The Certified Bridge Safety Inspector (CBSI) certification, which was recommended by my supervisor, is specifically for bridge inspections in Pennsylvania. This was a very valuable course for me in understanding the fundamentals of bridge inspection and also helped me gain a broader knowledge of bridge components and their behavior.

 

How has this course helped you with your long-term career goals? 

This certification allows me to participate in future bridge safety inspections, which supports my goal of becoming a more well-rounded engineer. It was also a great learning opportunity for me as an early engineer.

 

How has McCormick Taylor and/or your co-workers supported your certification and/or other additional professional development (industry organizations, trainings)?

McCormick Taylor has been incredibly supportive of my professional development. They’ve also encouraged and supported my involvement as a recent board member of the Philadelphia Section of the ASCE Structural Engineering Institute (SEI). I’ve been able to participate in many valuable opportunities thanks to the company’s help with membership dues, flexible work hours, and support for attending certain events and conferences. These organizations continue to inspire me and provide me the tools I need to grow both personally and professionally.

I also recently had the opportunity to attend the Structures Congress Conference in Phoenix, AZ, upon receiving a scholarship through the SEI Futures Fund. McCormick Taylor helped make this experience possible by contributing to my travel and lodging expenses. I’m grateful for the support that allowed me to attend this impactful event, where I connected with other professionals in the industry and gained valuable insights from a wide range of presentations.

SAMANTHA READER, SHRM-CP

Can you tell us about the certification program and why you decided to pursue it?

The certification that I pursued is the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). This certification is typically obtained by those who are in HR related positions or are pursuing a career in HR and I thought it would be beneficial to expand my HR knowledge. My team really encouraged me to go for it and McCormick Taylor has a great benefit for reimbursement of the certification prep course fee and the exam fee which was extremely helpful when deciding to go for the certification.

 

How has this course helped you with your long-term career goals?

My SHRM-CP certification provides me with continuous learning opportunities. To maintain my certificate, SHRM requires recertification every three years, which is done by accumulating 60 professional development credits. These credits are earned by attending webinars/seminars led by HR experts, attending conferences/symposiums, working on HR related projects, etc. Maintaining my certification will help me with staying informed on current HR knowledge and trends.

 

What advice or recommendations would you offer others considering the pursuit of professional development certifications at McCormick Taylor?

I highly recommend anyone who is debating pursuing a certification or licensure to go for it!  Furthering your professional development is so worth it and the financial assistance and encouragement that I have received from McCormick Taylor really made my decision a no brainer!