Professional Pathways Participant

Title: Professional Pathways Participant - Future Professionals Program

Reporting to: Program Manager

Location: Various RLB Offices and Project Sites

Department: Multiple Service Lines (Project Management, Cost Management, Estimating, Advisory)

Program Duration: 18-24 Months (based on performance and readiness)

Program Overview

The RLB Future Professionals Program / Professional Pathways is a structured career development program designed to support employees as they expand their consulting expertise and prepare for future career opportunities within Rider Levett Bucknall. Through a combination of rotational assignments, formal training, mentorship, and hands-on project experience, participants gain broad exposure to RLB's core service offerings while developing the technical, professional, and leadership skills required for long-term success.

This program provides a unique opportunity for employees to build a well-rounded understanding of the construction consulting industry, explore areas of specialization, and establish a clear pathway toward future career growth within RLB.

Program Objectives

Participants will:

• Gain practical experience across multiple consulting disciplines.
• Develop technical, analytical, and professional consulting skills.
• Build confidence in working with clients, project teams, and stakeholders.
• Strengthening leadership, communication, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Explore career pathways aligned with their interests, strengths, and business needs.
• Prepare for long-term career progression and future leadership opportunities within RLB.

Key Responsibilities

Throughout the program, participants will rotate through various disciplines and may be responsible for:

• Assist with project planning, scheduling, and coordination activities.
• Participate in stakeholder and client meetings.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, risks, and deliverables.
• Support change management, quality management, and project controls.
• Review project documentation, drawings, specifications, RFIs, and submittals.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and assist with cost estimates.
• Review drawings and specifications for cost impacts.
• Support procurement and bid evaluation activities.
• Analyze project costs and market conditions.
• Contribute to estimate development and reporting.
• Assist with budget development and cost planning.
• Support cost reporting, forecasting, and change management.
• Track project expenditures against budgets.
• Participate in financial analysis and project cost control activities.
• Support schedule reviews, project analysis, and advisory deliverables.
• Assist with risk assessments and performance monitoring.
• Learn construction scheduling fundamentals and delay analysis techniques.
• Participate in the preparation of reports and recommendations for clients.

Site Operations & Field Experience

• Observe construction activities and project execution in the field.
• Participate in site meetings, inspections, and safety briefings.
• Support project documentation, reporting, and quality control processes.
• Develop an understanding of construction sequencing and site logistics.

Optional Client Relations & Business Development Exposure

• Attend client meetings and presentations.
• Assist with proposal development and marketing initiatives.
• Support market research and business development activities.
• Develop an understanding of client relationship management.

Program Features

Participants will receive:

• Structured rotational assignments across multiple service lines.
• Dedicated mentor and manager support.
• Formal technical and professional development training.
• Leadership and communication development opportunities.
• Exposure to real-world projects and client environments.
• A capstone project demonstrating learning and career readiness.
• Guidance toward certification and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong interest in developing a consulting career within the built environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
• Alignment with RLB's values, client service standards, and commitment to excellence.

Success Factors

Successful participants will:

• Actively engage in rotational assignments and training opportunities.
• Demonstrate technical growth and application of new knowledge.
• Seek and apply feedback from managers and mentors.
• Exhibit professionalism, accountability, and collaboration.
• Show readiness for increasing levels of responsibility and autonomy.

Program Completion

Upon successful completion of the Professional Pathways Program, participants will be considered for permanent placement aligned with their demonstrated strengths, specialization interests, and business needs. Graduates of the program will be positioned for continued development through RLB's broader career pathways and future leadership opportunities.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a positive, proactive approach to the role and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence.

• Minimum Education required: Currently enrolled or have completed an Associates or Bachelor's Degree in construction management, or related experience.
• Minimum Experience required: 1 to two years of experience in a construction related field is preferred.
• Skills Required:
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Understanding of construction methods and sequencing
• Basic knowledge of building systems (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and shop drawings
• Understanding of contracts and project documents

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Indoor office environment. May require work on site location when necessary.
• Equipment used includes computers and standard office machines.
• Essential physical tasks include: the ability to work on a computer and the ability to answer and speak on a telephone.