During the podcast, we discussed EAPC’s commitment to fostering a culture of growth and innovation, our strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, and the importance of investing in the future of our industry. It was an enlightening conversation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share EAPC’s vision with a wider audience.
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders
One of the key initiatives at EAPC is our Emerging Professionals Group (EPG). This program is designed to nurture the talents of our young professionals, providing them with the resources and opportunities to develop their skills and advance their careers. The EPG offers mentorship, continuous learning opportunities, and a platform for our emerging professionals to voice their ideas and perspectives.
“The Emerging Professionals group is dedicated to supporting our young professionals by addressing topics of interest to them,” adds EAPC’s Emerging Professionals member and Mechanical Engineer, Jerick Hedges. “We select these topics and then bring in a Senior Engineer or Architect to share their expertise through presentations. Past sessions have covered areas like the design process, project management, business development, and preparation for professional licensing exams. Our aim is to help these sessions contribute to the growth and development of our future leaders.”
Our goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive environment where innovation thrives, and employees feel empowered to contribute to the success of our projects and the overall growth of EAPC. Through the EPG, we are building a strong foundation for the future, ensuring that our team is well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
In addition to our Emerging Professionals Group, EAPC places a strong emphasis on nurturing future talent through our internship program, which spans nearly all 10 of our offices in both architecture and engineering. Each summer, we hire interns who gain hands-on experience that bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Our goal is to develop a pipeline of future talent, helping interns acquire valuable skills and insights that position them for a smooth transition into full-time roles with EAPC. The success of this program is evident, as we have hired almost 100% of these interns for full-time positions upon their graduation.
“Our involvement in around 20 career fairs each year is just the beginning of our commitment to nurturing future talent,” says EAPC’s HR Director, Noah Fischer. “When we identify interns who thrive within our team, we make it a priority to stay engaged with them, often extending their internships beyond the summer. This ongoing relationship allows us to further develop their skills and deepen their connection with EAPC, paving the way for a seamless transition into full-time roles after graduation.”
This program not only meets project needs but also fosters innovation by integrating fresh perspectives and ideas from the latest technologies and emerging trends being taught in colleges. Through our internship program, we are not just offering temporary positions; we are investing in the future leaders of our firm and our industry.
Another important element of our recruitment and retention strategy is our commitment to education. EAPC offers scholarships to promising students pursuing degrees in architecture, engineering, and related fields. By investing in education, we are not only supporting the next generation of professionals but also ensuring that our industry continues to attract bright, innovative minds.
“Receiving the EAPC Graduate Studies Scholarship in Architecture while pursuing my master’s degree at South Dakota State University was an incredible honor,” explained EAPC Project Designer Robi Haberman. “This scholarship not only provided invaluable opportunities to connect with the EAPC team but also led to my current role as a Project Designer with the Architecture team. I am truly grateful to be part of such a passionate group!”
At EAPC, we understand that retaining top talent requires more than just competitive salaries and benefits. We are committed to creating a work environment where our employees feel valued, supported, and engaged. This includes offering professional development opportunities, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
Our leadership team is dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication, ensuring that our employees’ voices are heard, and their contributions recognized. We believe that a satisfied and motivated team is the key to our continued success.
As we continue to grow and evolve, our focus remains on attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry. Through initiatives like our EAPC Emerging Professionals Group and EAPC scholarships, we are investing in the future of our employees and our industry. We are excited to see the impact that our dedicated team will make and look forward to continuing to build a bright future together.