For nine days, we attended the Transportation Project Management Institute (TPMI) hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) at the University of Virginia. This 30-person program was developed specifically for project management practitioners from VDOT, local governments, and private consulting firms.

With a limited number of slots available to consultants for this program, senior management recognized the benefits of this unique opportunity, and supported us in applying. Knowing the advantages this course could offer, we signed up as soon as registration opened. Out of the 10 consultants admitted, two were from Dewberry.

Project Management Scenarios

During the program, we were divided into five groups. Each team was assigned a real-life case study, which allowed us the chance to walk through the entire VDOT project development process. We had to figure out appropriate actions to take for various obstacles including environmental clearances, and the impact that constructing a roadway would have on local residents.

At the beginning of every day, a new curve ball was thrown into our scenario. The biggest challenge—being told we had a new project manager. To overcome this challenge we had to work closely as a team to draw upon the strengths of each team member to make the transition as successful as possible. A change in key personal on a project occurs frequently in the real world, so this was a great opportunity for us to work through this hurdle.

At the end of the program we gave final presentations with a question-and-answer session. This gave us an opportunity to present the entire project development process that each team worked through, learn from other teams' work and processes, and present in front of our fellow classmates, VDOT personnel, and UVA instructors.

Technical Sessions

We also participated in 14 different project management technical sessions, including discussions on ethics and communications, as well as risk management.

Our Greatest Take-Aways

From this opportunity, we made excellent contacts. When working with VDOT in the future, everyone involved will be able to put names to faces. It was great to see support from VDOT senior leadership, who took time out to support us.

Lastly, we now have a great understanding of VDOT's project development and project management processes, breaking down the “us versus them” mentality that sometimes forms around the client and consultant relationship. We now have a better understanding of how we can work together to ensure both sides can succeed.