PDP Curriculum
Read about our Professional Development Program
Sessions
Session 1
Harrison Exam, Each student will take the online Harrison Assessment and will set up a one-on-one session in January with Harrison professional Ken Zeigler of Wellspring Advantage to review the individual test results.
Session 2, Thursday, January 9th, 2025; ABC Greater Baltimore, 3 pm to 5 pm
Program Orientation, Mentor Mix & Mingle, and Happy Hour, Students and mentors will be introduced to the program where the guidelines and requirements will be laid out for the year. Following the brief meeting there will be timed sessions for each student to ‘speed network’ their way through meeting their mentors & fellow student groups. An informal network to follow.
Session 3, Thursday, February 6th, 2025; ABC Greater Baltimore, 8 am to 10 am
Self-Leadership, We discuss how to self motivate yourself. This eye-opening session makes you truly think through and prioritize every aspect of your life. You will be surprised at the changes and revelations you will come to during this session!
Session 4, Thursday, February 27th, 2025; ABC Greater Baltimore, 8 am to 10 am
Career Development Reports, We will welcome back Ken Zeigler to discuss a newly introduced portion of the Harrison Assessments, Career Development Reports. These reports are personalized to each student and will focus on certain traits that show a need for development. This class allows each student and mentor to collaborate on growth and development strategies.
Session 5, Thursday, March 27th, 2025; ABC Greater Baltimore, 8 am to 10 am
Negotiating Skills, Presented by David Kelly of Growth Solutions. In this informative session participants will learn industry tricks on how to negotiate specific to the construction trades as well as in tough life situations in general. You are sure to leave this session feeling empowered and convident to take on those tough conversations.
Session 6, March/April 2025
Class Organized Social Event, The class will organize an outing for students and mentors. It could be anything from Axe Throwing to Go Cart Races to Clay Pigeon Shooting , etc… The group of students are expected to initiate the plans amongst themselves and make arrangements for the event (the event is funded through the PDP tuitions).
Session 7, Thursday, April 24th, 2025; ABC Greater Baltimore, 8 am to 10 am
The Art of Business Relationships, The group will focus on how to make the most out of attending networking events and how to network on a day-to-day basis. Building and maintaining business relationships can be an invaluable skill as you progress throughout your professional career. In addition, there will be an interactive experience on learning to expand your business network by attending events and properly following up with contacts. Attend ABC’s March Madness Network the same evening at no cost to the PDP students – put your newly acquired skills to work!
Session 8, April/May 2025
One-on-One with Industry Leader, Students find time on their own schedule to meet one-on-one with their appointed mentors.
Session 9, Thursday, May 15th, 2025; ABC Greater Baltimore, 3 pm to 5 pm
Young Leader Panel Discussion, The students and mentors will attend the Young Leader Committee hosted panel discussion & Network. The panel topic and panelists will vary based on timely content decided on upon the committee. Topics may include Construction Technology, the Lifecycle of a given project (panel featuring owner, architect & GC) and other relevant industry topics. A happy hour and network to follow.
Session 10, Thursday, May 29th, 2025; ABC Greater Baltimore, 8 am to 10 am
Controlling Your Emotions, an interactive discussion on how to control your emotions in the workplace as both an employee and a manager. You will also learn what triggers others’ emotions, in order to better understand and work with those people.
Community Service Project, April/May 2025
To complete this program, each student will need to participate in a community service outreach at the Baltimore City Ronald McDonald House. The coordination of service will be done by the students based on their schedules and availability.
Wednesday, June 18th 2025; Location TBD
Graduation Dinner & Awards, Students, mentors and a guest of their choosing are invited to attend this dinner celebration. Certificates of completion will be given out to students, and we will honor our top-level graduate.