Barry-Wehmiller Network
Professional Development

Professional Development

Design Group’s Professional Development Program was designed with our Rules of the Culture in mind – to have unconditional interest in the needs of our professionals. Those who participate in these programs will ultimately enjoy a more meaningful career experience, and realize greater personal and professional growth opportunities.

Professional Development at Design Group is composed of four complementary programs, each of which leverage the collective knowledge of the firm and empower our professionals to take charge of their own growth and development. They are: Design Group University (DGU) | Leadership Development | Cultural Communications | Career Development Discussions (CDD)

" Design Group professionals have shown that the culture is alive and not just a poster that is given to me on the first day. This has made me strive to also be a professional that is engaged with the culture. The culture is one of my favorite attributes of this company."

 Design Group University



Design Group University
Design Group University is an online hub of university-style courses, technical training, forums, and more that give our professionals the knowledge they need to achieve their full potential. Housed on our intranet site, Design Group University consists of the Learning Center, and Communities of Practice. 

  • Learning Center: In a firm of nearly 1,500 professionals and growing, the most valuable lessons are learned from each other.  The Learning Center gives all professionals the opportunity to learn from, and contribute to, the collective knowledge of the firm. Design Group University connects professionals with instant access to university-style online courses, webinars, and training on topics ranging from new hire information to leadership skills to the most technical engineering practices.
  • Communities of Practice: Communities of Practice are designated forums for all types of technical expertise. Professionals can ask questions, discuss best practices, and collaborate on creative solutions to the toughest problems with their peers nationwide.

 Leadership Development



Professional Development_Competencies
  • Leadership Development Program: This program is our commitment to providing resources and opportunities to help our professionals grow their leadership skills. In order to set our professionals on a path toward leadership, we first define what it means to be a leader at Design Group. We have defined Design Group Competencies to serve as a guide to leading others, leading results, and leading ourselves.

  • Emerging Leaders Conferences: These conferences offer professionals an additional opportunity to grow their leadership skills. These are interactive events where participants learn more about Design Group’s vision, discuss their career and strategies for professional development, and build relationships with their peers and Senior Leaders while celebrating our people-centric culture. Participants are up-and-coming leaders of the firm who have demonstrated strength in many Design Group Competencies, are committed to success, and have an interest in and the potential to increase their sphere of influence at Design Group.


 Cultural Communications



Professional Development Roadmap
  • First Year Experience: Our unique year-long onboarding program developed to ensure every professional has a fulfilling experience during their first year with Design Group. Within the program, new professionals are provided with enhanced support through meaningful conversations, opportunities to provide feedback on their experience, and guidance throughout their own career path within the firm. Additionally, professionals are given the opportunity to build relationships and form lasting connections with other Design Group team members.

    “One of the best on-boarding processes that I have ever experienced."

  • First Year Coaches: Coaches have an integral role in the firm’s First Year Experience onboarding program by providing new professionals with mentoring and support to ensure they feel connected to our culture and have the resources and information they need to be successful.

  • Listening Sessions: We conduct these open forum sessions on a periodic basis to ensure team members feel heard while providing them with an opportunity to share continuous feedback about their experience working at Design Group.

 Career Development Discussion



Career Development Discussion

The Career Development Discussion is a great opportunity for professionals to build a connection with their Leader. It has been created to open the lines of communication to discuss the professional’s level of fulfilment and to outline a plan for growth and development. Engaging in the process allows professionals to reflect on their competencies, define goals, and identify and pursue career aspirations.