Professional Development Program

Gregory K. Murrill Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineer ITS Joint Program Office Washington, DC Gregory Murrill received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Temple University and his M.S. in Civil Engineering (transportation) from Howard University. He completed the Professional Development Program (Transportation/ITS option) with assignments in Albany, New York; the FHWA Office of Traffic Management and ITS Applications in Washington, DC; and a special "hands-on" assignment in the City of Anaheim's Traffic Management Center in California. Greg says, "The program was especially appropriate because of my interest in traffic operations, and particularly in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). It provided valuable experience and a chance to develop professional skills and knowledge."

Program Structure

The Professional Development Program consists of on-the-job training, diverse developmental assignments, and participation at a Professional Development Academy.

• On-the-Job Training. Participants are assigned to a Sponsoring Office that serves as their "home base" for the duration of the program. During the program, participants work as an assistant to a seasoned professional within their career field. A Sponsoring Office can be a Division, a Resource Center, a Headquarters Office, Research and Development, or a Federal Lands Highway Division Office.

• Developmental Assignments. Participants will have an opportunity to complete several developmental assignments which may be in different geographical areas, including the FHWA Headquarters in Washington, DC; an FHWA Resource Center and/or Division Office; and a State or local transportation agency. Diverse assignments are selected based on participants' areas of special interest and will vary from one option to another. Assignments may vary in length from several weeks to several months. Participants must be available to travel during the professional development program and be available for final placement at any location nationwide upon completion of the program.

• Professional Development Academy. Participants attend a variety of courses and seminars, including an orientation in the Washington, DC, Headquarters Office. They will receive formal orientation to the various core business units of the Federal Highway Administration and the Department of Transportation. The Academy will provide participants the foundation knowledge from which they will develop the professional, communication, and interpersonal skills that are needed by all FHWA professionals.

The options in the professional development program may vary depending upon the individual's educational background, skills, and interests. Each option has different assignments and different training locations.