Since the firm’s founding, Hill International has recognized the value of mentoring the next generation of construction management professionals. With the new academic year underway, we asked several Hill employees to share their teaching experiences.

“I got involved in teaching when I was an officer in the U.S. Army in the 1970s,” said Vice President Mike Radbill, PE, who has 45 years of experience. “I saw the value of it then and continued to seek out opportunities and sharpen my teaching skills to enhance my effectiveness.”

A renowned transit industry expert, Radbill oversees Hill’s $2 billion Federal Transit Administration (FTA) PMO Program, in addition to serving the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

“I teach to share with young people to help them become successful, which in turn will benefit our country and advance our society,” said Radbill, who has taught for the National Transit Institute, Alaska Railroad, Widener University School of Engineering, and National Highway Institute.“I see my effectiveness and gain real satisfaction after working with students. I also feel an obligation to help my students with their job search so that they can get the best fit of their skills with what an employer requires.”

As a Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, New York, Dominick Fickeria considers educating others mandatory.

“I believe I should give back to the industry that allowed me to make a life for my family,” said Fickeria, who has taught Construction Management Courses at New York University for more than a decade and mentors at Manhattan College. “Teaching allows me to give my experience and guide others who are in or want to be in the construction management industry. Also, I teach because construction management related services are not represented much in the engineering program.”

According to Mark Purcell, AIA, LEED AP, CCM, NCARB, Vice President, Business Development, Philadelphia Region, who serves as an Adjunct Professor at Philadelphia University, “Teaching is a win-win for all involved. It is fun and keeps me engaged with the industry. I care about my students and want to empower them to be successful in their jobs. Teaching advances the whole profession.”