Abstract:

This paper examines how the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for AACE International, a sixty-eight-year-old association renowned for its expertise in project controls within the engineering and construction management sectors, propelling it from traditional educational and certifications methods to the forefront of innovative strategies. Pre-pandemic, AACE International's training and educational outreach were largely constrained by minimal online presence, a reliance on in-person teaching norms, and challenges with international translations for its extensive body of knowledge and certification programs, which serve over 10,000 members in 100 countries.

The necessity for internet-based learning brought on by the pandemic, coupled with advancements in AI, has enabled AACE International to significantly expand its educational outreach. The association has embraced online learning, developing multiple platforms for training, including online certification programs, professional development courses, and resources for Approved Education Providers (AEPs). This shift has also facilitated the inclusion of AACE International's resources in university curricula and allowed its Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to teach in various settings worldwide, from online, in-person classrooms to international project controls conferences.

AI advancements have further facilitated AACE International to start translating its resources into multiple languages, paving the way for multilingual certification exams. This strategic move has significantly broadened international opportunities, breaking the previous limitation of English-only certification exams. The transformative impact of COVID-19 and AI has created unprecedented opportunities for AACE International to extend its educational resources globally. This paper concludes by acknowledging how these changes have revolutionized the ability to deliver education virtually anywhere, marking a significant shift in educational reach and engagement on a global scale.

Keywords:

Engineering programs, project controls, construction management, AACE International, Consulting Careers, project based learning, real-world projects, Academia-industry collaborations, AI.