How one engineer’s MicroStation® passion sparked a career in training
In college, Scott Urbas took a computer aided drafting class that taught MicroStation and became an instant fan. He continued to learn everything he could about CAD while getting his civil engineering degree. When 3D design was introduced to the industry, Scott was an early adopter and loved teaching his peers. Now, he marvels at the
Scott Urbastransformative potential of AI for learning and productivity, as well as how it will make it easier for users to access information and solve problems.
“I think AI is going to bring us full circle to where engineers can focus on engineering and technology will be effortlessly executed by capable AI agents and interconnected software products,” he said. “We will quickly assess design solutions and improve public safety or expand economic capacity of any infrastructure network. And it will be amazing.”
Closing the engineering skills gap with AI and advanced software
While the advancement of technology excites Scott, he understands how scary it can seem. In today’s fast-evolving technological landscape, there is a huge demand for engineers who possess cutting-edge skills. From AI to advanced infrastructure solutions, the skills gap in the engineering field continues to widen. Modern technology is transforming the engineering sector. This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. For those willing to invest in their professional development, the rewards are significant. And the companies that help advance their employees’ skill sets are winning more business while maximizing the investment made in their technology portfolio.
What is the Bentley Premier Scholar Program?
Scott’s passion for technology, coupled with his love of teaching others, has led him to his current role at Bentley Systems. As manager of the Premier Scholar program, he oversees master classes, training content, and networking events designed to help professionals gain new skills and advance their career opportunities.
The Premier Scholar program was created for an organization’s most advanced software users to build knowledge, showcase their talent, and prove their skills. It is open to Bentley E365 accounts and currently focuses on OpenRoads Designer and OpenBridge Modeler.
Through the Premier Scholar accreditation programs, participants gain a better understanding of Bentley software functionality. The program is designed around continual engagement and learning through the Premier Scholar Alumni network, which helps participants stay competitive. By providing access to conferences, round tables, and other networking events, engineers gain valuable insights from their peers and industry leaders.
Jose Romero and Scott UrbasAccredited users benefit from online verification and recognition, including digital badges that showcase their expertise and commitment to advancement. It’s a chance to embrace modern technology skills, like AI, while gaining recognition and advancing career opportunities.
The course is broken out in two sections. The workshop portion offers presentations and case studies, delving into best practices by using Bentley solutions throughout the project lifecycle. Interactive activities and group presentations make learning fun. The final section consists of capstone project that participants deliver to Bentley colleagues.
Program participants can’t say enough about it. Feedback shows that they felt the course provided a clear and easy-to-follow path from introduction through advanced skills and helped them use critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and problem-solving. But the clear favorite part of the course is the capstone project. It presents participants with real -life engineering challenges and guides them through insightful modeling solutions.
Ready to elevate your skills? Consider the Premier Scholar Program
Although Scott is now a proficient user of many Bentley products, he is still a huge fan of MicroStation.
“Learning MicroStation tapped into a passion that pushed me into a very fulfilling career. And I’m so thrilled to be working here at the software company that started it all,” he said. “Now, I get to teach other people and hopefully ignite sparks that will help them thrive in their careers.”
To explore Scott’s journey from CAD student to Premier Scholar leader, watch his full story. Learn more about the Premier Scholar Program ❯
