Professional Development   What makes CRI Advantage shine above the rest is our commitment to each employee's growth and development. We help develop the professional and personal skills that distinguish a true problem-solving expert from a technician. CRI Advantage and the employee negotiate a professional development plan based on the skills and interests of the employee, and projected market and client needs. Our plan promotes learning through venues such as internally sponsored training sessions, traditional training classes, conferences, self-study (books, CBTs, study guides, etc.), and certification testing (paid for by CRI Advantage). We also have a large software/book library available to all employees. This commitment to our employees is a key factor in why CRI Advantage is a sought-after business technology firm known for its knowledgeable and reliable consultants. Technology Training         CRI has fully supported its employees achieving technical and professional certifications since we were founded. Our HR Generalist is dedicated to facilitating training needs. Career direction, mentoring, training materials, classes and certification tests are all fully sponsored by CRI. Annual training budget per person is approximately $1500, and that budget is increased according to the requirements of any specific certification. The budget is supplemented by in-house training programs provided by CRI. CRI supports technical certifications (HP-UX, Oracle, Microsoft, etc.) and professional certifications for project managers, accounting, human resources, sales professionals and others involved in operating the company. Certifications are recognized and celebrated through employee involvement events and newsletters. CRI staff also develops in-house training to share learning and experience with other employees.   Project Management Training    CRI project managers study the curriculum of the Project Management Institute to earn certification, meet weekly to share experience, and participate in a local professional organization for project managers. CRI staff receives project management training from our own project managers approximately twice per year.   Quality Management         CRI utilizes Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) standards for measuring quality and our own Managed Service Methodology developed by certified project managers. MSM combines several recognized quality tools to create a custom process suited to our client’s needs. Our Office of Standards delivers training on quality management via our Quality Council.   Process CRI’s Office of Standards facilitates the development of process documentation for every service team. This documentation is then utilized by the teams to ensure efficient and consistent service quality. Ongoing consultation provides continuous process improvement.   Soft Skills, Communication, Languages Training     CRI’s Consulting Certificate Program is the key tool to provide “soft” skills – customer service, communication, negotiation, writing, etc. Employees must complete 5 core and 2 elective courses to be certified. Managers and supervisors are required to complete CRI’s Management Development Program, a year-long study in management, focused on maximizing employee productivity. Additional training on soft skills is arranged as needed using in house or third-party trainers. A business library is available to all for further reference material.