The Transition from College to the Engineering Work Force Katherine McGinnis, E.I. ETI Corporation
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The Transition from College to the
Engineering Work Force
Katherine McGinnis, E.I.ETI Corporation
My Background
CBU Student 2006-2010
Bachelor's Civil Engineering 2010Concentration:Construction & Transportation
Pre- Graduation:Summer 2006: Surveyor's Aid- Pickering Firm
May 2007-July 2008: Intern- Allen & Hoshall
July 2008-June 2009: Project Coordinator- Airfield Etc.
My Background
Post-Graduation:
January 2011-February 2012: Operation Specialist- Construction Division- TDOT
February 2012- Present: E.I.- ETI Corp.
TDOT
GTA- Graduate Transportation Associate-Rotated through all the major divisions within
TDOT. (ex. Right of Way, Environmental, Structures, Maintenance, Survey, Bridge Inspection, Hydraulics, Traffic, Materials)
-Operations Specialist in Construction Division: *Managed & Inspected Roadway Construction Projects
50+Hrs/week
TDOT- CNK201
Built Right Turn Lane for section of SR45 in Nashville with drainage improvements.
TDOT-CNK201
TDOT-CNK 364
The Repair of 14 Bridges over I-440 in Nashville.
Scope: Bridge Deck Repair, Repaving Approaches, Replacing Sidewalk Approaches, Drilling Access Portals into Bridge Channels.
Traffic Control Nightmare!
ETI Corp.
General Engineering Design
Unique Design Opportunities.
Main Project: Delta Heritage Project Phase III-IV
Ongoing Work: SWPPP Updates for TDOT Projects in Western Tennessee
On Hold: Realignment of Hurricane Creek @ Memphis International Airport
ETI Corp.- Delta Heritage Project
Phase III- Currently out for Bid6.86 Mile Rails to Trails Project3 Bridge conversions1 Box CulvertTrailhead DesignParking Improvements at Visitor Center
Lakeview, AR to Elaine, AR
ETI Corp.- Delta Heritage Project
Phase IV- Currently in Design13 Mile Paved Road atop Mississippi
Levee w/Shared Bicycle Access
13 Mile Rails to Trails Project7 Bridge Conversions1 TrailheadOverlook at Arkansas River
Arkansas City to Yancopin, AR
Transitioning Into the Workforce
Lesson 1- You Learned Nothing in College
Lesson 2- Everyone Knows More than You, so Ask Questions!
Lesson 3- Actual Salary<<Expected Salary
Lesson 4- Should Have Learned More Engineering Programs!
Transitioning Into Workforce
Hardest things to learn on job:
Political Nature of Civil Engineering
Processes of Design Submittals
Permiting
No Procrastination!
Transitioning Into Workforce
Not guaranteed a job post graduation. (7 months jobless), so....
Be Involved! Join ASCE & other professional organizations.
Network!
Get Experience! Work Internships (even if not paying), learn AutoCAD.
Transitioning Into Workforce
Don’t limit yourself to one area of expertise.-On my last project: Transportation, Structural, Hydraulic, & Geotechnical Elements
Expect the unexpected!
Take on Leadership/Responsibility Role
You WILL make mistakes. Learn from them.
Enjoy what you do!
Best Day at TDOT
Spent the day in the HELP Truck, assisting stranded motorists.
Worst Day at TDOT
OSHA Site Visit
Best Day at ETI
Best Day at ETI
Best Day at ETI
Advice
Go to Class
Seek Part-Time Work at a Firm
Build Your Resume
Enjoy Your First 2 Years of College (Easiest by far)
Build Relationships with Professors and Upperclassmen (they’ll help you!).
Pass FE exam before graduation.
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