CIM Graduate
Alex Burkhart
School: Texas State University
Graduation Date: Class 2016
Employer: Smith-Midland Corporation
“CIM is a great program, but you’ll only get out of it what you put into it. If you slack off and only put in minimal effort, your return will be minimal. Put in the effort and be involved with the program. This will provide you the opportunities to travel to industry-related events, to see the industry and make those contacts that will pave the way to a successful career in the industry. Apply for the many scholarships that are offered. This will not only help pay for your education, but will get your name out in the industry, setting you apart from others. The education the CIM program provides is in demand and the concrete industry is great to be a part of with endless possibilities.”
Where are you currently working and what are your main responsibilities?
I am currently a projects manager at Smith-Midland Corporation. I manage a verity of project types from specialized concrete barrier used at the White House to projects that use our architectural cladding system, SlenderWall, and everything in between. As a projects manager, I’m involved with projects from start to finish, which includes project development, engineering and submittals, manufacturing, shipping and erecting the project, closeout and warranty. I’m responsible for meeting the schedule and keeping the project on budget.
Why did you choose this position and this company?
In this role, I have the opportunity to work with every department and everyone at the company. This means that every day is different and brings different challenges to overcome. It also allows for travel to the different jobsites to see the challenges that contactors in the field have and what I can do to help overcome these challenges. Why did I choose Smith-Midland? They are an innovative company in the precast industry and they push the boundaries of what precast can do. I could see that I could be an asset to them.
How has the CIM program prepared you for your current job responsibilities?
The CIM program gave me a solid concrete foundation to build from. Any new employee goes through on-the-job training that is specific to that position in a company. However, the deep knowledge base the CIM program provided put me steps ahead and allowed me to be an immediate asset to my company.
Why did you choose the CIM program?
I grew up in a precast family which allowed me to see that the concrete industry had a bright future and I wanted to be part of it. I knew the CIM program would give me the foundation that I needed to get started in my career. The Texas State program particularly is in an ideal location with a large variety of concrete industry-related companies a short
distance away. That local industry supports the program at Texas State by hiring graduates and sponsoring scholarships.
What advice would you give to current CIM students?
CIM is a great program, but you’ll only get out of it what you put into it. If you slack off and only put in minimal effort, your return will be minimal. Put in the effort and be involved with the program. This will provide you the opportunities to travel to industry related events, to see the industry and make those contacts that will pave the way to a
successful career in the industry. Apply for the many scholarships that are offered. This will not only help pay for your education, but will get your name out in the industry, setting you apart from others. The education the CIM program provides is in demand and the concrete industry is great to be a part of with endless possibilities.