CIM Graduate
Amy Jimenez
School: Texas State University
Graduation Date: Class of 2015
Employer: Raba Kistner, Inc.
“The ACI student and local chapters are great programs to join as they provide important networking opportunities to help further your career. I would encourage all students within the program to plug into these important organizations.”
What is your current position and responsibilities at Raba Kistner, Inc.?
I am currently a project manager for Raba Kistner, Inc. I am responsible for the management of professional consulting services in New Braunfels, Texas and the surrounding areas stretching from Austin to San Antonio. I manage everything from proposals to budgeting and daily construction operations for approximately 30 or more projects at a time.
Every day, I strive to provide professional services by applying passion and integrity into everything I do to help build a better world for my employees, their families, our clients and the communities we serve.
Why did you choose this position and this company?
I chose to work for Raba Kistner, Inc. because their values as a company aligned with what I was looking for and I saw the potential for future growth within the company. In addition, the people that I work with are amazing. I did not choose my current position as a project manager, although that was the goal. I started in the field as an intern while
enrolled in the CIM program. I worked hard and put my whole heart into everything I did, and I excelled into my current position.
How has the CIM program prepared you for your current job responsibilities?
CIM is great and I will always value the program as a significant part of my career with no regrets. The program helped me gain knowledge and skills that I will continue to use throughout my career. I am also the first female to graduate from the CIM program at Texas State and I love that I can give advice to other females who are interested in this industry.
Why did you choose the CIM program?
Believe it or not, my first choice for my degree was not CIM! I enrolled at Texas State University as a pre-dental student and changed my mind during orientation. I have always loved the construction industry and I just wanted to be a part of building new things, so I changed my major. On the first day of my materials class, I knew I was where I was supposed to be.
The CIM program works with businesses to provide summer internships for CIM students. During your time at Texas State, were you able to take advantage of that program or any other special programs to develop your industry knowledge?
Yes, the CIM program required all students to obtain an internship prior to graduation. I had several offers and opportunities and I chose Raba Kistner. Also, the CIM has a requirement that all students obtain the ACI Field Grade 1 certification. This is a great addition to the courses offered.