CIM Graduate
Damian Bonis
School: California State University, Chico
Graduation Date: Class of 2019
Employer: Cemex
“Invest in your future career by taking advantage of networking opportunities and connecting with peers and industry professionals. Not only will this give you an advantage when applying for jobs, but it forms lasting relationships that you can rely on as you move through your career. ”
What is your current position and responsibilities at Cemex?
I work as a quality control (QC) supervisor for Cemex’s ready-mix operations in Livermore, California. My primary responsibilities include designing and optimizing concrete products, new product testing at the concrete testing lab, reviewing project specifications and investigating customer issues.
Why did you choose this position and this company?
I started with Cemex in its Talent Development Program (TDP), which is a yearlong training for recent college graduates in either the cement, aggregate or ready-mix divisions of the company. As part of the ready-mix track, I had the opportunity to learn all facets of the business. The program consisted of rotations of various lengths in everything from strategic planning to field operations. At the end of the TDP, I had an in-depth understanding of how the different functions work together to keep the business running. I was offered the position in the quality control department–t he best fit with my set of skills and abilities.
How has the CIM program prepared you for your current job responsibilities?
The CIM program gave me a practical understanding of concrete and its constituents to select mix designs for projects and answer technical questions. It also afforded me the business knowledge to make sense of financial documents and assess the profitability of the division. The pairing of these two disciplines has enabled me to manage all aspects of the QC team and be comfortable with contributing to discussions about how the ready-mix business should be run.
Why did you choose the CIM program?
The CIM program creates value for students with its practical curriculum and industry connections in a way that few undergraduate majors do. CIM was born from a need for people with a passion for learning and a solid grasp of concrete technologies. Unlike other impacted engineering fields, CIM encourages prospective students to join and boasts a 100% job placement for graduates. The program offers many unique opportunities for students to gain exposure to the industry. Internships, professional guest speakers, company site visits, industry association conferences, student competitions and ample scholarship opportunities are a few of the benefits provided to CIM students.
What advice would you give to current CIM students?
I want to emphasize the importance of getting involved in extracurricular events. Like most things in life, you only get as much out of something as you are willing to put into it. Passively moving through the program might earn you a degree, but no one will be waiting at the finish line to hand you a job. Invest in your future career by taking advantage of networking opportunities and connecting with peers and industry professionals. Not only will this give you an advantage when applying for jobs, but it forms lasting relationships that you can rely on as you move through your career.