CIM Graduates

CIM Graduate

Jaymi Lynne (Hill) Fridley

School: California State University, Chico

Graduation Date: May 2015

Employer: BASF

“My capstone project was a comparative analysis of different mix designs that I worked on with several different Patron companies. Working in a professional lab setting and analyzing data prepared me for the kind of work I do in my role today. ”

WE RECENTLY ASKED JAYMI, a 2015 graduate of the CIM program at Chico State, a few questions about what she has been up to since her graduation almost four years ago.

Where are you currently working and what are your main responsibilities?

I am working in the San Francisco Bay Area as a senior sales representative for BASF’s admixtures division. I cover one of our largest accounts in the region, managing everything from inventory to technical and sales assistance. I can help bring new technology and products to the market. I work closely with my customers to offer solutions to challenges that they face in a very progressive market. We are constantly pushing the status quo, which makes for a very challenging and rewarding career.

Why did you choose to work with BASF?

I was introduced to BASF early on during my time in the CIM program and ended up doing my internship with BASF’s construction systems division. During that time, I was introduced to many of the people that make our company a leader in the industry. I was also exposed to the many different opportunities that BASF could offer as well as how they grow and develop their employees to become the best in the industry. My career goals have always been to make a difference in the industry and to be in a decision-making role for a company, and I felt that
choosing to work for BASF was my first step in achieving those goals.

How has CIM prepared you for your current job responsibilities?

I am a firm believer that the industry connections you make in the CIM program will take you farther than any textbook can. I took full advantage of every opportunity offered when I was a student and made connections with members of the industry. Some of those relationships have already benefited me and helped further my career. My capstone project was a comparative analysis of different mix designs that I worked on with several different Patron companies. Working in a professional lab setting and analyzing data prepared me for the kind
of work I do in my role today.

Why did you choose the CIM program?

My father is in the concrete industry, and I was introduced to the program through him. I had been searching for a major that allowed me to have a career where I didn’t sit in a cubicle all day. Once I saw the opportunities for internships,scholarships and careers, I knew it would be a perfect fit. There are very few majors that can offer you a career upon graduation instead of simply a diploma. The CIM program is one of them.

The CIM program works with businesses to provide summer internships for students. During your time at Chico State, were you able to take advantage of that program or any other special programs to develop your industry knowledge?

I participated in the Concrete Preservation Institute’s Alcatraz Field School the summer before I transferred to Chico State. This was my first experience in the industry and a great way to get my hands dirty and meet industry experts. My second internship was with BASF’s construction systems division in their marketing department. I was able to develop a sector strategy and got to present my findings to the decision-makers in the business. I was also given the opportunity to ride along with the local sales team, which sparked my interest in sales for a future career.

What advice would you give to current students?

I would tell students to get involved as much as you can in as many different areas of the industry as possible. The more people you meet, the more experiences you have. And the more knowledge you gain, the better you will be in your career. And this doesn’t end after you graduate. Once you’re in your career, get involved with industry associations, alumni activities and community events to continue gaining connections, experiences and knowledge. The CIM program was created to sustain our industry’s future. If CIM alumni and others that are early in their careers don’t invest in these young professionals, our industry will cease to grow and develop with the rest of the economy.