CIM Student Profile

Anthony Valland

School: South Dakota State University

Class: Class of 2026

Expected Date of Graduation: Spring 2026

“I’m presently working as an intern in Sioux Falls and I’m doing everything I can to apply the knowledge I’ve learned in class to my work. I am fortunate enough to have the chance to observe all aspects of the industry, including aggregates, plant operation, sales, and quality control.”

Why did you choose this university and the CIM program?

I chose SDSU because it was close to home and I knew I would be able to grow academically as well as socially in Brookings. It was a bit of a last-minute decision to join the CIM program, but, thanks to a little bit of recruiting from another CIM student as well as our program director Tim, I made the decision to join and I’m extremely happy that I did.

How has the CIM program prepared you for the “real world”?

So far, CIM has taught me a lot about what to expect in this large and always-changing industry. A major takeaway from my first year is the ability to be comfortable with change. Coming to a new school and learning about something that I had such little knowledge of, I had to learn right away to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

What advice would you give to other current CIM students?
Soak up as much as you can. This is a great opportunity for us as students to learn about a great industry and it won’t go unnoticed when you graduate. With CIM being so niche, it makes for a great chance to dial in on specifics and to master as much as you can, but also have as much fun as you can while you’re here.

The CIM program works with businesses in providing summer internships. Have you been able to take advantage of that program to develop your industry knowledge?
I’m presently working as an intern in Sioux Falls and I’m doing everything I can to apply the knowledge I’ve learned in class to my work. I am fortunate enough to have the chance to observe all aspects of the industry including aggregates, plant operation, sales and quality control.

Have you been able to interact with the CIM Patrons at your school? If so, in what capacity?
Our regional Patrons have made great efforts to connect with students and we have been very lucky to interact with them in many different ways. My first week in Brookings last fall, I had the opportunity to meet our Patrons, have lunch and join in a golf tournament! All of us at SDSU are extremely grateful for the investment they have made in us and we know this wouldn’t be possible without them!