CIM Student Profile

Braden Byrd

School: Texas State University

Class: Senior

Expected Date of Graduation: December 2016

“Texas State’s CIM program has prepared me for my future in more ways than I can express. Every day when I’m on our jobsite, I see and experience things that I have learned about in the classroom.”

What school are you currently attending and when is your intended graduation date?

I am attending Texas State University and plan to graduate in December, 2016.

Why did you choose this university?
Texas State has a small school feel with big school opportunities. Plus, who doesn’t love the San Marcos River?

What made you decide to join the CIM program?

An academic advisor told me about the program when I was looking to change my major. After doing some research and learning about all the job opportunities the state of Texas has to offer, I decided the CIM program was where I needed to be.

The CIM program works with businesses in providing summer internships. Have you been able to take advantage of that program or any other special program to develop your industry knowledge?

In the summer of 2016, I interned with Osburn Structures in Dallas, Texas. Currently, I am on a project called the Irving Music Factory. My job duties include documenting daily work activities to the general contractor, keeping inventory on all material and pieces of equipment that are delivered to us, performing take offs to help track our concrete yield throughout the project, and assisting the management team in any way I can.

How has CIM prepared you for working in the concrete industry?

Texas State’s CIM program has prepared me for my future in more ways than I can express. Every day when I’m on our jobsite, I see and experience things that I have learned about in the classroom. I understand that I still have a lot left to learn, but Texas State has provided me with an amazing foundation to base the rest of my career on.

Have you had any particularly meaningful or exciting experiences in the program?

The best experience by far was getting to attend World of Concrete in Las Vegas with eight other Texas State students. While in Las Vegas, I got to compete against seven CIM students from across the country where we gave presentations about past internships, and I was lucky enough to receive runner-up.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining the CIM program?

My advice would be simple: join the program! The countless opportunities this program offers to each and every student are simply amazing.

What is something you’ve learned from the program that will stick with you long after you’ve graduated?

The biggest thing that the CIM program has taught me over the past three years is that getting out of your comfort zone can provide you with opportunities you would have never thought imaginable.