CIM Student Profile

David Williams

School: New Jersey Institute of Technology

Hometown:

Expected Date of Graduation: May 2016

“Through the CIM program, I’ve learned to be not only a responsible student, but also a responsible person in general. From the moment you enter the program, you learn not just book knowledge but also what you need know for the workplace. ”

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

I am currently a student at New Jersey Institute of Technology; my expected graduation date is May 2016.

Where are you from originally?

I am originally from Jamaica.

How has the CIM program prepared you for yourupcoming graduation and entrance into the business world?

Through the CIM program, I’ve learned to be not only a responsible student, but also a responsible person in general. From the moment you enter the program, you learn not just book knowledge but also what you need know for the workplace. This is accomplished through interaction with professionals from major companies who come in and explain to you what a day is like in the industry and give you real-world problems and how they solved them. Another wonderful feature of the program is that most of the concrete related classes that I have had are taught by individuals who actually work in the industry so being taught by someone like that is valuable because they have the experience and can give practical advice.

What advice would you give to other current CIM students?

I would encourage CIM students to make themselves available and make the best of all the opportunities the program offers students. There are so many opportunities for growth in the program, but if a student is not willing to sacrifice time, then they will never get the true experience. Through the CIM program there is now a student chapter of both the ACI and ICRI organizations. Both organizations offer student competitions, technical sessions, conventions, and a host of other activities in which can get involved. However, if you don’t make yourself available, you will never get to experience these privileges. Being involved also helps you to network with industry individuals you probably wouldn’t meet otherwise. These contacts could lead to a potential job or even just a beneficial relationship for the future.

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?

I have taken advantage of the summer internship twice: first, with Concrete Lumber Manufacturing Company — a Creter Vault Company — and this past summer, I was with Ferrara West — a Ferrara Bros. company. Both times have been wonderful, because I was given something of substance to do and in turn gained valuable experience. After completing my second summer internship, I was offered a full-time position at Ferrara West where I have the privilege of working on some high-profile jobs including the Goethals Bridge replacement project in NY/NJ. I have also been involved with the ACI student chapter serving as vice-president and currently as president. I’ve worked closely with the New Jersey ACI chapter to get the program’s students certified as ACI Felid Level 1 Testing Technician. I have also had the privilege of being one of the few students to take the class to become a Concrete Construction Special Inspector.