CIM Student Profile

Dimitriy O. Petrov

School: Middle Tennessee State University

Class: Senior

Expected Date of Graduation: May 2018

“The program provides great job placement, great professors, great people and an overall great learning environment. I have never been so close with this many other students, as well as professors from my classes as I am in the CIM program.”

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

I am a senior at MTSU and intend to graduate in May, 2018.

What made you decide to join the CIM program?

I initially checked into the CIM program after deciding I was no longer interested in mechanical engineering. Growing up surrounded by construction and being a laborer since the age of 13, I knew that there was more to building and that I had a passion for it. I was familiar with construction, but concrete was all very new to me. After reaching out and speaking with several CIM alumni and hearing their positive experiences, I decided to apply to the program. It was clear that the CIM program was where I belonged after meeting with Dr. Heather Brown.

What are your career goals?

I want to bring innovation to the industry through improved products and processes. With my background in design and engineering, I feel I am well-equipped to help invent, create and implement changes to advance our industry.

Did you participate in an internship while at MTSU?

I had the opportunity to intern at Wirtgen America, working with an exemplary boss, Nick Maupin. During my four-month long internship, I served as a field service engineer and worked to resolve customer issues and was a liaison for Wirtgen. Working mostly in the slip-form paving division, I brought my knowledge of concrete science to help achieve desired results, troubleshoot and train others to properly use our products.

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

The CIM program requires students to actively participate within the industry in order to graduate. Nicole Green has done a great job recruiting companies to visit campus and meet with CIM students, allowing us the opportunity to meet employers, find internships and gain industry experience.

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

If you love construction, I would highly recommend checking out the CIM program. The program provides great job placement, great professors, great people and an overall great learning environment. I have never been so close with this many other students, as well as professors from my classes as I am in the CIM program.