CIM Student Profile

Leigha Jensen Lafferty

School: Middle Tennessee State University

Class: Senior

Expected Date of Graduation: December 2021

“The CIM program at MTSU has provided invaluable real-world knowledge, both in the classroom/lab and out of it. Every one of our professors and staff are invested in helping their students get the best education and experience possible from the program. ”

Why did you choose MTSU and the CIM program?
As a non-traditional student returning to college, I put a lot of thought into what was going to provide a good living for my family and be something I’d enjoy.

How has the CIM program prepared you for the “real world”?
Our CIM program has provided invaluable real-world knowledge, both in the classroom/lab and out of it. The CIM program at MTSU has provided invaluable real-world knowledge, both in the classroom/lab and out of it. Every one of our professors and staff are invested in helping their students get the best education and experience possible
from the program. MTSU CIM provides multiple opportunities to attend industry conferences (I attended World of Concrete and the NRMCA ConcreteWorks Conference) and they bring companies right to us to discuss internship/career opportunities.

What advice would you give to current CIM students?
Take every opportunity to get to know your professors and staff. Not only are they your starting point for and house a wealth of knowledge regarding networking and potential employers, but they will also become your biggest advocates.

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

Yes! I obtained a 2021 summer internship with Vulcan Materials in Birmingham, Ala. I gained extensive new knowledge and on-the-job experience. I was also able to utilize all aggregate knowledge I received at MTSU, especially in Vulcan’s quality control lab.

Have you been able to interact with the CIM Patrons at your school? If so, in what capacity?
I have met numerous CIM Patrons during my time in the program through attending outings like the golf tournament and skeet shoot, as well as the groundbreaking ceremony for MTSU’s new CIM building. We have also had some Patrons attend classes to speak on their experiences.