CIM Student Profile

Roger Insyxiengmay

School: Middle Tennessee State University

Class: Senior

Expected Date of Graduation: May 2017

“I joined the program because I’ve always been fascinated with infrastructure. The concrete industry sparked my interest when I realized that there will always be a demand for concrete and it’s used in everything around us.”

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

I am currently a senior at Middle Tennessee State University and intend to graduate in May 2017.

Why did you choose this university?

I chose MTSU because the facilities here for my major are second to none. I grew up in Middle Tennessee and consider myself very fortunate to be a local resident to the oldest and largest CIM program in the country. MTSU was a no-brainer decision for me because the CIM program has a great reputation within our town.

What made you decide to join the CIM program?

I joined the program because I’ve always been fascinated with infrastructure. The concrete industry sparked my interest when I realized that there will always be a demand for concrete and it’s used in everything around us. CIM was also recommended by my sister, mentor, and friends who are all alumni of the program and spoke highly of the close-knit family environment. 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’m currently at my two-month summer internship at Nael in Dubai, UAE. Nael has several different plants which include ready-mix, precast, pre-stressed hollow core slabs and cement. In the ready-mix plant, I worked in quality control and was given the task to test materials and create various mix designs. In the precast and cement plants, my responsibilities were to improve the production and operation management in the facilities.

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

The CIM program has single handedly developed me into a professional. The program constantly challenges me to improve my personal, public speaking and interview skills. The CIM lab and the program’s involvement in the community have given me numerous opportunities to get hands-on experience. CIM has taught me the management side of the industry.

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

My favorite experience is the coral reef restoration project in the Dominican Republic. MTSU’s CIM program spent two consecutive summers to help rehabilitate the small fish population. We completed 19 concrete prisms the first year and 26 the second year to help benefit the environment. What advice would you give to someone considering joining the CIM program? My advice would be to join the program without any hesitation. The program will get to know you on an individual basis and help you be successful in life. CIM will teach you how to be a professional, connect you with industry leaders and allow you to have fun while enjoying what you’re doing.