CIM Student Profile

Tate Talamini

School: Texas State University

Class: Senior

Expected Date of Graduation: December, 2017

“A primary reason why I am confident in the career I can create in the concrete industry is because of the experiences that CIM has exposed me to outside of the classroom.”

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

I am currently attending Texas State University and plan to graduate in December, 2017.

Why did you choose this university?

I chose to attend Texas State because of the university’s reputation for developing young, educated leaders into individuals that will be able to contribute to the success of a company after graduation. I was able to see firsthand the success that graduates from Texas State could achieve through watching my older brother, Cameron, begin his career upon receiving his degree.

What made you decide to join the CIM program?

Prior to enrolling in the Concrete Industry Management program, I studied biochemistry for three years. Although I enjoyed the subject, I never truly felt comfortable with how my career would develop. I had always been interested in the construction field because of the ability to visually see the difference that was made each day while on a job site. I had little knowledge of the concrete, aggregate and cement industries, but I felt that I had found a new home in CIM after talking with Dr. Torres. Not only was I extremely interested in the subject, but I saw the potential to have a great career in a fast-paced industry.

Have you been able to take advantage of CIM’s internship program or any other special program to develop your industry knowledge?

A primary reason why I am confident in the career I can create in the concrete industry is because of the experiences that CIM has exposed me to outside of the classroom. I have been fortunate enough to attend an NRMCA national meeting, multiple ACI conferences and meeting, World of Concrete and numerous Texas Aggregate and Concrete Association (TACA) events during my time at Texas State. CIM has also exposed me to a wide variety of industry sectors through attending tours of multiple precast facilities, ready-mixed plants, cement mills and quarries. Through these experiences, I had the opportunity

to complete an internship with a prominent Houston ready-mix supplier and earn an opportunity to work with the aggregate and concrete company where I am currently interning.

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

Not only do I feel like I am entering the start of my career with vast knowledge of concrete, concrete materials and construction processes, but I know that I will be able to step into a role immediately after graduation and make a positive impact on a company. This is a testament to the quality of the program. CIM has given me the opportunity to gain real world experiences and allowed me to put into practice what I have learned in the classroom and laboratory.

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

I would advise a new member in the CIM program to be as involved as much as possible and not be afraid to dive into something with little or no previous knowledge. This industry is full of men and women that are willing to share information and their experiences to younger individuals because they truly care and know that helping others enhance their education will contribute to future improvements in the industry.