The Transition from

College to the
Engineering Work Force
Katherine McGinnis, E.I.
ETI Corporation

My Background
CBU Student 2006-2010
Bachelor's Civil Engineering 2010
Concentration:Construction & Transportation
Pre- Graduation:
Summer 2006: Surveyor's Aid- Pickering Firm
May 2007-July 2008: Intern- Allen & Hoshall
July 2008-June 2009: Project Coordinator- Airfield Etc.

My Background
Post-Graduation:
January 2011-February 2012: Operation SpecialistConstruction Division- TDOT
February 2012- Present: E.I.- ETI Corp.

TDOT
GTA- Graduate Transportation Associate
-Rotated through all the major divisions within
TDOT. (ex. Right of Way, Environmental,
Structures, Maintenance, Survey, Bridge
Inspection, Hydraulics, Traffic, Materials)
-Operations Specialist in Construction Division:
*Managed & Inspected Roadway
Construction Projects
50+Hrs/week

TDOT- CNK201
Built Right Turn Lane for section of SR45 in
Nashville with drainage improvements.

TDOT-CNK201

TDOT-CNK 364
The Repair of 14 Bridges over I-440 in
Nashville.
Scope: Bridge Deck Repair, Repaving
Approaches, Replacing Sidewalk
Approaches, Drilling Access Portals into
Bridge Channels.
Traffic Control Nightmare!

ETI Corp.
General Engineering Design
Unique Design Opportunities.
Main Project: Delta Heritage Project Phase III-IV
Ongoing Work: SWPPP Updates for TDOT Projects in
Western Tennessee
On Hold: Realignment of Hurricane Creek @ Memphis
International Airport

ETI Corp.- Delta Heritage Project

Phase III- Currently out for Bid
6.86 Mile Rails to Trails Project
3 Bridge conversions
1 Box Culvert
Trailhead Design
Parking Improvements at Visitor Center
Lakeview, AR to Elaine, AR

ETI Corp.- Delta Heritage Project

Phase IV- Currently in Design
13 Mile Paved Road atop Mississippi
Levee w/Shared Bicycle Access
13 Mile Rails to Trails Project
7 Bridge Conversions
1 Trailhead
Overlook at Arkansas River
Arkansas City to Yancopin, AR

Transitioning Into the Workforce

Lesson 1- You Learned Nothing in College
Lesson 2- Everyone Knows More than You, so
Ask Questions!
Lesson 3- Actual Salary<<Expected Salary
Lesson 4- Should Have Learned More
Engineering Programs!

Transitioning Into Workforce

Hardest things to learn on job:
Political Nature of Civil Engineering
Processes of Design Submittals
Permiting
No Procrastination!

Transitioning Into Workforce

Not guaranteed a job post graduation. (7
months jobless), so....
Be Involved! Join ASCE & other professional
organizations.
Network!
Get Experience! Work Internships (even if not
paying), learn AutoCAD.

Transitioning Into Workforce

Dont limit yourself to one area of expertise.
-On my last project: Transportation, Structural, Hydraulic,
& Geotechnical Elements
Expect the unexpected!
Take on Leadership/Responsibility Role
You WILL make mistakes. Learn from them.
Enjoy what you do!

Best Day at TDOT

Spent the day in the HELP Truck, assisting
stranded motorists.

Worst Day at TDOT

OSHA Site Visit

Best Day at ETI

Best Day at ETI

Best Day at ETI

Advice
Go to Class
Seek Part-Time Work at a Firm
Build Your Resume
Enjoy Your First 2 Years of College (Easiest by far)
Build Relationships with Professors and Upperclassmen
(theyll help you!).
Pass FE exam before graduation.

Questions??
If you need advice,
Katie.e.mcginnis@gmail.com