Our featured student this week is Neil Scruggs, a civil engineering major who worked in the construction division of TDOT under the director and the five assistant directors in all four regions of the State of Tennessee. His responsibilities were to give assistance to his superiors, which in turn taught him how the day-to-day operations run on the job.
“The construction division is responsible for contractor prequalification, bid authorization, and bid lettings for TDOT,” said Scruggs. “I worked with project plans, utility plans, TDOT specifications, constructability, and micro station while working this summer. Additionally, I toured the State of Tennessee, visiting project sites in all four regions. The first two weeks were spent learning to review plans, engage in meetings, and speak technically while working. This was done by immersing me in exercises meant to teach me the skills of the job.”
His job assignment afforded Scruggs the opportunity to work in all four regions of the state: Knoxville, Region 1; Chattanooga, Region 2; Nashville, Region 3; and Memphis, Region 4. He was able to see how construction differs in different places due to terrain and the elements.
“Observing and engaging in constructability meetings, construction field reviews, as well as meetings with contractors allowed me to observe business being conducted,” said Scruggs. “Good advice was usually given to me during these meetings from both TDOT engineers and contractors alike.”
Working for TDOT afforded Scruggs the opportunity to work on exciting projects around the state, along with strengthening his social and public speaking skills.
“I now have a much better idea of the daily operations involved with civil engineering,” said Scruggs. ” I definitely have a much clearer idea of what direction I want to go in upon graduation.”