Get to know one of our talented team members! From an internship to one of our Transportation Designers, Kristen shares her journey, favorite moments, and some advice for aspiring engineers.
Can you share a bit about yourself and how you first became interested in traffic and transportation engineering?
I’m originally from Knoxville, TN, and I achieved my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Tennessee. During my time there, I participated in undergraduate research focused on transit fare policy, which was a great learning experience. I’m also a huge Vols fan and love watching them play. I also enjoy playing pickleball or spending time with friends.
My interest in traffic and transportation engineering began during my entry-level transportation engineering class in undergrad. I was fascinated by how this field is so closely tied to daily life and how much of an impact it has. I found it especially interesting to see how thoughtful designs can influence traffic flows, improve mobility, and even shape driver behavior. It’s amazing to be part of a field that directly impacts how people move through their communities.
What is your role within the CCI Transportation | Traffic team and what do you enjoy most about your work?
My role within the CCI Transportation | Traffic team is Transportation Designer. In this position, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects that cover various aspects of transportation engineering. What I enjoy most about my work is the diversity of the projects I get to be involved in and knowing that each one makes a meaningful impact on the community.
How has your role at CCI evolved since you started, and what have you learned along the way?
I began at CCI as an intern and have since transitioned into a full-time role as a Transportation Designer. During my internship, I quickly realized that the projects within transportation and traffic engineering are far more diverse than I initially expected. Along the way, I’ve also developed proficiency in key software tools like MicroStation, AGi, and ArcGIS, which have been invaluable in my role.
What’s been one of your favorite moments since joining the team?
Since joining the CCI team, one of my favorite moments was participating in the gingerbread house-building competition. It was a refreshing break from the usual school and work routine and a fun opportunity to collaborate as a team while coming up with creative themes for our designs. The funniest part was that our team forgot to bring extra materials, so we ended up scavenging the office for random snacks to decorate our house!
What advice would you give to someone considering a career or internship in engineering?
Internships are a crucial part of any engineering career, and I highly encourage anyone to take advantage of the opportunity if they can! They offer a wealth of benefits, from building connections and technical skills, to expanding your knowledge and discovering what excites you most in the field.
From a career perspective, internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and get your foot in the door. My internship at CCI allowed me to learn new software, expand my technical skillset, and ultimately led to a full-time position. Without that experience, I wouldn’t have had the same opportunities to build a strong foundation for my career.
At CCI, we’re passionate about fostering growth and creating opportunities for aspiring engineers to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, we invite you to be part of our dynamic and supportive team. Explore our open positions today!
