As a high school student, Isaiah Cano took an introduction to engineering class that set him on a path to pursue engineering as a career. He chose civil engineering as his major in college and graduated from Texas A&M University – Kingsville in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.
Before graduating, Isaiah completed an internship at Hanson, working for the infrastructure market at the company’s Corpus Christi, Texas, office. This was another step on his path to becoming an engineer. When asked what he hoped to achieve during his internship, Isaiah said, “I hope to gain knowledge in the field and get some hands-on experience working with professional engineers.”
His internship yielded valuable work experience and a full-time employment offer from Hanson. Today, he works as a roadway designer at the Corpus Christi office, assisting with a variety of design work for roadways and drainage systems.
Here, Isaiah talks more about his career and what drives him at work and in life.
What led me to pursue this career?
I took an introduction to engineering class in high school, and that’s what really piqued my interest in the field of engineering. And it made me want to pursue it even further.
What I do on a typical day on the job:
Most of the time, I am in the office doing geometric design for roads. I also help with drafting on roadway projects. I also have done a few drainage analyses for some projects, with the help of others.
My favorite part of my job:
By far, the favorite part about my job is being able to work with others in the same field. And even better is getting the opportunity to learn from others and using that to grow in my career path.
Notable projects I have worked on:
The South Staples Street reconstruction from Baldwin Boulevard to Kostoryz Road in Corpus Christi. Hanson was the prime consultant on this roadway reconstruction project for the city of Corpus Christi. The project involved drainage, public development and environment study documentation, public involvement, roadway support and utility coordination.
What I like to do when I’m not working:
I love to collect sports trading cards, whether it’s football, basketball or baseball.