Featured in Technology Today (Volume 38, Issue 1), a quarterly publication of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center.
In an effort to engage rising young engineers and encourage them to leverage their knowledge and skills for public service in Louisiana, DOTD facilitates two exciting training programs—the Co-Op Program (organized in partnership with six Louisiana universities) and the Engineering Resource Development Program (ERDP).
While Co-Op is designed for undergraduate students in civil engineering (see an article on our most recent cohort in Technology Today, Volume 37 Issue 4), ERDP provides college graduates with entry-level engineering opportunities across DOTD, enabling them to gain a comprehensive view of the department’s various functions prior to placement.
Both of these programs frequently serve as a forerunner to full-time employment in the department, making them invaluable not only for participants’ education and careers but for the health of the state’s transportation workforce as well. LTRC’s Publications Team recently hosted a conversation with four Co-Op/ERDP alumni to learn about their time within the program and how those formative experiences launched their thriving transportation careers.
How did you first learn about the Co-Op/ERDP program, and what motivated you to participate?
Hadi Shirazi, Traffic Engineering Management, DOTD (Retired): I was approached by a representative of Mr. Joe Baker in March 1991 as I was finishing my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Mississippi. The ERDP program was just beginning, and he explained how it was set up and its potential benefits for a young engineer like me.
Mathilda Rilovich, Traffic Engineering Development Administrator, DOTD: I worked for a private engineering firm for a few years, and after leaving, I traveled for a couple years. When I finally returned to the real world, my job opportunities were limited due to the big gap in my resume. I had no idea what I was really signing up for (with ERDP), but it turned out to be a wonderful blessing.
Justin Schexnayder, Transportation Department Manager, HNTB Gulf Coast: In 2007, while working in the LSU College of Engineering office, my supervisor, Don Eisenberg, introduced me to the Co-Op Program. Don was working with alumni to build a new asphalt lab in honor of their father, and it was through his foresight and encouragement that I decided to explore the Co-Op opportunity. As I approached graduation in 2009, the economy was facing significant challenges, and most engineering firms had frozen hiring. Fortunately, my involvement in the Co-Op Program provided me with the connections needed to apply for ERDP, which became a critical step in launching my career.
What was the most enjoyable and/or rewarding aspect of your time in the Co-Op/ERDP program?
Corey Mayeux, Technology Transfer Engineer, LTRC: The relationships that I built during that time are priceless. Additionally, I learned a ton and felt like I made meaningful contributions to several projects.
HS: The opportunity to meet and get to know personnel in different sections of the department, and to learn how each section contributes uniquely to the whole of DOTD. I really enjoyed growing to understand and respect the functionality of each individual unit.
MR: I met a lot of great people, and it was interesting to see how diverse the department really is. Most people might think DOTD just builds roads, but there are so many other areas like bridge, safety, environmental, soils/foundations, surveying, even aviation! The most enjoyable moments were two field trips I went on—one to the New Orleans International Airport, where we got a tour of the flight control tower fourteen stories in the air, and another where we flew DOTD’s own airplane to take some aerial imagery. The pilot even let me take control of the plane for a few minutes while we were in the air!
JS: The most rewarding aspect of my time in the program was the relationships that I built. I had the opportunity to work alongside people from all over the world, gaining insights into their diverse cultures and research perspectives. These connections had endured over the years, and I still enjoy reconnecting with many of them at engineering conferences and events.
How did your time in the Co-Op/ERDP program prepare you for a long-term career within DOTD?
CM: As a student, the Co-Op program was a great opportunity for me to get hands-on engineering experience and make connections with others across the department. These connections also led to my first job out of college within the department.
HS: I was one of the first participants in the ERDP program, and I spent 26 months gaining experience in delivering projects within the department. I learned how and with whom to communicate, how to request items and tasks, and how to accomplish and deliver projects throughout the department. This prepared me well for a 34-year career in the department, all the way to my retirement in August 2024.
What would you say to a student or recent graduate considering applying to participate in the Co-Op/ERDP program?
CM: I would say that it is a great opportunity to learn about the department and possibly find yourself a role with the department after graduation. No matter what, it will definitely make a positive contribution to your long-term future as an engineer.
HS: Employees who can rotate roles and develop their skills are more motivated in their work, leading to improved performance. A program like ERDP can help people understand their strengths and limitations, maximizing their performance capability and increasing their feeling of value within the department.
MR: I would say, “Go for it!” The program allows you to see diversity among the various engineering disciplines. When I was in college, the curriculum ranged from structural, environmental, geotechnical, water, and more—and after graduating, I still wasn’t “in love” with any specific discipline. ERDP allowed me to experience what it would be like working in those fields day in and day out. I quickly realized what type of work I did and did not enjoy doing. Eventually, I ended up in Traffic Engineering, which I didn’t even know existed when I was in school, and it has been an exciting journey for the last nine years.
JS: Do it! The Co-Op/ERDP programs offer invaluable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to the industry that you simply can’t get from the classroom alone. It is a chance to apply what you’ve learned, build lasting relationships, and set yourself apart in a competitive job market.
As you look to the future, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?
CM: Simply put, I just want to make a positive contribution to the people and the state of Louisiana. If, at the end of my career, I feel I have done that, then I will consider it a success.
HS: I want to help organizations identify and develop workforce talent. By exposing new employees to different areas of the department, I am able to identify individuals with a natural aptitude for certain roles or functions and provide them with additional training and development opportunities.
MR: I’d like to continue working in Traffic Engineering to uphold and write new SOPs that make our processes more efficient. I also want to ensure that traffic studies are data-driven and meet the critical needs of the public. It is so important to be a good steward of state and federal funds to produce high-quality infrastructure throughout Louisiana. I take pride in my work, and it gives me a sense of fulfillment to know that I am helping the community. Over the next 20 years, who knows… maybe I’ll become the Chief Engineer. Stay tuned!
JS: My hope is to contribute to solutions that enhance connectivity, safety, and quality of life for all people. Beyond the technical work, I am passionate about training and mentoring the next generation of engineers. I believe it is important to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained, not just in terms of technical skill but also in fostering emotional intelligence and other soft skills, which are essential for effective leadership and collaboration. As I continue to grow as a leader, I aim to inspire others to approach transportation with an open mindset—one that values both the physical infrastructure we build and the relationships that drive its success.
For more information on the Co-Op and ERDP Programs, contact Stacey Wilton, LTRC's Education Outreach Program Manager at (225) 767-9141 or stacey.wilton@la.gov.