Engineers Week highlights the crucial role of skilled professionals in building and maintaining our infrastructure. At the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the Engineers in Training (EIT) program serves as a vital launchpad for budding engineers, including those who may contribute to the advancements within the Motor Vehicle Division and across the entire department. This program offers recent college graduates invaluable practical training and hands-on experience, effectively preparing them for successful engineering careers within ADOT and potentially impacting divisions like the Arizona Department Of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division in the long run. Notably, ADOT Director Jennifer Toth herself began her distinguished career as an EIT, underscoring the program’s effectiveness.
Jimmy Naujokaitis, P.E., a Senior Resident Engineer in ADOT’s Central District in Phoenix, is a testament to the EIT program’s success. Joining in 2013, Jimmy emphasizes the program’s unique ability to provide a holistic view of ADOT’s multifaceted operations. “Being in the EIT program meant working in groups ranging from traffic and roadway design to maintenance and materials testing,” Jimmy stated. This diverse exposure allowed him to witness firsthand how various ADOT departments collaborate seamlessly to achieve project completion, a synergy that benefits all aspects of ADOT’s work, potentially including projects related to the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division. He further added, “One of the biggest benefits from rotating among specialties was making business contacts that have continued to pay dividends during my career,” highlighting the program’s long-term professional advantages.
Erica Eggen, a 17-year ADOT veteran, shares a similar positive experience. While engineering was in her blood, Erica discovered her passion for roadway design engineering through the EIT program. “With the EIT program, I learned about the different jobs that people have at ADOT,” Erica explained. This exploration was crucial in answering the pivotal question many college graduates face: “Where do I fit in?” Erica believes, “I feel like the EIT program does a really good job seeing what people do and where people fit in,” emphasizing its role in career path discovery within ADOT, an organization that encompasses diverse functions, potentially including engineering roles relevant to the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.
Matt Steiner, who joined the EIT program in 2023, considers it “the best professional decision” he has made. He highlights the supportive and nurturing environment at ADOT. “I think the people here at ADOT are really helpful and caring and they genuinely want you to learn.” Matt also valued the dynamic nature of the program, “I actually really enjoyed the way that you would change jobs every few months. It was very dynamic,” and concluded, “It gives you this opportunity to find out what you actually like.” This sentiment resonates with the core purpose of the EIT program: to provide a platform for young engineers to explore various facets of transportation engineering within ADOT and find their niche, contributing to the overall strength of departments across ADOT, potentially including even the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division through indirect support and shared knowledge.
The Arizona Department of Transportation’s EIT program stands as a testament to ADOT’s commitment to fostering the next generation of engineering talent. By providing diverse experiences and a supportive environment, ADOT not only strengthens its workforce but also empowers young engineers to build fulfilling and impactful careers within transportation, potentially contributing to all areas, including advancements and efficiency within the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.
