Alumni Spotlight

UT Tyler Soules College of Business

Name: Josh Smith

Degree/Degrees: Industrial Management

Year of Graduation: 2020

Tell us a little about you.

My name is Josh Smith, I’m an Alumni from both the industrial Technology and Industrial Management programs. Before attending UT Tyler, I attended the industrial maintenance program at Kilgore College. I currently live in Troup, TX with my wife Lanie and we share two boys; Weston and Waylon. In our free time, I coach flag football, youth basketball, and t-ball.  

 

What did you do right after graduating? 

I went to work at Carlisle Construction Materials as the regional safety manager, but due to COVID I stayed in Tyler and didn’t get a chance to travel as much.

Tell us about your current job and what you do. 

I was promoted in 2021 to the Production Supervisor of the Tyler TX branch. Carlisle Construction Materials LLC (CCM) is a diversified manufacturer and supplier of premium building products and related technologies for the commercial and residential construction markets.

How did your Soules College of Business degree help you with your current position? 

My degree gave me the foundational industry knowledge that I needed to be ready on day one of my role to contribute.

What was your favorite Soules College of Business class and why? 

My favorite class was Tech 1303- Auto Cad at the undergraduate level and at the grad level it was Tech 5331- Project Management with John Connolly

Any Soules College of Business/ UT Tyler memories you would like to share? 

 

Were you involved in any student organizations while a student here?

 

What advice would you give current Soules College of Business students? 

Pay attention in the labs, knowing how to work equipment is important in the industry. I work on the floor just as much as I work in my office.

What insight do you have for Soules College of Business students that are about to graduate on how to land their first job?

 

Apply for the job and don’t sell yourself short.