From STC to industry leader: Alum named Civil Engineer of the Decade

This paid piece is sponsored by Southeast Technical College.

From his hometown of Herreid to ranking among the best in the world, Cory Bauer’s career journey in engineering began at Southeast Technical College.

Bauer was named Top Civil Engineer of the Decade in 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals, or IAOTP. The prestigious international networking organization hand-picks the world’s top-tier professionals from different industries.

Cory Bauer was honored for his selection as Top Civil Engineer of the Year in 2023 and was featured on the famous Nasdaq Billboard in Times Square.

His award was presented at the organization’s annual awards gala.

After graduating with an associate degree in 1997, Bauer went on to earn two bachelor’s degrees, work as a project manager, become a vice president and then open his own engineering firm, Eternal Infrastructure Consulting.

“Southeast Tech was my foundation,” Bauer said. “Through hands-on training, you get to ‘test’ a career in a non-job environment. I really got a feel for what I will be doing in industry. I knew I wanted to become a civil engineer while attending Southeast Tech because I was getting to see what they do on a day-to-day basis.”

Let’s learn more!

What first interested you in civil engineering?

I struggled choosing a career path. I wanted to do everything. First, I wanted to become a commercial pilot. However, I have always loved math and science, and learned that land surveying had a lot to do with math. At STC, I had classes in the civil engineering field. I thought it would be an interesting career path and set my mind on it.

What made you choose Southeast Tech to begin your education?

I had researched places to get a civil engineering technology degree. STC was a newer, upcoming two-year college. Located in the beautiful city of Sioux Falls and knowing some people locally, I knew it was the place for me.

When you came to STC, did you intend to continue your education and pursue additional degrees, or is that something you decided to do after graduating?

Toward the second semester of my first year, I became interested in a 2+2 program offered by St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. STC students graduating with a two-year civil engineering technology career could extend their education and get a bachelor’s degree. While at SCSU, I became more interested in civil engineering and earned a bachelor’s degree.

What is your favorite thing about being a civil engineer?

The challenge. It’s always a new day, and that provides a new design challenge. There are so many things that come with the profession. So many people to know and interact with. So many ideas that can be had. I think my favorite though is coming up with my own design and making it work, so that is very rewarding.

What are some projects you’ve completed over the past 20 years that you are particularly proud of?

I was the lead engineer on a $1.2 billion project that fed electricity to the oil fields in northwest North Dakota. The project consisted of 210 miles of double circuit 345kV transmission line designed on drilled pier concrete foundations.

I’ve also been blessed to design numerous transmission line engineering projects, ranging from distribution voltages up to 500kV, as well as other civil engineering-related projects, including a railroad spur, erosion control, watersheds, substation building and transformer foundations, oil containment systems, water retention ponds, land reclamations, performance studies on optical ground wire, ice protection designs, cathodic protection projects and many types of surveying projects.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your career?  How did you overcome those challenges?

I found it challenging to bridge the gap between theory and practice as well as adapting to the work dynamics of fast-paced environments. To overcome this challenge, I learned from senior engineers and grasped hands-on experience when available. Make sure to always ask questions, and soak in information. With these challenges comes opportunity for growth.

Tell us a little more about Eternal Infrastructure Consulting. How did you make the decision to start your own consulting company?

At the end of one of my career experiences with a utility in Indianapolis, the director of engineering came up to me and told me point-blank that I should start my own firm. It took me a couple of years to embark on that journey. Knowing it would be hard work, but with a little added confidence and dedication, I was able to launch the idea.

What are some of your favorite memories at STC?

There are so many, but some memories that stand out are the friendships that I made, getting to know the instructors and just having fun learning in class. It is so down-to-earth at STC; it was hard not to be comfortable in every class and excel with your classmates. I remember it being one of the best educational experiences I’ve had.

What advice do you have for students looking for a career in civil engineering?

If you love math and physics and are into the physical and natural environment, civil engineering is for you. Civil engineering is a rewarding pathway through life. You will never be bored as new designs and challenges emerge every day. There are many subdisciplines — find your niche, and soak in as much information you can. Become a leader, and share your knowledge every step of the way.