When Natasha Janicki first enrolled in Mid-State’s Civil Engineering Technology–Highway Technician program, she wasn’t sure college was the right path for her. Growing up with a mom who worked in civil engineering, she always knew she wanted to work in the field, operating heavy machinery, moving earth, and building roads and bridges. But sitting in a classroom? That felt distant from the real action.

After seven credits in the program, Natasha made the difficult decision to leave school and dive straight into the workforce. She quickly found a job doing field work—hot days on asphalt, early mornings, and physically demanding labor. At first, she was proud to be out there working with her hands and earning a paycheck. But over time, a harsh reality set in: while she was gaining valuable experience, the path to advancement was unclear. 

“I saw that the people who moved quickly into leadership and decision-making roles had something I didn’t—a degree,” she recalls. That realization sparked a shift in mindset. Natasha returned to Mid-State, more focused and driven than ever. 

“Coming back, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the coursework,” she says, remembering her Cemented Aggregate Mixtures class. “I discovered I have a real passion for materials engineering and solving problems in creative ways. I loved mastering what’s needed to get something like a simple concrete mix just right, and knowing that if you don’t, everything flips on its head.”

With college finally clicking, Natasha began seeking opportunities to apply what she was learning. One year into the program, she reached out to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), and with a bit of persistence landed a paid internship as a transportation specialist. This allowed her to work part-time with flexible hours while finishing her degree. She started doing real Civil 3D design work and project documentation for WisDOT. After a year and approaching graduation, her position was enhanced to include roles as project materials coordinator and project leader. 

But as much as Natasha is learning on the job, she credits Mid-State faculty for ensuring she’s prepared.

“My instructors have been amazing mentors,” she says. “Whatever I'm not catching at the DOT as an intern, I am most certainly catching during lecture and labs with all they bring.” 

Following graduation Natasha will transition to a full-time position as a senior transportation specialist for WisDOT, and she’s looking forward to even more variety in that role.

“At the DOT, they do it all—from design to on-site surveying and inspection—I’ll get to see and be part of all aspects of road and bridge construction, which is just perfect for me,” she says. “It’s nice to be behind a computer during the winter months, but as the weather changes, I’m itching to get back into the action on job sites.” 

Leaving school early and working her way back with determination has made Natasha’s graduation this spring especially meaningful. Her story is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line. “Stepping away from school wasn’t a failure—it was a necessary detour that clarified my goals and strengthened my will to succeed,” she says. “Going back to school was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” 

And her mom is just as happy with that decision. “She’s absolutely thrilled with it,” says Natasha. “She loves to see me as her ‘mini-me,’ and I love it too.” It’s also a bit of a competition, she adds. “My mother graduated from Mid-State in 2007 with silver honors cords. It’s incredible to be following in her footsteps, and I just found out I’ll even be wearing silver cords too.” 

Check out our "What's Next" project on Facebook for more inspiring success stories and future plans from Mid-State's spring 2025 grads.