Civil Engineer

Miles Yaw has always been a critical thinker. He enjoyed solving challenging math problems. In college, he was fascinated by the Taipei 101 skyscraper, and the ways engineers helped protect it from earthquakes and high winds.

But water, he decided, is life.

“Water changes people. It’s the essential thing,” he said. “I knew I could do a lot more good in the world if I focused on water instead of structures.”

Today, Yaw is a civil engineer with TVA. He and the team of Dam Safety inspectors, structural engineers, computer scientists and emergency preparedness experts help manage the Tennessee River and TVA’s system of dams.

The TVA river system:

• Controls flooding
• Allows boats to move along the river
• Produces power for homes and businesses
• Ensures water supply for communities
• Protects water quality
• Provides recreational opportunities

“The Tennessee River is everything,” Yaw said. “It’s the primary resource of the Valley from the very beginning – and it’s the development of that resource for the people that has made TVA so successful.”

A Day in the Life

Yaw works closely with his team. He listens to what others have to say about a project. Together, they work to make sure TVA’s dams operate safely and efficiently.

He’s studied data from floods that occurred thousands of years ago. That helps him understand how major storms may impact the river system. He can use that information to recommend changes to dams or to improve warning times and evacuation routes for communities.

Becoming an Engineer

Becoming an engineer requires a college degree in engineering. You’ll study math, engineering and design. You’ll develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking and reading comprehension.

TVA offers an internship program for college students. These paid opportunities can last a semester or longer. Interns work with TVA’s employees on critical projects across the region.

TVA hires many different types of engineers, including:

• Electrical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Nuclear engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Environmental engineering

Starting pay for an engineer is about $75,000 a year.