Steven Tims ‘11 is the director of operations at Raven Industries — one of the largest engineering, technology and manufacturing companies in South Dakota. The company is divided into three segments; Applied Technology, Engineered Films and Raven Aerostar. Through these divisions, Raven is the leader in precision agriculture, high performance specialty films, and aerospace and defense solutions.
Tims oversees operations for the Engineered Films Division. In his role, he is responsible for oversight of seven locations across the U.S. and more than 300 team members. Through his leadership, each person in operations works to support the company’s mission to provide innovative films for the critical protection of our earth’s natural resources.
Tims' career began at Raven more than 10 years ago as an intern during his sophomore year at Augustana. His dedication to excellence led to a full-time job offer well before his senior year. Tims started in the Information Technology (IT) Department, giving him the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization’s success. Within three years at Raven, Steven became the youngest director of IT in company history. Through his various roles, Tims has been involved with numerous acquisitions, company expansions and the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution for the organization. Since 2019, Tims has been responsible for Manufacturing, Inventory Management, Planning, Training, Safety and Industrial Engineering Departments in the Engineered Films Division. In addition to his expansive role at Raven, Tims is a graduate of Leadership South Dakota and a member of the Augustana Alumni Council.
Q: How did you decide to attend Augustana?
A: I grew up in Sioux Falls and had visions of leaving town for college. I originally planned on attending college in the Twin Cities and had even narrowed my choices to a couple of schools. I was very interested in science during high school when I took AP (advanced placement) biology and chemistry. Some of my teachers recognized my science interests and suggested Augustana. I knew it had great programs for pre-med and biology, but still wanted to leave Sioux Falls. As I researched Augie more, I was impressed and included it as a top choice. What sold it for me was really my campus tours and meetings with professors and students. I remember meeting with Professor of Chemistry Dr. (Gary) Earl, and he introduced me to other students in the program. The more time I spent on campus, the more I could see myself here. It felt like this was where I was supposed to be. It was also an added bonus that my high school sweetheart (and now, wife) decided to go to Augustana for nursing.
Q: You arrived at Augustana pre-med, but changed to computer information systems and business administration. How did you make those choices?
A: Technology has always been something that intrigues me. As a hobby, I used to build computers and help set up home automation systems. I started taking some computer science classes my freshman year. I credit the experiential learning of internships for helping me discover my passions. I interned at both the surgical hospital and Raven as a sophomore. At the hospital, I spent less time doing work with patients and more time on IT (information technology) and working on the business side. My internship at Raven also exposed me to the business and organizational opportunities there. After those experiences, I changed my majors to business administration and computer information systems.
Q: How was your transition to full-time employment unique?
A: By junior year, I was working full-time for Raven, and I credit Augustana with allowing me to flourish. My professors helped me be flexible with classes. I was even able to take on work projects as case studies and gain credit while trying to solve real life challenges. My story is really unique and Augie helped me to be successful in my career.
Q: What has been the best part about working at Raven?
A: The investment they made in me is incredible. We care deeply about our employees. Raven took a chance on me as a college student without any experience and began to offer me challenges that stretched me. I started as an IT technician intern and that led to a team supervisor role while I was still at Augie. I was mentored and challenged. I became the director of IT for almost a decade. I transitioned to my current role as director of operations two years ago. At each step, Raven provided opportunities to stretch beyond my existing skill set while solving difficult problems.
Q: How did Augustana help prepare you for your career?
A: At Augustana, the best lesson taught is that you should always be learning. Augie provided numerous experiential learning opportunities. I remember one project management course where we worked with a local business and helped create a website and project plan. Moving from theoretical to practical problem solving was incredibly rewarding. I also had to write about my experience with each internship and the reflection helped clarify what I valued. If I would have been only learning from a book, I would probably be in a different place.
Q: The pandemic has impacted both students and alumni alike. What advice would you give to those looking to jump into the workforce?
A: Don’t limit yourself and don’t let fear lead your decision making. Try to get your foot in the door and know the opportunity to learn and prove yourself at the ground floor can lead to greater opportunities. As for college students, I have three words: internships, internships, internships. Jump into experiential learning as soon as possible, even if it is a volunteer opportunity as a freshman. Experience is a powerful teacher and it can provide clarity.
Q: What is one final piece of advice for a successful career?
A: Surround yourself with great people and find mentors that truly care about your success and see your true potential. I have had great mentors in my life — whether through education or my career, and each mentor has taught or challenged me in some way.