re: Private Sector vs state employment

Also, if you get an interview. Never mention the "foot in the door" line about why you want to work for them.

I've seen otherwise decent candidates get immediately rejected because they consider themselves overqualified but just want a "foot in the door."

An engineer intern job with CPRA would also give you a chance to build some professional contacts as the bidding and work process will have you working very close with private industry.