FORT WORTH, Texas — Fatima Coronado says Tarrant County College greatly impacted her success by enhancing her knowledge and putting her on a career path she loves. She selected TCC for several reasons — multiple campuses from which to choose, including one close to home; great education programs; class size; affordability.
And her timing couldn’t have been better.
In 2019 voters approved an $825 million bond proposal focused on building, improving, renovating and equipping the campus with technology essential to training the region’s future workforce. The project brought many professional opportunities, including an internship for Fatima, who was majoring in construction management technology.
Buoyed by Instructor Keith Thomas’ recommendation, she interned for Jacobs Engineering, the company providing program management. They assembled the bond team. Her internship began in September 2023, and she assisted both TCC Northwest and TCC Southeast.
That she performed well was no surprise to Thomas, who praised Fatima’s abilities in class. “Her academic achievements reflect her intelligence, hard work and ability to effectively apply her knowledge to real-world scenarios.”
As for her interest in construction management, she “communicates effectively, works well independently and part of a team/group, and approaches tasks with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.” He said he has the “utmost confidence in her ability to excel in any role she undertakes.”
In turn, Fatima credits Thomas as jump-starting her academic growth. She appreciated his availability to assist students with projects and offer advice.
“He used real-life examples from the construction industry to demonstrate how we could apply our learning in practical situations,” she said, adding that Thomas connected with students by using positive reinforcement and encouragement. “Throughout my time at TCC, I noticed that graduates would often come back to visit and share their personal work accomplishments.”
Fatima now has her own accomplishments to share. Following her graduation in fall 2023 with an Associate of Applied Science degree, she again became a bond project team member. She works as an assistant project manager for CARCON Industries & Construction, a subconsultant to Jacobs, and is based at TCC in the Offsite District Multipurpose Center.
“I would recommend TCC to anyone considering it,” she said. “It’s a great option. The classroom sizes allow students opportunities to create great relationships with professors and classmates.”
Pathway: Business & Industry
Campus: South
Construction Management Technology – Tarrant County College (tccd.edu)
Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second-lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.