(WACO) – Graduation can be a stressful time, but Texas State Technical College Building Construction Technology student Courtney Seelhorst of Plano is a pro.
“It’s a little weird when people remind me that I already have two degrees, but this one is just as cool, if not cooler,” said Seelhorst. “And I’m going to be doing something I really like.”
Seelhorst is a candidate for graduation for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology at TSTC’s Spring 2018 Commencement at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 30, at the Waco Convention Center. TSTC will grant more than 380 associate degrees and certificates to graduates.
According to the National Association of Women in Construction, approximately 939,000 women were employed in various occupation sectors of the construction industry. Women now make up 9.1 percent of the construction industry in the United States.
“This industry is changing and growing. You’re starting to see more women involved.” Seelhorst said. “As long as you show up, work hard and don’t be afraid to ask questions, anyone can do it and be successful and respected.”
Seelhorst’s goal is to be a project manager for commercial construction projects. She has been sifting through job offers, with one in San Antonio standing out.
“Most people think residential and that would be fun, but I love the idea of doing big stuff and working with various fields and being more creative with it,” she said.
Seelhorst has donned the collegiate cap and gown before.
She decided after earning her bachelor’s degree in Health Science Studies and master’s degree in Sport Management from Baylor University that she wanted to change course.
“I knew I wanted to work with my hands but I didn’t know how to do anything, anything at all,” said Seelhorst. “So I figured I should go to school and learn and TSTC is right here in Waco and its reputation speaks for itself.”
After graduating from Baylor with her second degree in 2013, Seelhorst worked with a soft tissue rehab company for a little more than three years.
“I enjoyed it but it got kind of boring. While I loved helping people, I realized this was not my forever,” said Seelhorst.
About that time, the gym Seelhorst worked out at was moving and constructing a new facility.
“I was helping them and I realized that I really liked seeing all these pieces come together from the ground up; seeing nothing become something,” she said. “It’s creative and there’s collaboration with all the different fields and it’s a really awesome feeling to create.”
The leap from the medical field to construction caught no one more off guard than Seelhorst’s mom.
“My mom thought I was crazy when I first told her, but after I explained what I wanted to do and why, she supported me fully,” said Seelhorst. “She’s always been really supportive of me in everything I do.”
Seelhorst will leave the program with the respect of her classmates and instructors.
“She’s a great student and a hard worker. I know she’s got several companies interested in her and they should be,” said Michael Carrillo, an instructor in the Building Construction Technology program.
For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
