I am a full-time student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) majoring in Construction Management Technology (CMT) and attending classes at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). My expected graduation date is 2020. I was raised in Puerto Rico where I also obtained my high school diploma. At the age of 20 I moved to the United States and I have been living in Montgomery County for four years. I am currently employed as a construction estimator for a local subcontracting firm.
I was first introduced to USG while I was enrolled at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus. In one of my classes, the director of the CMT program came and informed us about the program’s features and benefits. There were multiple important points that drew me into the UMES CMT program.
First, the program is accredited in the state of Maryland by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE); an authority in construction education. Also, the program instructors are active field professionals, and in turn, theoretical knowledge is enriched with real field experience. Moreover, the location of the campus (right outside Washington, D.C.) is a valuable resource for construction students as it’s part of the fourth largest market for construction in the United States. Finally, and most importantly, the flexible class schedule allows me to work during the day and attend classes in the evenings.
Following my graduation from the CMT program, I plan on working as a construction project manager. I also envision myself obtaining further construction certifications and taking on a leadership role in advocating for women in construction. Thanks to the support of faculty and the USG financial aid staff, I was able to secure funding to cover the total amount of my educational expenses for this year. I strongly believe the field of construction is a great platform for my professional growth and satisfaction. Now more than ever, I am confident that I will succeed in reaching my goals!