By Terrance Gilbert/reporter

TR students are getting a step up on careers through a new program offered by the Center for Leadership Development.

Out of 35 applicants, 15 students were selected to participate in the inaugural class this semester.

“We have a lot of students that are re-entering or planning to enter the workforce upon completing their academic studies here at TCC,” said center director Stephanie Blakely.

The Executive Class curriculum was designed around workforce needs, Blakely said.

“I found a lot of employers don’t feel many students are being given proper skills needed to be successful in a corporate setting, beyond academics that are taught traditionally,” she added.

The program requires students have at least two semesters of college work completed, a 2.5 GPA and a willingness to meet weekly with the other students.

TR student Joe Louis Ortega saw the benefits from joining the program early.

“I have over 15 years of management experience,” he said. “I found the Executive Class program to be beneficial to my personal career goals.”

Ortega said the program has opened other leadership opportunities for him on campus and assisted with networking opportunities.

Executive Class participants have obtained hands-on training and assisted with various campus activities and leadership initiatives.

“The program is teaching me the importance of effective communication and credibility,” TR sophomore Zainab Lakhani said. “When you have access and exposure to individuals like Andy Taft [Downtown Fort Worth Inc. president], it gives you a different appreciation for leadership and how to lead effectively.”

Blakely said the program adds more to what can be found in a traditional class.

“The program has a similar curriculum to what many students might find in a marketing class, but it also touches critical skills such as teamwork, event planning and performance evaluation,” Blakely said.

TR president Tahita Fulkerson said she thinks the program has great promise.

“From day one, we’ve always wanted students to play a critical role in leading this campus,” she said. “By having this new program in addition to the TR All-Stars, our students have many leadership opportunities.”

Students in the Executive Class assisted with Bill Cosby’s visit in September for the TCC Foundation and have been instrumental in assisting with the two leadership summits in addition to holding workshops open to all students, Blakely said.

“With a program like this, students are indeed entering the competitive job market with the much needed skills to be successful,” Fulkerson said.

For more information on the program or to sign up for one of the spring workshops, students can stop by the center in TREF 1501C or contact Blakely at stephanie.blakely@tccd.edu.