STC takes alumnus’ career to the next level
In 2020, Rey Tejada earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from STC, which afforded him a promotion with Workforce Solutions Cameron, where he currently serves as the Business Service Manager.
It took a while for Rey Tejada to find the college he could call home, but when he finally landed at South Texas College, he understood why no other place had worked out.
What Tejada called a “semester off” turned into a decade, and although at the time he had a good-paying job, his heart still lingered for a degree and a career.
“I was the only one in my family without a college education, without a degree, and I needed to change that,” said the Brownsville native. “Plus, I begin to realize that experience alone wasn’t going to be enough for a promotion. I knew I needed a degree.”
The 42-year-old said STC had exactly what he was looking for in terms of affordability, flexibility and quality of education.
“STC was the best fit for me,” said Tejada. “I could work, complete my degree online and not go into debt. I knew this was going to take me to the next level.”
And it did. In 2020, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from STC, which afforded him a promotion with Workforce Solutions Cameron, where he currently serves as the Business Service Manager.
“I wasn’t due to graduate when this position became available and I struggled on whether to apply or not,” he said. “I knew my 10+ years of experiences wasn’t going to cut it, but I spoke with upper-level management, and they encouraged me to apply. I’m so glad I did.”
“STC was the best fit for me. I could work, complete my degree online and not go into debt. I knew this was going to take me to the next level.”
Tejada said he is fortunate that they gave him a chance and he knows they did because he was working toward a degree, and he had been able to prove that his training and knowledge was an asset to the organization.
“STC helped me learn, sharpen and define my skills,” said Tejada. “With guidance from my professors I gained the fundamentals and foundation I needed to build a career upon. Now numerous doors of opportunity are open to me. STC inspires learning and education.”
In the coming year, Tejada said he’s going to explore possibly pursuing a master’s degree in business management or organizational leadership to continue growing.
“STC became my ultimate home. It started a whole new chapter for me,” he said. “STC has something for everyone, that’s the message I like to spread. I recommend it all the time. If it improved my life and career outlook, it can for anyone.”
For more information on STC’s Bachelor’s Degree programs, visit bachelors.southtexascollege.edu.
Registration for spring 2023 is underway. Classes begin January 17.