(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Not many young adults can say they landed an internship days after graduating from high school to get one step closer to their dream job.
But Texas State Technical College Drafting and Design student Damian Porras had that opportunity soon after representatives from Garver, an engineering, planning and environmental services firm, observed his attentiveness during their visit to his former high school.
“We were asked questions about their presentation in my architectural design class,” Porras said. “I answered most of them and asked if they had an internship available. My dream job is to be an architect. Two months later I was invited to a company gathering, where I had an interview and was hired for a summer drafting internship.”
Porras has worked at Garver for 10 months.
“I create and modify drawings, use AutoCAD software and assist with sheet work,” he said. “I was told my internship was extended . . . because I was producing good work.”
Porras is studying for an associate degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.
Mariela Ramirez is a civil 3D facilities design team leader at Garver.
“Damian’s enthusiasm for tackling challenges has enhanced productivity and inspired others to elevate their own standards,” she said.
Program instructor Samuel Pizano said Porras’ internship sets the tone for his drafting assignments.
“We look forward to seeing how Damian increases his skill set with other resources that he hasn’t used,” Pizano said.
Porras said choosing to study at TSTC has given him a broader perspective.
“My education has taught me how to be an independent thinker,” he said.
According to onetonline.org, architectural and civil drafters earn an average salary of $58,540 in Texas, where the number of such jobs was projected to increase 15% between 2020 and 2030.
In Drafting and Design, TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in Architectural/Civil Drafting Technology, Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology, and Engineering Graphics and Design Technology, as well as several certificates of completion.
To learn more about the program, go to tstc.edu/drafting.
