At 30, Candis Parker is enjoying a new career – one that she was surprised to find she wanted! Candis was an event planner and interior designer when she came to Wake Tech in 2011. She signed up for architecture classes with the goal of broadening her skills; but after three construction courses, she discovered a keen interest in construction management. She decided to pursue an associates’ degree and enrolled as a full-time student.

Candis excelled in the program, making the President’s List almost every semester. “The hands-on training and guidance from instructors helped me discover my strengths and what was right for me,” she says. Candis also became the very first recipient of a new scholarship named after Wake Tech’s president, Dr. Stephen Scott. As the first Scott Scholar, she participated in leadership development activities while pursuing her studies. “The scholarship was a great honor,” Candis says; “It really boosted my confidence.”

Candis was selected to speak at Wake Tech’s 50^th anniversary kick-off celebration, and at her spring 2013 graduation ceremony. Afterward, she jumped right into her new career. An internship at Balfour Beatty, a leader in the U.S. commercial construction industry, turned into a job offer! Candis accepted a position as a project engineer in the preconstruction department. Candis says Wake Tech helped her discover her passion and learn tools for a new career. “My experience at Wake Tech was life changing. The college helped me figure out exactly what I wanted to do.”