Graduate Adds Business Degree to Work Experience in Construction Industry

Tom Bille tried following the traditional route of going straight from high school to college, but it wasn’t for him. Instead, he found a job in the construction industry and realized he could see a future. He enrolled at Delaware Tech to study construction management, and three years later, he had an associate degree and a dream job.

It all began when Bille approached one of his instructors, Mark Grunza – an employee of Delaware construction management company EDiS -- about gaining work experience. This led to an internship and then to a flexible job that allows Bille to continue his education while working. He is earning his degree in business management, through a Delaware Tech connected degree program.

At EDiS, Bille works with customers doing technical sales using the knowledge gained from the College’s construction management program and on-the-job training.  “I really enjoy that I can combine my technical knowledge with business skills. I also enjoy helping my customers find solutions to their problems.”

“Tom Bille is not only very driven but continues to help his fellow classmates,” said Heidi Gurdo, Delaware Tech civil engineering instructor and Bille’s advisor. “As an alumnus, he has volunteered to mentor students and is an avid participant in the Engineering Technologies Career Expo.”

For students unsure about their futures, Bille advises them to “get the degree and the work experience. Employers really value that. Delaware Tech brought real-world experiences into the classroom, and that really helped us all.”