Student Calls Opportunity “A Gift and a Blessing”
PMG, a fast-growing global independent digital company, and Tarrant County College, one of the 20 largest higher education institutions in the United States offering one of the lowest tuitions among top Texas Community Colleges, is graduating the first cohort from the first-of-its-kind Digital Career Accelerator on Wednesday, May 10. Together, PMG and TCC plan to train more than 1,000 TCC students in digital, marketing and advertising foundations by 2028, creating more paths into PMG and businesses throughout Dallas/Fort Worth. Additionally, PMG has committed $50,000 in $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to program participants over the next five years.
“This partnership is creating more paths into digital careers for TCC students, empowering them with skills and training that will help them succeed across industries,” said Stacey Martin, chief people officer at PMG. “Our first cohort of students has been enthusiastic and engaged over the last eight weeks, and they are already demonstrating the promise of what this program will bring to the Dallas/Fort Worth business community.”
The program will culminate with an industry networking event, allowing graduates to learn more about local businesses and career opportunities. The event will feature a panel of business and marketing leaders from The Container Store, Omni Hotels & Resorts, HOPE Farm, and PMG. Certificates of completion and scholarships will also be awarded.
“As we, Tarrant County College, strive to meet students where they are and address the community need for fast, work ready credentials, our industry partnerships often provide the key. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with PMG, a global leader in digital advertising,” said TCC South President Dan Lufkin. “The PMG training experience offers our students the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of digital advertising and exposes them to career possibilities they may have never imagined possible.”
Dantrayl Smith, director of student development activities at TCC South, agrees. “To give our students these foundations will change lives,” he said. Smith believes the training and accreditation students receive through this program enhances TCC’s mission to “make affordable education and training a reality.”
Program graduates Domingo Martinez and Tamia Johnson both appreciate the marketing insights their training offered. Johnson, who is majoring in Marketing and has a minor in Journalism, was encouraged to learn more about the PMG program by TCC professors and staff. “It was a push I needed to advance my education and career,” she said.
Martinez, who is working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Communication, was interested in learning about marketing and working for an agency or creative team as a graphic designer. “I highly recommend this program to anyone that is wanting to learn about marketing or just overall how the agency side works,” he said. “I loved meeting all the PMG facilitators throughout the eight weeks, and I actually plan on applying to PMG for their Graduate Leadership Program.”
Johnson also sings the program’s praises. “Opportunities like PMG are rare to find when it comes to companies and industries sharing knowledgeable information. Even if you aren’t interested in digital marketing, the skills and knowledge they provide are worth the time and energy you put into the program,” she said.
As for the future, Martinez plans to focus on his Associate’s degree first so he can start his career. In the fall, Johnson plans to transfer to the University of North Texas to work on her Bachelor’s degree, continuing her focus on marketing and journalism. Beyond that, the graduate, who is the first in her family to go to college, plans to eventually complete her Ph.D.
