At a glance
"The experiences you will get here, the work you will do, and the reputation our school has of graduation will put you in a better spot when you are looking for a job.”
Thad Grierson
Editor Note: Thad continued his Alfred State career by moving on to the Alfred campus to pursue a degree in construction management.
Family stories about projects his grandparents did working with their hands led Thad Grierson to Alfred State College and the building construction major. Those stories led him to want to try his hand in the field.
“I chose Alfred State for their emphasis on hands-on learning. I have found that when I am working through what I am learning I comprehend better. I like that I am always on my feet and that I get to move around. I am an active person and like being outside. Every single day here I get to enjoy the outdoors.”
Thad did not enter his education experience with experience in the field. “On my first day, I walked up to a professor and told them I had zero experience. He told me not to worry that he would get me through. Today, I am a successful carpenter and have multiple opportunities to get into construction management positions.”
Thad has been part of many projects during his studies. He has framed roofs on different houses and has been part of the building of an industrial level barn for the town of Wellsville.
"The experiences you will get here, the work you will do, and the reputation our school has of graduation will put you in a better spot when you are looking for a job.”
On top of his studies, Thad is a member of the men’s soccer team at the college, a student ambassador for his academic program, and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
“In soccer and especially with building trades you are always with other people. Being able to communicate with them successfully, being able to settle disputes is a big lesson that I have learned here.”
Thad knows he will never be bored with building trades and he is going to nail his career.