The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Leadership Institute gave Harris-Stowe State University senior Carlo Holmes more than a week of professional development. It gave him a pathway straight into his future career.
Holmes, a business administration and marketing major, had never attended Leadership Institute before this year, but he said the experience reshaped how he viewed both skills and his future.
“I learned so much about how to build my resume, how to present myself and how to actually network the right way,” he said. “Talking to other students from different schools and hearing their journeys was one of the best parts.”
During the event, Holmes attended breakout sessions, professional workshops and networking receptions. But a single conversation with recruiters from Gallo changed everything.
“The whole process moved so fast,” he said. “I went to a breakout session, attended the gala, had a follow-up interview the next week and then an in-person interview right after that. Before I knew it, I had a full-time job offer.”
Holmes credits TMCF with sharpening his professional readiness and giving him the tools to excel in high-stakes interviews.
“They taught me how to answer questions, tell my story, what to wear, how to research a company and even table etiquette, things people don’t always think matter but really do,” he said. “TMCF helped me build on leadership skills I already had. They elevated me.”
He said he joined TMCF because he wanted to take his career goals seriously.
“I wanted the chance to get a real job and put my degree to work after graduation,” Holmes said. “My advisor told me about TMCF and how many opportunities they open for students. I knew I needed to be a part of that.”
For students considering attending Leadership Institute or joining TMCF, Holmes doesn’t hesitate.
“Pursue the opportunity and don’t overthink it,” he said. “Leadership Institute is one of the best experiences you will ever have. Show up serious, take advantage of every room you walk into and develop yourself. If you want it, make it happen.”
