Jarrett Davis did not just attend the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Leadership Institute. He turned it into a launchpad for his career.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Davis studied mechanical engineering at Alabama A&M University before building a career at Caterpillar, where he now works as an autonomy and automation safety engineer. His path into the industry was shaped early through opportunities and mentorship provided by TMCF.
Davis first connected with the organization through a mentorship program, where he was paired with a corporate mentor at Capital One. The relationship proved pivotal.
“That mentorship opened the door for me,” Davis said. “It gave me insight into the corporate space and encouraged me to go after opportunities I might not have considered.”
In spring 2022, Davis secured a software engineering internship with Capital One. That same year, he attended Leadership Institute, which led to another internship offer for summer 2023. While his academic background was rooted in mechanical engineering, the experience expanded his interests into software and automation.
“I’ve always been interested in software engineering, but the program showed me what that industry really looks like,” he said. “It made everything feel more attainable.”
Davis attended Leadership Institute three times, each experience building on the last. He credits the program with sharpening his professional skills and expanding his network.
“Being able to come to one place and meet many representatives from major companies was a big help,” Davis said. “I didn’t realize how many different paths were available for engineers.”
Those connections paid off. After his first internship, Davis landed another opportunity through someone he met at Leadership Institute, this time with Caterpillar. What began as an internship evolved into multiple offers and eventually a full-time role after graduation.
Years later, Davis returned to Leadership Institute, not as a student but as a leader. He co-led a case study during Caterpillar’s immersion session, offering guidance to students who once stood where he did.
“It’s important for students to see people who look like them,” he said. “I wanted to be a welcoming face, just like others were for me. That’s how you build community and give back.”
Reflecting on his journey, Davis emphasized the lasting impact of TMCF’s programming, including interview preparation, networking and professional development.
“There’s a wealth of knowledge in those spaces,” he said. “Even the programs I didn’t directly participate in helped me grow just by being around them. It pushes you to keep going.”
