Herff's Construction Management certificate helps Cristian Fernandez fast-track career
July 31, 2026
Cristian Fernandez graduated from high school in 2019 and went straight to work in the construction industry, but he always knew that he’d need to continue his education to earn the role he sought, a position in management.
“I didn’t know what to pursue. I knew that civil engineering was an option, but thankfully I ran into this program at the University of Memphis and it seemed a lot faster than pursuing a four-year degree. I’ve always wanted to transition into a leadership role in construction management,” Fernandez said.
Now 25 and a full-time field engineer at Flintco, Fernandez is just one semester away from earning his certificate in construction management. As a working adult responsible for paying his own mortgage and utilities, along with other various bills, Fernandez said the program’s flexibility helped him earn that education without distracting from his daily duties.
“It’s very flexible,” Fernandez said. “I got a lot on my plate, so I have to work full-time. So this program worked very well. It allows me to work a full-time job, get enough income to pay my bills and also get the benefit of education. And, the classes are after work two times a week from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. So, they’re manageable for any adult or any younger person my age that wants to continue their education.”
With those classes offered in real time, both online and in person, Fernandez was able to complete his first course from Alabama before moving back to Memphis to attend his remaining classes in person.
And those classes aren’t just taught by professors at the University of Memphis. Frequently, industry leaders from construction companies like Flintco, which is currently working on a massive project at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, come in to teach a class.
“Seeing that these individuals have a high role in this industry and they are taking time out of their day to come and teach us useful tactics that are going to benefit all of us, it’s a very valuable experience because, I mean, it takes a lot of work and a lot of discipline,” Fernandez said.
The program costs $10,000, broken up into $3,000 per course for the first three courses and $1,000 for the final course, and certain companies may offer employees financial aid to earn the certificate. Given his current position and his future outlook, Fernandez said the investment has been well worth it.
“There’s no doubt whatsoever, it was completely worth it,” Fernandez said. “Honestly, I didn’t know that I was going to be in the position I’m in today when I decided to start the program. I just wanted to take the course for the benefit of the knowledge that came with it. I didn’t know that I would get a new job or that it would open more opportunities, more doors. So, I’m definitely glad that I invested in this program.”
Once Fernandez completes his final two courses, construction estimating and contracts and laws, he feels that, with his hands-on knowledge and his education in management practices, he’ll be able to climb the ladder at Flintco and enjoy the company’s positive work culture and benefits until the day he retires.
“These guys in the field, they know how things are put together. You combine that with a firm grasp of management practices and, honestly, I believe you’re unstoppable,” Fernandez said.