JUSTIN TALKEN

PROJECT MANAGER

SUPERINTENDENT

FROM: Taos (Jefferson City), Missouri

THEN: Bachelors of Science in Construction Management – May 2007

NOW: Grand Construction, Kansas City, Missouri

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT & CAREER PATH:

    Justin’s career path in construction began as a general laborer for a home builder company in Jefferson City, Missouri. Throughout college, he worked a variety of construction and landscaping jobs, “Those jobs made the transition to construction management much smoother than if I had never been a part of the job site culture.”

    Justin landed an internship his last two summers at MSU. This internship turned into a full-time position as a project engineer. He quickly excelled and accepted a promotion as an onsite assistant project manager/ superintendent – these roles developed excellent communication skills and positive relationships, “I eventually became a project superintendent and owner’s representative helping with the design and construction of several facilities for and with Sporting Kansas City and USA soccer.”

    Currently, Justin is the Project Manager of a 50,000-SF animal hospital in Kansas City, MO. Justin states, “I have been very fortunate to work with some of the best the industry has to offer. I’ve been surrounded by people that welcomed my many questions and took the time to guide and help me grow in my career.” He believes that his greatest professional accomplishment is, “My ability to build and maintain positive relationships in the industry. Not conforming to the patterns of this world but engaging in difficult situations and conversations with the ability to solve problems with integrity and discipline.”

HOW MSU EQUIPPED JUSTIN FOR HIS CAREER:

“The faculty at Missouri State University cultivated a culture of integrity and hard work. They treated us like adults and held us accountable for our work and attendance. There were plenty of opportunities for professional development and real-world experience.”

ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES:    

“Start seeking out internships in the construction industry as soon as possible. And take those internships seriously. Use those opportunities to work hard, gain experience, and develop relationships within the industry. Those relationships will be what determines your success and will open doors to employment. This is a very challenging and time-consuming industry. Be prepared to work hard and communicate well. Honesty and integrity will take you a long way in this and any other career path you may choose to take.”