Meet Missouri State University alumna Carly Hendrickson, a project engineer at Newkirk Novak Construction Partners, who is breaking barriers and transforming communities through construction.
Hailing from Prairie Village, Kansas, Hendrickson’s path to this role was shaped not only by her academic experiences, but also by an unexpected twist life brought her way.
A turn in the road
When Hendrickson came to study at Missouri State in fall 2019, she was supposed to be on the women’s track and field team.
“But at the start of my college career, I tore my Achilles tendon and couldn’t compete,” she said. “This changed my entire perspective on college life, as I had always thought track and field would be my main involvement.”
While dealing with the setback, Hendrickson was fortunate to discover a new passion in MSU’s construction management program.
“While talking to my advisor, I came across construction management. I loved the idea of being able to be a part of a team all working toward the same goal of building a successful project that was high quality, on time and within budget,” she said.
Her experience in the construction management program equipped her with a strong foundation in construction processes and software. She was also able to cultivate key soft skills like communication, problem-solving and time management.
“The program went above and beyond to offer learning opportunities and connections that helped prepare me for my career,” Hendrickson said. “The career fairs, in particular, were crucial in helping me secure internships and my current job.”
Building connections through involvement
During her time at MSU, Hendrickson took on leadership roles that enriched both her personal and professional life.
She was involved in Construction Club for three years, eventually becoming a student officer in her senior year.
“Construction Club meetings were an excellent way to learn about different projects and companies. It also offered opportunities to give back like when we helped with high school construction competitions and workshops,” she said.
Hendrickson also served as treasurer and vice president of the Missouri State Women in Construction Club. In this role, she helped bring together women in the program, fostering relationships and expanding their knowledge of the construction field.
In addition, she was a member of Sigma Lambda Chi (the only honor society for students in construction-related programs).
“Sigma Lambda Chi has helped me in my construction management career by showing me the importance of balancing work with being an active member in the community. I’ve gained valuable experience by getting involved in volunteer opportunities and young professional groups,” she said.
Hendrickson’s commitment to learning was evident in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Student Management Competition in her senior year. This involved creating a Request for Proposal for a construction project. She and her team spent several months developing a schedule, site logistics plan and budget, which they presented to a panel of judges.
Gaining real-world experience
To get ready for the working world, Hendrickson completed two internships while at MSU.
Her first internship from May to August 2021 was on the ownership side of construction at Chicken N Pickle in Kansas City, Missouri. The second, from May to August 2022, was with McCownGordon Construction, where she worked on a $20 million project at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Visitor Center.
“The internships showed me I didn’t want a typical desk job where I was doing the same thing every day. I wanted to be a part of something with a lasting impact on the community,” she said.
Making an impact as a project engineer
After graduating in spring 2023, Hendrickson began working as a project engineer at Newkirk.
Now, two years into her career, she is thriving, primarily working on K-12 projects in the Kansas City area. She is currently overseeing storm shelter additions at Blue Springs Middle School for Paul Kinder and Brittany Hill.
“These projects are so meaningful to me because they have a direct impact on the community and the safety of students and staff,” she said.
Before the Blue Springs Middle School project, Hendrickson contributed to an athletics addition at Grain Valley High School. It included a new gymnasium, weight room, concessions area and locker rooms.
As a project engineer, she manages construction processes, budgets and schedules, coordinates with subcontractors and architects, and ensures quality control throughout a project.
“The construction industry is a male dominated profession. However, it’s amazing to see how the presence of females in the industry continues to rise, even from my time at Missouri State until now,” Hendrickson said.
Top advice
To aspiring construction management professionals, she stresses the importance of gaining hands-on experience.
“Get involved in internships, tour job sites, shadow professionals and take part in competitions like the ASC. These experiences are invaluable in giving you a taste of what it’s really like in the industry,” she said.