Southern Miss Student’s Path to Success in Construction Management: From National Competition to Kiewit Internship

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 02:26pm | By: Ivonne Kawas

Jose Mendez’s passion for construction was ignited at a young age, inspired by the stories his uncles shared about their work on a construction site as members of the craft team. Hearing about their day-to-day experiences sparked a desire to be part of projects that build communities, hospitals, bridges, and waterways – something he knew would fill him with pride. 

Born in Laurel, Miss., Mendez spent most of his childhood in Veracruz, Mexico. At age 12, his parents decided to send him back to the U.S. in pursuit of a better education, a move that brought significant challenges. “When I moved back, I struggled with communicating in English,” Mendez reflected. “But I’m proud to say I’ve overcome every challenge I’ve faced since then.” 

Today, Mendez is pursuing his aspirations as a Construction Management student in the School of Construction and Design at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). His academic journey began at Jones College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology. Thanks to the strong relationships cultivated between USM and Jones, his transfer to Southern Miss was seamless, setting an example for other students following his lead. 

Taking advantage of the early-career opportunities offered at Southern Miss, Mendez recently completed a prestigious internship with Kiewit Corporation, one of North America’s leading construction and engineering organizations. While working with the East Operations team, he contributed to high-profile renovation projects in Fort Meade, Md., and for the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. 

“Being able to say I’ve worked for one of North America’s top contractors, as ranked by Engineering News-Record, is a testament to my dedication and grit in overcoming obstacles,” Mendez said. “This experience provided me with valuable industry insights and growth, for which I am grateful to Kiewit.” 

In this role, Mendez managed submittals, coordinated with subcontractors, and maintained document control. He also implemented quality and safety protocols by developing work plans and conducting risk assessments. Additionally, he was responsible for managing RFIs, submittal packages, change orders, and subcontract agreements. 

“This internship experience has been a learning experience like no other. From day one, I was treated like a full-time employee and welcomed into the Kiewit family. I was given the opportunity to take ownership of my responsibilities, directly contributing to the team's success,” Mendez said. 

Among his many accolades, Mendez is the recipient of the Southern Miss Foundation’s Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Mississippi Future Leaders in Construction Scholarship. He also served as an alternate on the 2024 Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Construction Management Competition team, where his contributions helped the team rank in the top 10 nationally. 

Reflecting on his experience participating in the competition, Mendez said, “Being part of the ABC Competition team was an enriching experience. It allowed me to connect with classmates, as well as with students from across the nation, while working on a real-world construction project. As the team’s quality control manager, the experience helped me enhance both my technical and soft skills, preparing me for my internship with Kiewit.” 

Dr. Fan Zhang, associate professor and program coordinator for Construction Management, praised Mendez for his leadership and character.

“His time at Kiewit Corporation highlights his hard work and dedication, but what stands out most is his exceptional character. He’s incredibly polite, kind, and always ready to support his teammates,” Dr. Zhang said. “Last year, Jose took charge of the quality control section for our ABC Competition team, and his efforts played a key role in helping the team rank in the top 10 nationally – an amazing accomplishment. With his strong work ethic and leadership, it’s no surprise he’s being recognized as a future leader in construction. I have no doubt that he’ll continue to impress everyone he works with, and I’m really excited to see him be ready for life.” 

The School of Construction and Design at Southern Miss is comprised of the following disciplines: construction management, architectural engineering technology and interior design.