Makayla Kyre '20 - NMU Blog

When I was deciding on what school I wanted to attend I wasn’t sure what I would like to pursue as a degree as well as a career. I had been to Marquette before and loved the area and location. I also knew that I would have many different options in choosing what major was right for me.

One of my favorite events, when I was a student, was volunteering for women in construction day. I loved being able to share with middle schoolers and high schoolers around the upper peninsula the different opportunities for women in the construction industry.

My freshmen year I was on the NMU ski team. I worked at Starbucks on campus as well as a tutor for the construction program for a few years. I really enjoyed being able to be a TA my senior year and become more involved in my program. Being a foster parent at UPAWS was one of the most exciting experiences for me outside of campus. I finished up my time at Northern working at the Compound Ski Shop, tutoring, and working remotely for Barton Malow.

When I was a student my favorite thing to do was ski at Mount Bohemia. I also enjoyed camping, surfing, and hiking around the area.

To me be Northern means to be fearless.

Since I graduated in November, I have been working full time as a project engineer on site for Barton Malow. I am absolutely loving my career and am beyond thankful for the construction management program at Northern and the incredible professors that allowed me to get where I am today.

One of my favorite aspects of my NMU experience were the professors in the construction management program. I do not think that I would be where I am today without the support and guidance from them. I have never had professors or teachers for that matter that genuinely cared about my personal success and were so supportive throughout my education.

My advice for current students would be to cherish your time at NMU because it goes by so fast. Even though the balance between class, work, social life, etc. can be stressful I guarantee that you will look back positively with the best memories from your time here.

I was born and raised in Lake Orion Michigan. Upon graduation from Lake Orin High School, I decided to begin my journey at NMU. My head was everywhere in terms of what I wanted to pursue as a career and deciding on a major. I was meeting with my counselor freshmen year when she suggested that I take a construction design class after I mentioned I was interested in architecture. After speaking with Heidi, the professor for the course, I knew that the construction management program and a career in construction was what I wanted to pursue. After my first internship, I was offered a full-time position at Barton Malow upon the completion of my degree. I returned the next summer as an intern and continued to work remotely during my last semester at NMU. I am now working on-site as a project engineer, I’m so excited to have started my career and am hopeful to see where it takes me. Furthermore, I am so thankful for my experience at NMU and the doors that have been able to open because of it.