Class of 2024: Jessica Fikac builds up those around her
The outstanding senior in construction engineering and management stepped onto Virginia Tech’s campus with an open mind; it’s that same open mind that is keeping her in Blacksburg to complete her master’s degree.
Jessica Fikac, named construction engineering and management outstanding senior, poses for senior photo at The Pylons. Photo by Valerie Jo Photography.
Name: Jessica Fikac
College: Engineering
Major: Construction Engineering and Management
Hometown: Bluemont, Virginia
Plans after graduation: Pursue a master’s of science degree in civil engineering
Favorite Hokie memory: Participating in The Big Event with people she didn’t know. The group started as strangers but after a few hours of planting flowers and trees for a local woman, they became friends and went to lunch together. “I think that goes to show how Virginia Tech is. No matter who you talk to or around, you're bound to make a new friend.”
From left to right: Jessica Fikac (third of five students) volunteers in the Blacksburg Community during the Big Event. Photo courtesy of Jessica Fikac.
For Construction Engineering and Management Outstanding Senior, Jessica Fikac, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) isn’t just a motto, it’s a way of living. During her four years as a Virginia Tech student, she’s been at the forefront of organizations dedicated to helping students in and out of her field.
“I don’t join clubs and activities as a resume filler; I join to make valuable and honest connections,” said Fikac of her accomplishments.
Her drive to be passionate in every aspect of her college career started before she officially became a Hokie. She toured Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus focused on architecture, but with an interest in the building and engineering side of the business. As she entered Bishop-Favrao Hall, the current home to Myers-Lawson School of Construction, she learned about the construction engineering and management program which offered a blend of all her interests. But the deciding factor? The people and family atmosphere of the school.
“They were having a cookout for all the students that I was able to join. Everyone was so nice and welcoming,” said Fikac. “I was drawn to the community and diversity within the program. It felt like home.”
Building her Hokie family
Fikac felt the school’s signature family atmosphere on day one as she met other students studying construction. Through those connections, she joined the group Building Women in Construction and began to learn more about parts of the industry that piqued her interest. As she settled into her first year as a college student, she hit the ground running to create a space for women to connect. As the founding president of The Women’s Network at Virginia Tech, Fikac joined the group’s mission to redefine ambition by creating the next generation of leaders across all majors. As part of that goal, Fikac took the new group from a small executive board to a thriving organization with dozens of members and well-attended events, but the popularity wasn’t what was important to her.
“I don't care if one person or 50 people show up to our meetings as long as that one person is taking something away from it,” said Fikac, who organizes everything from resume reviews to networking events and paint and sip nights.
The Women’s Network is just one of the many extracurricular activities Fikac has been part of as a student, including:
- Women in Engineering Support Team for the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity
- Small Group Coordinator for Changing Health Attitudes + Actions to Recreate Girls at Virginia Tech
- Event Coordinator for Help Save the Next Girl
- Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for Construction Engineering and Management
- Administrative Assistant for Outreach for Myers-Lawson
With each new role, Fikac says intention comes along with it.
“I never shy away from opportunities that come my way; the best way to grow is to take on the things that make you uncomfortable,” she said.
Her ability to connect has led to several internships while at Virginia Tech: one in Alexandria, Virginia, with Rand* Construction Corporation, another with Hensel Phelps in Nashville, and this summer with MBP in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“I see internships as learning experiences. I always tell students to go in ready to learn about different types of work, cultures, and practices,” said Fikac.
Jessica Fikac (at right), on a job site in Alexandria, Va during her internship with Rand* Construction Corporation. Photo provided by Jessica Fikac.
Guiding the next generation
As Fikac completes her degree, she continues to mentor students who are just getting started — both in a formal capacity as an undergraduate teaching assistant and informally through presentations to new and prospective students about lessons learned during her time in the program.
Her passion for serving as a mentor and leader among her peers is one that her professors see clearly, including Charles Smith who teaches the class where Fikac is an undergraduate teaching assistant.
“Over my 35 years in professional practice, I’ve learned that people are either consumers or contributors,” said Smith who began his career in the construction industry. “Jessica is not only a contributor as she serves others; she does so intentionally, selflessly giving her time and energy to help others flourish.”
After Fikac graduates with her undergraduate degree, her life-long love for learning will bring her back to Virginia Tech to get her master’s degree in the Vecellio Construction Engineering and Management program which is housed in the Charles E. Via Department of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. There, she hopes to further explore innovation within the construction industry and how it can create a better work-life balance for its workforce.
“I am very passionate about education. Getting a graduate degree will help me understand how to speak on those innovations and how to implement them,” said Fikac of her decision to stay at Virginia Tech. “This degree is my first step in understanding how to make a change in this world while focusing on my interests.”
As she prepares to move into the next chapter of her story, she will continue supporting new students and continue giving advice that is wise beyond her years.
“Never think of yourself as anything less because you know there are other people who have more experience than you. If you're bettering yourself and those around you, you will be successful,” said Fikac.
