CONNIE AWARD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS - WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

assistant operations manager

virginia international gateway

Andrew Hendrix received his CII scholarship at the Newark Connie Award luncheon in 2014 while studying at Kings Point. Currently, Andrew is on short term active-duty orders as a Strategic Sealift Officer in the Navy Reserve. While he is proud to be serving as a reservist, he looks forward to returning to his position as Assistant Operations Manager in the marine department at Virginia International Gateway, which is part of the Port of Virginia.

A 2015 Kings Point graduate, Andrew spent the first two years out of college at sea as a civilian mariner with Military Sealift Command sailing as a Third Officer. He then spent time as a shipping agent for T. Parker Host and subsequently joined the Port of Virginia, which he feels is the perfect job for him because it combines his education and his experience.

When he is working at his civilian job as part of a team that oversees marine operations at Virginia International Gateway, his 12-hour shift starts at 5:00 am. He starts his day collaborating with other members of the team and comparing notes to be sure they are on target for meeting goals.

A key part of his job is to manage the inventory of import and export containers, making sure they get where they need to be in the correct order, and overseeing stowage. Every day presents new challenges, each of which requires a different solution that often involves working collaboratively with others all pursuing the same goals. To ensure boxes keep moving according to plan, Andrew often needs to board ships to speak with ship mates, discuss situations and solutions with stevedores and ensure all equipment is in proper working order.  For Andrew, the fact that no two days are ever the same is one of the best parts of the job. 

When asked how Kings Point contributed to his successful career at the Port of Virginia, Andrew said: “I feel that I started my career with a leg up. I had a much better understanding of the fundamentals, which made me better prepared. I know what is expected of me and I feel confident I am up to the task.”

While at Kings Point, Andrew pursued the deck major program with a concentration in logistics and intermodal, which he selected as an introduction to the business side of the industry. The deck program focuses on the learning about navigation and shiphandling as opposed to the engineering program, which concentrates on maintaining and operating machinery onboard. This selection determines which Coast Guard license you will receive upon passage of licensing exams, and you must have a Coast Guard license to actively stand watch on board a merchant ship as an officer.

Andrew, like the other students in his program, was at sea for one year over a two-year period. During this time at sea, Andrew visited 17 different countries.  He was very aware that this was a huge and unique opportunity that most college students did not get. He enjoyed learning about the world first-hand and becoming familiar with different cultures. For Andrew, this was an important time in determining that this career was for him; he wanted to be part of a global community and transportation and logistics provided him that opportunity.

Also while at sea, Andrew was able to spend a lot of time with alumni, which is a tight-knit community that is committed to helping the next generation and grooming future leaders. Andrew feels this connection between the generations of Kings Point graduates is part of what makes the school so special. 

Andrew’s dad, a tug captain at the Gulf of Mexico, encouraged him to attend Kings Point. Andrew always had a strong connection with the maritime industry, given his dad’s profession and having grown up around the port. When considering Kings Point, Andrew was excited to build a strong foundation in transportation, and the fact that he could also play football made it clear this was the right school for him.

When Andrew received the CII scholarship, he was proud to be recognized by CII as well as the school faculty for his four years of hard work. According to Andrew: “All the students receiving the awards that day were very deserving, and I was proud to be part of that group. It was humbling to be recognized for excellence, but also a great indicator that I had picked the right career for me.”