Student Spotlight:
Adrian Klinkenberg
What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?
We ask construction management major Adrian Klinkenberg for his thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.
- Major: Construction Management
- Expected Date of Graduation: May 2026
- High School: Juanita High School
- Hometown: Kirkland, WA
- Scholarships: The Rush Companies Scholarship, The Inland Group Construction Management Scholarship Fund, The Subway Fresh Start Scholarship, Juanita HS Athlete of the Year Scholarship, Juanita HS PTSA Scholarship, WSU University High Achievement Grant
What made you decide to attend WSU? Why did you choose your major?
Growing up in Washington I always rooted for the Cougs. My senior year of high school I was unsure of where I wanted to attend, because many of my choices were too expensive. WSU offered me aid that other Washington and out of state Universities did not, which gave me the opportunity to attend a big college.
I chose construction management as my major because I was interested in big projects and new technology being built around the world. Construction management involves problem solving and communication skills that I believe suit who I am. CM is an underrated major and I cannot recommend it enough to incoming Cougs.
What do you want to do with your degree after you graduate?
After I graduate from WSU I want to become a Project Manager for a general contractor. A long term goal I have is to own my own company and build custom homes or innovative projects.
Please share how scholarships or financial aid has impacted you as a student
Financial aid and scholarships have made university possible for me. Like many other students I am paying my own way through college and scholarships and financial aid have made a huge difference.
Applying for grants is free and many scholarships have few applicants. Scholarships are not just given to 4.0 students and I recommend applying for as many as you can.
What have you learned during your time at WSU, that will help you most in your future?
I have made tons of connections to people I never would have met outside of college. A pro of a big university like Washington State University is that you will always find your people. I’ve met tons of friends from all over Washington and the country here.
Construction management specifically is great for making connections. The CM program at WSU makes finding internships, jobs, and networking opportunities almost impossible to miss out on. This has taken stress off myself when thinking about my future.
Have you participated in any internships related to your field of study? If so, please share your experiences
I was very honored to be offered an internship after my freshman year with Potelco inc. Last summer with Potelco I learned the basics of project management and a lot of pre-construction. Potelco does a lot of construction in the Northwest, building electrical infrastructure including substations and power lines.
This summer I am working an internship with Skanska. Skanska is one of the biggest contractors in the world and the projects I’ve seen this summer are super interesting and unique. With Skanska I’ve become very involved in subcontractor communication, field work, and learning how things are built. I would recommend both of these internships to anyone seeking a construction career.