Student Spotlight:
Maximus De La Rosa
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 Maximus De La Rosa for his thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.
- Major: Construction Management
- Expected Date of Graduation: May 2027
- High School: Gig Harbor Highschool
- Hometown: Gig Harbor, WA
- Scholarships: Schuchart Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarship
What made you decide to attend WSU?
The reason I chose to attend WSU was because out of all the other schools I applied to and visited, WSU had the best student community. I chose construction mangement because I have grown up surrounded by construction and always having an interest in it and how the industry operates. Another aspect that helped convince me to go in this direction is how well respected the program is. The construction management program at WSU has a great reputation for preparing students to be very well set up for careers in the industry. It is well known throughout the west coast that the construction management program at WSU produces some of the best people in the industry.
What clubs are you involved in on campus?
I am the President of the Commerical Real Estate Club at WSU. It has been a great experience to improve task and time management as well as leadership skills. It has been a great thing for me to be able to see other sides of the construction industry and see how what I am learning is applied in the real world. I advise everyone who attends to WSU to join a club related to their major and tries to get as involved with it as possible.
Have you participated in any internships related to your field of study?
I have had 3 internships with 3 different companies since I have been at WSU. Each of them has taught me a different set of skills but each thing that I have learned has taught me something that I wouldn’t have been able to learn in the classroom. Each experience has been excellent, and I have gained hundreds of connections within the industry.
How have scholarships or financial aid impacted you as a student?
Scholarships have lifted a huge layer of stress off of me. As a student, my main focus is to attend classes and get the most out of each of them as I possibly can. In recent times, the financial burden of attending college or a university is something that most students can understand. To get a higher education you have to pay the price. Fortunately, I have been awarded scholarships and financial aid which has helped me prioritize my classes instead of worrying about financial stress.
Why would you recommend attending Washington State University?
In my opinion, one of the most important things about life and having a career is your connections. WSU provides so many resources for you to get connected with other students. WSU has a diverse student body with all types of people with different backgrounds and interests, and I truly believe there’s a crowd for everyone to be a part of. Greek life, clubs and even classes are just some ways to meet people on campus. Whether you’re finding people who can help excel your career, resources to help you navigate college life, or just meeting friends, WSU is the place to be for all things in-between. Cougs help Cougs always!
What have you learned during your time at WSU, that will help you most in your future?
How to network and work well in teams.
What advice do you have for fellow or prospective students?
To succeed in Construction Mangement, it is imperative that you are present and engaging in each class and with your peers. The classes do an excellent job of teaching you a good basis of knowledge to be in the Construction industry. It is important that you get to know the people around you because the industry is small and you will certainly run into familiar faces after graduation. Join the clubs associated with the program and use all the resources that are given to you because they are there for a reason.
What do you want to do with your degree after you graduate?
As of right now I am planning on entering the construction industry most likely as a project engineer for a general contractor. Later in my career I have plans to start my own company, stay in general contracting or go into Commerical Real Estate.