Johnathan Ketelsen

"I used to be pre-med at North Dakota State University, believe it or not, and I kind of did a one-eighty and transferred to M State. It was less expensive and had smaller class sizes. I went to high school in Ray, N.D., and wasn’t used to big class sizes. I knew going into school that I wanted to do something with my hands or be a doctor, but I learned I couldn’t do eight to 10 years of school, it’s just not what I’m made for. Two years of school is good for me. 

I chose Construction Management because I like math, and looking at plans and breaking it down. I’ve always been a numbers guy, and the problem-solving, critical-thinking part is fun to me. I liked the class schedule, too – how it’s structured to give you days in the field as well as classroom experience. Also, the teachers were always right there to respond; they’re personable about things and it was always easy to go to them. 

I’m hoping to work as a project engineer or do some field-based work on-site and then, after getting a few years under my belt, I’d like to get into estimating."