Student Spotlight

Meet Chase Thompson, a senior in construction management from Highland, Utah. He felt the time fly by; starting his final year at BYU feels unbelievable to him.

Chase’s journey into construction wasn’t linear. Upon returning from serving his mission in Little Rock, Arkansas, he began building cabinets and practicing casework fabrication. He finds satisfaction in seeing his work in other’s homes. His hobby led him to explore the construction management program at BYU; after talking with a friend and securing an internship, he knew it was the right fit for him.

“The people I met in that first internship were spectacular,” Chase said. “I thought construction

would be full of gruff, rough-around-the-edges types, but they were some of the kindest, most genuine people.”

Now, Chase is an assistant project manager for Intermark Steel and has already signed on to work with them full-time after graduation.

Chase engages in extracurricular leadership. He founded the Ethics in Construction Club at BYU in 2024, inspired by conversations with his mom about integrity in the industry. The club brings in speakers from the industry to talk about real ethical dilemmas they have overcome.

“It’s about building trust. I hope everyone who leaves BYU is going to treat people fairly and lead in a Christlike way,” Chase said.

He is also a participant in the Leadership Certificate Program, which helped him realize that Christlike leadership isn’t tied to a title. He recommends the opportunity and experience to everyone. “The workshops and books challenged me to communicate better, execute plans, and reflect on the impact I’ve had,” he said.

Beyond his studies and career, Chase enjoys running and mountain biking. He’s currently training for a marathon. “It’s a grind. Some runs feel impossible, but you just take it bit by bit,” he said.

When asked what advice he’d give to other students studying engineering at BYU, Chase is clear about taking advantage of the unique education they receive at the university. “If you see something that can be improved, don’t just complain about it. Take the steps to make it better,” he said. “[The professors] love you. They love what you’re doing and what you’re capable of because the Spirit is here, and there’s such a heavy focus on Jesus Christ that I love so much.”

Chase fondly reflects on his time in college so far: “BYU has meant everything to me— spiritually, personally, and professionally. At first, it was daunting, but I’ve come to love it. It pushes you to grow in ways that you didn’t think you could.”