Meet Clark Summer Associate Adama Bangura

Clark's summer associate program offers students opportunities to build their skills in real-world scenarios, including making connections and developing their networks. During the 12-week program, participants gain insight into the daily planning, decision-making, and communication required for successful projects.

Hear firsthand about the experience from Adama Bangura, a Clark summer associate working on The New Capital One Arena project in Washington, DC. 

Describe your role at Clark. 

This summer, I'm working as a Project Controls Analyst at Clark. My primary responsibilities involve tasks like managing payroll, compliance, and working with various financial figures. I really enjoy this type of work because I like seeing how projects develop from a mathematical perspective. For example, I'm currently involved with the New Capital One Arena project. 

Tell us a little bit about your background. Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. In high school, I was part of the Academy of Finance. It's interesting because I wasn't always good at math. I've had to really practice and be patient with myself to develop my quantitative skills. My interest in finance started early; I even volunteered at a bank. 

Growing up, I've always been driven by a desire to overcome challenges. When I encountered subjects I wasn't naturally strong in, like math, I saw it as an opportunity to push myself. I realized that my initial struggles with math weren't due to a lack of ability, but rather a need for a strong foundational understanding of formulas and concepts. Once I focused on building that foundation, I found that I could excel. 

This personal challenge to master a complex subject, combined with the dynamic nature of financial markets and their impact on the world, is what truly sparked my interest in finance. 

Where do you go to school? 

I'm a rising senior at George Mason University, majoring in Finance. I'm on track to graduate in Spring 2026. Deciding to go to college was a big step for me as a first-generation college student, but it's been the best decision I've ever made. 

What is a fun fact that someone might not know about you? 

I can hold my breath for a long time! As a kid me and my family would see who could hold their breath the longest on the Chesapeake tunnel.

 "It's amazing how organized everything is, and there's always someone who can answer my questions, no matter how detailed."

How have your background or interests shaped your experience so far? 

My natural curiosity and bubbly personality have been a great asset here. I'm not afraid to ask questions, and everyone at Clark has been incredibly supportive and willing to help me understand how things work. 

What drew you to Clark? 

I was looking for a role that offered variety, and construction appealed to me because every project is different. As someone from the DMV area, there's a strong sense of pride in seeing the local projects I'm working on come to life. 

Has anything surprised you so far? 

I've been truly impressed by Clark's organizational structure and depth. It's amazing how organized everything is, and there's always someone who can answer my questions, no matter how detailed. It's also refreshing how friendly and helpful everyone is, even when they're busy. 

What has been your favorite part of your Clark eXperience? Or what are you most excited for? 

My favorite part has been learning the ins and outs of the job and understanding how things operate, especially being able to contribute to the team. 

I feel I contribute to my team in several key ways through my daily tasks. For instance, I'm actively involved in ensuring compliance with regulations, which is crucial for mitigating risks and maintaining our operational integrity. I also communicate with our subcontractors, ensuring smooth coordination and efficient workflow. Furthermore, I'm responsible for updating essential documents, which helps keep our projects organized and ensures everyone has access to the most current information. I also really enjoy visiting the jobsite, seeing the progress firsthand, and interacting with people there. 

Have you had specific goals for this summer? Or longer term? 

My main goal for this summer has been to draft a requisition independently. I believe the key to getting there is through hands-on practice and targeted feedback. I've absolutely shared this goal with my manager, who has been incredibly supportive and helpful. Their feedback is always insightful and detailed, which is exactly what I need to understand where I can improve and build my confidence to achieve my goal.

Learn more about the summer associate experience and hear from other summer associates.