Category: Career Development

Kayley Wright, Mass Maritime Student Joins Corporate Mechanical of New England for 2021 Winter Internship

One of the most important elements of an internship is integrating classroom knowledge with practical application and skill development. Kayley Wright, Mass Maritime student recently participated in this important learning process as she interned with Corporate Mechanical of New England, LLC, an Arden Building Company.

We recently asked Kayley about her major, her interests, and her experience at Corporate Mechanical.

“I chose to study Energy Systems Engineering, specifically at Mass Maritime, because I knew I would get a lot of hands-on experience, which is my favorite aspect of engineering. I have always enjoyed tracing out different systems within a larger facility and finding out what purpose each small part serves. My major also emphasizes design, so when I saw that Corporate Mechanical of New England (CMNE) uses Autodesk Revit, a building information modeling (BIM) software, I was very intrigued” she excitedly explained. 

Kayley continued on to share what a great experience her time with CMNE has been. “I have had the opportunity to visit multiple job sites and experience first-hand, alongside project managers, the day-to-day problem solving required, which is very interesting. Another part of engineering I enjoy is finding a problem and creating a solution. Not only have I been working on the project management side of the company, but I have also done some work in estimating, doing take-offs and budgets for different projects. I now have a better understanding of HVAC and all the components within a system. Overall, it’s been a great experience.”

Start Your Search for Top Talent Today. Find student chapter members like Kayley by visiting MCAAGreatFutures.org, where members have access to student profiles and resumes. The profiles are searchable by university, desired location, and even a specific skill set, like BIM or AutoCAD. A keyword filter allows users to zero in on students who fit the bill.

The Results Are In From the First Round of MCAA’s 2020-2021 Student Chapter Competition. Congratulations to Our Final Four Teams!

MCAA’s Career Development Committee would like to thank all 19 student chapters that participated in MCAA’s 2020-2021 Student Chapter Competition. MCAA congratulates the four chapter finalists: Farleigh Dickinson University, Kansas State University, Missouri State University, and Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus. 

MCAA’s 2020-2021 Student Chapter Competition project required student chapters to act as the prime contractor on the renovation project to the historic University of Pennsylvania Museum. The Career Development Committee extends its sincere appreciation to MCAA Past President, Mark Rogers, and MCAA Career Development Committee member, Ted McHugh, both of West Chester Mechanical Contractors, Inc. for arranging the use of this project and providing the information and accompanying technical drawings.

This year’s project was challenging in itself and many student chapters had the additional unforeseen challenge of having to work and collaborate on their proposal from afar, with strict COVID-19 restrictions in place limiting team gatherings. Thank you to all MCAA student chapters who worked extra hard to submit a bid this year: 

  1. Ball State University 
  2. Binghamton University 
  3. California State Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 
  4. California State University Chico 
  5. California State University East Bay 
  6. Illinois State University 
  7. Kent State University 
  8. McMaster University 
  9. Oregon State University 
  10. Pittsburgh State University 
  11. Purdue University 
  12. University of Maryland College Park 
  13. University of Missouri Columbia 
  14. University of Nebraska 
  15. University of Southern California

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: Following Your Interests to First-Hand Experience

Colten Lovejoy’s interest in the mechanical construction industry may have stemmed from watching his father work in the industry for 25 years, but he was quick to create his own experiences. Colten knew he wanted to immediately start working in the field. As a student, he interned with MMC Contractors in Kansas City, MO for two summers as a pre-apprentice alongside journeymen, laborers, and foremen and really enjoyed seeing and understanding how and why complicated systems work the way they do, first-hand. 

Colten graduated from Pittsburgh State University in May and is now a full-time employee at MMC Contractors. He credits not only his dad, but his Pittsburg State University Faculty Advisor, Shannon Nicklaus for helping him continue his education and career in the industry. Through Colten’s involvement in his MCAA student chapter, he has gained a life-long mentor, as well as a network of industry peers. Even if later in life he has a question or is looking to problem solve, he knows he can call anyone he has met through this program to work through it together.

Don’t Forget to Keep Your Resume Updated on MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board

Looking for an internship or full time employment opportunity?

Make sure your resume is up to date on MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board. Hiring MCAA members are able to browse all resumes and contact you directly if they think you’re the perfect candidate! There are currently two internship opportunities available and two full time opportunities available on the job board.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Megan Walsh.

Congratulations to MCAA’s Emerging Student Chapter & Chapter of Excellence Grant Recipients

On behalf of the John R. Gentille Foundation and MCAA’s Career Development Committee, we are pleased to announce the following Student Chapters received a 2020 Emerging Chapter Grant: Bowling Green State University, Cypress College, Northern Kentucky University, and Virginia Tech, Blacksburg Campus.

The Emerging Chapter Grant was created to assist new chapters in becoming more established or struggling chapters in overcoming a challenge or obstacle. The financial assistance this grant money provides has helped chapters build stronger and better programs that attract and interest more students.

The John R. Gentille Foundation and MCAA’s Career Development Committee are also pleased to share the following Student Chapters received a 2020 Chapter of Excellence Grant: Ball State University, California State University, Chico, California State University, East Bay, Fairleigh-Dickinson University, Ferris State, Kansas State University, Kent State University, Purdue University, the University of Maryland, the University of Missouri- Columbia, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

This Chapter of Excellence award recognizes student chapters for their extraordinary performance and accomplishments during the prior year, as well as encourage their continued growth and development.

Congratulations to all recipients and many thanks for your continued interest and participation in MCAA’s Student Chapter program.

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: The Benefit of Connecting with Industry Professionals

University of Missouri-Columbia mechanical engineering major Kylie Nedelka first learned about the MCAA GreatFutures program after hearing the association president speak to her class a few years ago. It was here Kylie realized the many benefits of being involved with the program.

“Networking is by far the best thing you can do in your career,” Kylie said while stressing the importance of building a professional network. Using her networking skills, she has landed two internships with SIEMENS, a member of the MCAA Manufacturer/Supplier Council. Kylie landed her first internship opportunity at the 2018 GreatFutures Forum while riding on a bus to Disneyland, where she shared a seat and struck up a conversation with Kristin Junia, Program Manager at SIEMENS. The following day, Kylie made sure to stop by the SIEMENS booth at the forum’s career fair. This is where she could talk more in-depth with Kristin about her education and internship interests and was offered an internship on the spot.

We hope Kylie’s story inspires other students to put themselves out there and not be afraid to talk to and connect with people within the industry, as you never know where it will lead!

You can read more of Kylie’s story here.

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: The Power of Networking

In this month’s Beyond the Classroom video, hear about the power of networking from former Wentworth Institute of Technology student, Nolan Rochler. 

Nolan is now a Project Engineer at J.C. Higgins and credits his learning and growth in the industry to those he had met at networking events through his student chapter. Upon graduating, he found this network to be quite useful. “You have people who are there to help you. They help you find endless opportunities. By coming to these events, you are able to build such a strong network and basically go anywhere,” Nolan shared. 

Participating in MCAA’s Annual Student Chapter Competition was also an invaluable experience for Nolan. He says really learning, understanding and dissecting a real-life project, is unlike any other learning process. Nolan reminds current students to take these learning and networking opportunities and “make it whatever you want to make it.” People in this industry welcome you in, respect you, and give you the opportunity to learn and grow. Use them to help set you up for success–Nolan certainly has!

Upcoming Beyond the Classroom videos will continue to showcase opportunities available to MCAA student chapter members and MCAA members alike who choose careers in the mechanical industry.

MCAA’s Annual Student Chapter Competition Projects Due Monday, December 7th!

MCAA has recently made the difficult decision to cancel our 2021 Annual Convention and hold MCAA’s first ever Virtual Education Conference. This conference will feature all traditional, highly anticipated MCAA events including, top notch education seminars, our virtual trade show/exhibit, and of course, the impressive Annual Student Chapter Competition. While this will be a new format, MCAA is committed to setting each of the Final Four teams up for success as they prepare to present their projects. Below is a timeline that provides an overview of how the Annual Student Competition will run for 2021. 

Monday, December 7th, all student chapter competition projects are due in Procore. All student chapters will be provided with their project results on Friday, January 15th. MCAA will then work with each of the Final Four teams to prepare for the Final Four presentations, including a technology requirement review and a thorough rehearsal. Final Four presentations will follow the standard time, twelve minutes per presentation, with ten minutes for Q&A. These presentations will be recorded then released to MCAA’s membership on Monday, March 22nd to kick-off MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference. 

We understand this is new, but MCAA’s Career Development Committee will be there every step of the way. Stay tuned for more information and registration details. If you have any questions, please reach out to MCAA’s Director of Career Development, Megan Walsh at mwalsh@mcaa.org.

Applications for MCAA’s 2020 JRGF Student Chapter Grants Due September 14th!

JRGF provides funding through grants to help chapters cover the costs of projects, participation in the annual MCAA Student Chapter Competition, field trips, scholarships and travel to MCAA events. 

A Chapter of Excellence Grant is for chapters that are well-established and thriving but need additional funds for student scholarships, travel to MCAA events, special projects, field trips or other chapter operations. The grant is divided accordingly: 

  • $7,500 Chapter of Excellence Grant 
    • $5,000 Student Scholarships 
    • $2,500 Chapter Operations & Projects 

An Emerging Chapter Grant is for new or rebuilding student chapters to help cover the cost of student scholarships, travel to MCAA events, special projects, field trips or other chapter operations. The $3,000 grant is for either student scholarships or chapter operations. 

Deadline: September 14, 2020

Completed applications are due to Megan Walsh at mwalsh@mcaa.org by Monday, September 14th.

REGISTER NOW