Organization: JRGF
MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight Episode 12 Welcomes Greg Christopher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mueller Industries
In the twelfth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series Bob Bolton, MCAA Senior Vice President/Treasurer welcomes Greg Christopher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mueller Industries. Mueller Industries, Inc. is an industrial manufacturer that specializes in copper and copper alloy manufacturing while also producing goods made from aluminum, steel, and plastics. It is headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee and comprises a network of operations in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.
Greg Christopher is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mueller Industries, Inc. Joining Mueller in 1992, he has spent much of his career in varying leadership roles within the company. Throughout his profession, Greg’s deep belief in the importance of relationships has kept him actively involved with customers and industry associations, including MCAA. Greg grew up in the Upstate region of New York near Buffalo, and today resides in Germantown, Tennessee, with his wife, Angie, and their two children, Henry (21) and Sophie (21).
Beyond the Classroom Video Series: Taking The First Step Into the Unknown
A Notre Dame graduate in Mechanical Engineering, Anne Finerfrock was unsure which direction she wanted to take her career in. She knew she did not want to sit behind a desk but had no answers to an important question: is that a viable career option? Fortunately, Anne spent time at a career fair and began a conversation with a mechanical contracting company. Investing her time to seek out answers resulted in an internship at this company and her first step into the industry.
Anne speaks highly of the endless opportunities provided to individuals in a similar position, “The advantage of working for a mechanical contractor versus a large GC is that you really get involved in all aspects of the project.” Now a Project Manager at W.E. Bowers, Anne credits the MCAA GreatFutures program for providing opportunities to explore career options and internship possibilities that offer 8 to 10 weeks of first-hand experience.
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:
- Ball State University
- Binghamton University
- California State Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
- California State University Chico
- California State University East Bay
- Illinois State University
- Kent State University
- McMaster University
- Oregon State University
- Pittsburgh State University
- Purdue University
- University of Maryland College Park
- University of Missouri Columbia
- University of Nebraska
- University of Southern California
Technology Is Changing the Way You Do Business. Software Developer and Construction Technology Expert Brett Young Will Teach You How to Adapt. Register for MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference Today
As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will hear from Brett Young, a software developer and construction technology expert.
Technology is a double-edged sword. It can enable a business to grow or create severe detrimental external competitive pressures. In this seminar, “Next-Gen Business Practices – Future Proofing the Mechanical Contractor” you will explore global architecture, engineering and construction industry technology trends against a backdrop that assumes the role of the mechanical contractor will be changing in the years to come. You will learn how to adapt to new business realities that defragment our industry, how to increase productivity and change business models, and how to future-proof the role of the mechanical contractor in the AEC business.
Brett Young is CTO and co-founder at M2x.ai and a recognized thought leader in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. His work focuses on the use of video game technology to democratize, expand and deepen software development for building information modeling (BIM).
Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.
Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!
Thank you Sloan for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.
How Does Culture and Change Lead to Unprecedented Growth? Register for MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference to Learn from Steve Richman and Brian Helm.
As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you have the opportunity to join a conversation between Steve Richman, MILWAUKEE TOOL Group President, and Brian Helm, MCAA President, as they discuss Milwaukee Tools’ business adventure.
The session “Culture and Change” will put you in Steve Richman’s shoes and guide you through his difficult transition and how he positioned the company for a decade of unprecedented growth. Steve and Brian will discuss details about this journey, the change that was required, and the unique culture that Steve helped build within the MILWAUKEE® leadership team.
Steve was appointed Group President of MILWAUKEE TOOL in January 2007, and is responsible for Milwaukee’s Power Tool, Hand Tool, Accessory and Empire divisions. He oversees Global Product Development, Manufacturing and Operations for each division, as well as MILWAUKEE® Sales in North and South America. He has over 25 years of experience in the management of industrial, electrical, plumbing and retail distribution channels. Since he joined the MILWAUKEE® team in 2007 MILWAUKEE® has experienced a complete transformation under his leadership.
Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.
Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!
Thank you MILWAUKEE TOOL for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.
Meet Jeff Drees, Executive Vice President, Daikin Applied Americas, in MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight Episode 9
In the ninth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Tim Brink, MCAA CEO connects with Jeff Drees, Executive Vice President, Sales, Service, Aftermarket, Marketing for Daikin Applied Americas. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.
Jeff Drees has been the EVP of Daikin Applied Americas since April 2020. Prior to joining Daikin, Jeff held CEO positions in private equity. Prior to his private equity roles, Jeff held key leadership roles as President and Officer for Flowserve Corporation as well as working for Schneider Electric as President of the US organization and EVP of Professional Services. Jeff is a 1991 graduate of Southern Illinois University with a B.S. in Electronic Engineering and received his MBA from Aurora University with an Executive Development program at Insead.
Recorded: Friday, January 22, 2021
Have You Registered for the 2021 MCAA Virtual Education Conference, March 22-25?
MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference (VEC) is not just another meeting, but an opportunity to network with your MCAA peers, participate in a variety of interactive education seminars, see the latest and greatest in the two-day virtual exhibit and watch the next generation compete in our annual student chapter competition.
By registering to attend the VEC, you will have at your fingertips the knowledge of industry experts who will guide you through the ins and outs of managing your business, stories of triumph in overcoming difficult times and a pointer or two on how to stay up-to-date on the industry’s leading technology.
Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration).
Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!
Sponsor Spotlight 19 Welcomes Brandon Jackson from Johnson Controls
In the nineteenth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, MCAA’s CEO, Timothy Brink welcomes Johnson Controls’ General Manager – HVAC, Fire and Security for Texas Area, Brandon Jackson. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.
At Johnson Controls, they transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, their mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Their company values include integrity-first, customer-driven, purpose-led, future-focused and ONE team.
Connectivity on the Jobsite is Absolutely Critical. Register for MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference to Discuss the Various Options with James Benham.
As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will stay connected with James Benham, the CEO of JBKnowledge.
In a hyper-connected world, the ability to get connectivity to the jobsite is absolutely critical. “5G Platforms: Connectivity of the Future” will discuss the different options that contractors have for connectivity. All the best apps in the world won’t help your company if they can’t connect, so register and join the discussion! You will learn the options for jobsite connectivity, including 5G and 4G networks, satellite solutions, traditional wire-line solutions, as well as challenges and solutions for bandwidth between devices inside the site.
James is CEO of JB Knowledge, a premier provider of technology solutions for the construction and insurance industries. The company is a seven-time recipient of the Aggie 100 award, a six-time Newman 10 recipient and was recently named to the LSU One Hundred for the second time.
Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.
Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!
Sponsor Spotlight 7 Welcomes Andrew Windsor, Senior Vice President, Sales for Watts Water Technologies
In the seventh episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Rick Gopffarth, MCAA Co-Vice President/Treasurer welcomes Andrew Windsor, Senior Vice President, Sales for Watts Water Technologies. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.
Andrew Windsor joined Watts Water Technologies in 2014 with more than 10 years of experience building and managing world-class sales organizations. In 2016, he was named Senior Vice President, Sales and currently is responsible for Watts sales in the Americas. Andrew previously served as Vice President, Wholesale Sales and, more recently, as Vice President of Sales-Americas, responsible for developing and executing our sales strategy in the Wholesale, Retail, OEM, and Industrial channels.
Recorded: Friday, January 8
As We Embrace the Arrival of 2021, MCAA Thanks You For All We’ve Accomplished, Together, in 2020. Take a Look Back at the Highlights!
As we, the MCAA family, look back on 2020 we see a year that has forced us all to change, to adapt and to overcome some of the biggest challenges to face our industry in decades. MCAA with its volunteer leadership, led by President Brian Helm and the rest of the Executive Committee, the MCAA Board of Directors, our contractor members, our manufacturer/supplier members and partners, local affiliates, volunteers who sit on our committees and Foundation and the national staff have taken the COVID-19 challenge head on. Sharing vision, talent and expertise the MCAA family has come together during 2020 to help each other like never before. Together we:
- Delivered ideas and innovation at the annual MCAA Technology Conference with help from our Technology committee, our title sponsor, Trimble, and our event sponsors: Autodesk, DEWALT and Rhumbix.
- Partnered with Dodge Data & Analytics to produce the Prefabrication and Modular Construction SmartMarket Report.
- Hosted a record number of attendees at the 17th MCAA’s Safety Directors’ Conference thanks to the Safety & Health committee, as well as our conference sponsors, CNA and MILWAUKEE TOOL.
- Launched and led five virtual AEC best practices sessions with the guidance and leadership from the Association Executives Council.
- Connected with industry improvement fund trustees and local association executives at the Industry Improvement Funds Virtual Seminar thanks to the Industry Improvement Funds Committee.
- Partnered with the MCA of Northwest Ohio to produce the Field Leaders Conference in Toledo. Special thanks to presenters Greg Fuller, Mark Rogers, Chris Haslinger, John Koontz, Kevin Dougherty and Mark Breslin.
- Wrapped up classes 75 and 76 of the Institute for Project Management (IPM) with 113 graduates and our 16th Advanced IPM Class (AIPM) with help from the PMEC committee.
- Added five new courses to the NEI seminars list with our new instructors Greg Fuller and Mark Rogers.
- Organized, with the guidance from the MSCA Board of Managers, the ongoing Best from MSCA series where MSCA members share novel ideas and innovations.
- Presented the MSCA’s Sales Reboot virtual program, Strategies for Navigating Change and Elevating Performance in the New Economy with presenter Seth Mattison to over 450 attendees.
- Transformed the MSCA Dispatchers Professional Development Training Program to a virtual course thanks to the name sponsor, MILWAUKEE TOOL.
- Held the PCA Virtual Education Series on Plumbing Service hosted by JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Service, Inc. which included seven hour-long module and panel discussions with a total of 281 live attendees. Special thanks to the Plumbing Contractors of America Board of Directors, JPG Plumbing & Mechanical and Bradford White for their contributions.
- Paired 25 seasoned professionals in the mechanical industry with 25 females new to or looking to join the industry in the ongoing WiMI Mentor/Mentee Program with help from the Women in the Mechanical Industry Steering Committee.
- Introduced the new Preparatory Institute for Project Management (PIPM) as a 12-week online curriculum and congratulated 192 graduates in the first year due to the recommendation and guidance from the Project Managers Education Committee.
- Hosted the GreatFutures Virtual Fall Program with 333 registered attendees and 17 webinars because of the planning and recommendations from the Career Development Committee.
- Received 19 submissions for the MCAA Annual Student Chapter Competition which was generously provided by West Chester Mechanical Contractors in Aston, PA.
- Offered 604 registered members a virtual tour of Modern Companies’ fabrication operations, which uses MSUITE’s FabPro in the MCAA Virtual Fab Mini.
- Launched the Sponsor Spotlight series of interviews as a way for our contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board including their products, relationships with MCAA and what being a member of the M/SC Governing Board means to them. Thanks to our M/SC Governing Board and the MCAA Executive Committee for their participation and time.
In addition to our education programs, MCAA was dedicated to providing more than 500 business resources, COVID-19-related and not, free as a benefit of membership, including:
- The 2020 edition of MCAA’s Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime – A Primer for the Construction Industry publication providing guidance on costs associated with unplanned events, circumstances and factors that may impact the outcome, productivity and schedule of construction projects. Thank you to Paul Stynchcomb of Vero Construction Consultants Corp for his contributions, and the Management Methods Committee for their contributions of time, insight and experience.
- MCAA’s 2020-2021 Tool & Equipment Rental Guide web portal has been updated thanks to MCAA’s partnership with EquipmentWatch, the industry leader in equipment data.
- The next generation of MCAA’s most valuable resource, the WebLEM+Plus including a complete buildout of the Work Activity Method, unique data identifiers, the first-ever drawing content standard and the ability to attach drawing content to each labor unit. Thank you to U.S. Engineering for donating its drawing content library, Trimble for its Building Data and SysQue content and the MCAA WebLEM Committee for their contributions.
- With the help and guidance from the Safety & Health Committee, a guide to Safe Pressure Testing of Steel and Copper Piping Systems, guidance on Creating a Contractor Ergonomics Program to Reduce Soft Tissue Injuries Among Construction Workers, a Refrigerant Safety Training Resource and Tailgate Safety Talk, an updated Model Safety Program for Mechanical Service, an updated Model Safety Program for Mechanical Construction, and a Model Fall Rescue Program and Plan.
- The COVID-19 Resource Center with more than 180 COVID-19-related resources including administrative and regulatory actions, information and analysis of the PPP, emergency funding analyses, and letters and forms to customize.
- A COVID-19 Contingency Webinar Series including 30 recordings and presentations.
- Very timely covid-19-related safety information including COVID-19 Temperature and Symptom Screener Training, COVID-19 Return to Work Exposure Control Plan & Checklist, COVID-19 Return to Work Exposure Control Plan Questionnaire, COVID-19 Return to Work Employee Safety Training, COVID-19 Return to Work Exposure Control Plan Test & Answer Key and COVID-19 Regulatory & Legal Guidance.
Thank you to all 55 individuals who donated to the MCAA PAC, including the time our Government Affairs Committee worked tirelessly meeting with countless Congressional and Senate office’s as well as our sister associations and our labor partners at the UA to push our agenda forward. We will continue to be your voice in the nation’s capital! If you would like to donate yourself, please visit the MCAA website.
Thank you for the 52 donations to the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) so we can continue to provide funding to students, faculty and MCAA student chapters. Your donations also mean that JRGF can develop innovative resources to help you work smarter and more efficiently. If you would like to see the full list of those who supported the Foundation from January 1, 2020 – December 21, 2020, or donate yourself, visit the JRGF website.
At our core, MCAA’s mission is to help the industry advance and adapt to change. 2020 has challenged us to do just that. With the constant changes and unknowns this year has brought, MCAA recommits to the core mission – we are committed to supporting you and your business as we grow the industry and overcome challenges together. As we reflect on this past year, we hope that you – our members, our family, find our resources and achievements valuable. We look forward to a new year full of more challenges and opportunities to help you!
What Does the Construction Landscape Look Like in Five Years? Join MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference to Discover the Innovative Opportunities from Lee Smither.
As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will hear from Lee Smither, a principal for FMI’s consulting practice.
Prefabrication, modularization, robotics, autonomous equipment, 4D and 5D design… innovation is around every corner and technology companies have discovered opportunities within the construction industry. This seminar previews what Construction 2.0 looks like and what it means for you and your company. You will learn what our landscape will look like in five years, what innovations are already being used today and what is yet to come.
As a principal for FMI’s consulting practice, Lee helps engineering and construction companies with strategic planning to improve their corporate performance. He specializes in market strategy and consulting, developing and implementing organization-wide change initiatives and other leadership focused engagements. Additionally, he led FMI’s CEO Forum, which hosted the Top 100 leaders from the industry each year in Washington, D.C.
Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.
Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!
Thank you Trimble for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.
Looking to Grow a Strong and Profitable Service Business? Learn from Chris Carter, Brian Hughes and Steve Harvey at MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference!
As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will hear from MCAA Board of Director members Chris Carter, Brian Hughes and Steve Harvey.
“Growing a Strong and Profitable Service Business” will provide you with the fundamentals needed to start or improve your service business’ performance. A strong HVACR and plumbing service business can help sustain your business during downturns in the construction market. You will learn how to analyze your service business model and identify future growth opportunities, actionable strategies to build the sales team you need to facilitate service growth, how to generate a recurring revenue stream through preventative maintenance agreements, as well as additional pull-through work and retrofit opportunities.
Chris Carter, Vice President of Service at Murphy Company, Brian Hughes, Executive Vice President of Hughes Environmental Engineering, Inc., and Steve Harvey, General Manager at Soefker Services, are looking forward to sharing with you!
Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.
Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!
Thank you Viega for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.
Congress Expected to Pass Stimulus Package. Watch Withum’s December 23rd Webinar Covering Package Details On-Demand.
Experts from Withum’s SBA Financial Services and Tax Services teams navigate through the myriad of provisions included in the more than 5,000 page legislative package finalized mid-December. Withum’s team covers in detail the provisions of the legislation which cover the following topics:
- PPP Loans: Another Round of Funding
- PPP Loan Forgiveness Process (Round 1 and Round 2)
- PPP Loan Forgiveness Deductibility
Withum also covers the basics of the following provisions, but expect to have more detailed communications on these as guidance becomes more clear:
- Unemployment Provisions
- Stimulus Checks
- Employer Focused Tax Credits
Why Do Some Companies Do Well While Others Just Barely Survive? Register for MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference and Find Out from Landon Funsten!
As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will gain knowledge through the experience of this presentation by Landon Funsten, Chairman of FMI Corporation.
“Past, Present and Future: How Contractors Succeed and Which Trends are Emerging for the Future” addresses how contractors of all sizes struggle to keep existing clients and maintain a foothold. However, others gain traction, build backlogs, run profitably and penetrate new areas of specialization. So, what is their secret? Why do some companies do well while others just barely survive? This seminar will show you.
You will learn the business imperatives for surviving in the construction industry, the common mistakes contractors make, and how to build a company fit for the next challenge. Landon works extensively with contractors throughout the country, focusing on buyer and seller representation, business continuity and stock valuations. Before taking his current position, he spent time in FMI’s Investment Banking Group and FMI’s Management Consulting practice.
Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.
Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!
Thank you Watts Water for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.
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.