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Purdue Faculty Advisors’ Summer Internships at MCAA Member Companies Benefit Jobsites & Students

Jason Merchant and Ryan Manuel, both faculty advisors for the student chapter at Purdue University, took advantage of the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Faculty Continuing Education Grant to intern with MCAA member companies this summer. By working in the industry, they better understand  the challenges and opportunities that students may face and are thus better prepared to advise them. This industry experience will also help them to better teach mechanical subject matter, so the students coming out of their classes are better prepared to excel in our industry. 

Garvey France (HFI Intern) / Ryan Manuel (D.A. Dodd Faculty Intern) / Hayden Copass (D.A. Dodd Intern)

Ryan Manuel spent his summer with D.A. Dodd (Lafayette, IN) as a Faculty Intern. He used his academic and industry background to participate in a multi-dimensional role that included assisting with summer interns, conducting site visits, attending project status meetings and promoting the use of construction management software.  He conducted a workshop on software for D.A. Dodd’s foremen to help them streamline processes and to boost overall productivity. 

“Interning at D.A. Dodd offered an immersive and eye-opening exposure to the day-to-day operations of a growing mechanical contractor. I encountered intricate project schedules, struggled with tight budgets, and grasped the intricacies of team dynamics – something that can’t be fully replicated in a classroom setting. I gained extensive knowledge from observing complex mechanical installations and coordinating with subcontractors.  The D.A. Dodd team’s remarkable ability to solve on-site problems with ingenuity and resilience was truly amazing.  The experience highlighted the significance of adaptability, which I intend to emphasize to my students as I return to the classroom this fall.” 

Ryan Manuel, Purdue University Faculty Advisor
Tristan Ruhlman (HFI Intern) /  Brady Wever (Project Manager) / Jason Merchant (HFI Faculty Intern)

Jason Merchant spent his summer with Harrell-Fish, Inc. (HFI) (Columbus, IN), primarily on renovation of an old mall that is turning into an all-inclusive medical complex. Every type of medical doctor from a general practitioner to an endocrinologist will be in the facility, which is designed to boost community well-being by making medical appointments more convenient.

“In my CM 150 materials and methods class I stress 3 things:

  1. Respect for the men and women who do the day to day work.
  2. Safety is of utmost importance for a successful project. 
  3. The construction industry as a whole tends to become a small world with the more experience you garner. 

All three of these points came to fruition this summer during my Faculty Internship. I am unique in the aspect that I am a card-carrying UA member and am able to still perform field work.  My involvement with the MCAA and MCAI has also kept me relevant and up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. It’s obvious to any student who comes into our classroom or lab at Purdue that I am passionate about the mechanical industry. The JRGF scholarship will allow me to help foster that passion by sharing my first-hand experience and knowledge with my students. The primary objectives that I’ll be bringing back to the classroom this fall include lessons learned from the field, working as a team, and the importance of effectively communicating in this industry.

Additionally, boots on the ground is an important part in the big picture of the mechanical industry. The JRGF grant was a fortuitous opportunity and something that I feel many MCAA faculty advisors should utilize. Anyone who teaches HVAC, mechanical or plumbing curriculum will grow and benefit from a summer spent with an MCAA member, made possible by the JRGF grant. The opportunity to work with member contractors is invaluable.” 

Jason Merchant, Purdue University Faculty Advisor

Learn More

MCAA members interested in employing a faculty advisor over the summer or faculty interested applying for a JRGF Faculty Continuing Education Grant should contact MCAA Director of Career Development, Michele Hoffman at mhoffman@mcaa.org for additional information about the program for Summer 2024. 

Plan Now for Summer ’24 Employment Needs

College students are starting to head back to campus, which means underclassmen are starting to explore their options for summer internships and seniors are already weighing their offers for full-time employment for June 2024.  Now is the time to start the conversation and the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board is the perfect place to start! 

MCAA GreatFutures Job Board – How to Post an Entry-Level Job or Internship

  • Login with an MCAA username and password
  • Click on the job board within the Career Development page
  • Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
  • Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
  • When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
  • Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
  • Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
  • From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process
View Job Board

New Resources Will Assist with Hiring & Managing Interns

The MCAA Career Development Committee recently compiled four resources to assist companies with the internship hiring and management process.  Internship Best Practices is a quick read (1 page) and walks employers through the hiring process in a timeline format.

Internship Guide

Once Your Intern Is Hired, Submit a Part 1 JRGF Internship Grant Application

Once you’ve successfully hired your intern, head over to the JRGF Internship Grant page to submit at Part 1 application for a $1,000 grant for 1 intern or $2,000 grant for 2 or more interns.  These grants are available anytime throughout the year (summer interns and/or school year interns).

If You Hire an Intern Full Time, Be Sure to Complete a Part 2 JRGF Internship Grant Application 

Did you recently hire one of your interns full-time?  If they were previously on a Part 1 list, submit a Part 2 application for a $500 gift card for your new hire. 

JRGF Internship Grants

Have Questions?

Please contact MCAA Director of Career Development, Michele Hoffman.

Congratulations to Cole Perkins, Recipient of the 2023 Robert J. Durr, Sr. – NCPWB Partnering Scholarship

Congratulations to Cole Perkins, the recipient of the new Robert J. Durr, Sr. – NCPWB Partnering Scholarship, which is in honor of Robert J. Durr, Sr., former chairman of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau Board of Trustees for his effort and dedication in creating a partnership between the United Association and the NCPWB, which resulted in the formation of the Joint Welder Testing Program.

Cole is studying Construction Engineering at Iowa State University and will be graduating in May 2024. He’s been an active member of his student chapter and has served as Recruitment Chair and Vice President. Cole previously interned with MCAA Members MMC Contractors and Baker Group.

“I really enjoy seeing how my work in the construction industry positively impacts our community. I especially enjoy building systems and learning how they work and coincide with other trades in the industry. I’m also a very curious person that enjoys learning new topics. I joined my local MCAA student chapter to become active in my future profession and network with others in my industry.

For the future, I would love to be a project manager working with the guys in the field on a daily basis after gathering enough experience to do so. Long-term, I see myself at a company that has a good community-based culture that’s active in their community and participates in volunteering-based opportunities. Working to improve those in my community is important to me.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Cole on this prestigious scholarship and thank the NCPWB for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Snap a Picture of Your Interns Before They Head Back to School & Submit a Grant Request for up to $2,000

Interns working at MCAA member companies are a win-win for our industry. Employers secure top talent and build a pipeline of future employees and students gain hands on experience, create connections and develop the skills needed to further their interest in mechanical contracting.  Snap a picture of your summer intern by a company sign, on the jobsite or in company apparel and upload it with your Internship Grant Application.  Interns and sponsoring companies will be featured on the virtual Intern Wall at MCAA24 before the Awards of Excellence Breakfast. 

Internship Grant Eligibility

The MCAA company must first ensure the prospective intern is in good standing with an accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical school.  While MCAA encourages its members to give priority to students from MCAA student chapters, this is not a requirement for a grant.  

Part 1

  • Companies with 1 intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant OR companies with 2+ interns may receive a $2,000 grant. 
  • Submit an application for each intern. If you have 15 interns, submit an application for all 15 of them since interns must be listed on a Part 1 application to be eligible for a Part 2 gift card upon graduation. (Maximum per company is still $2,000 no matter how many interns are submitted beyond 2.)
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for Part 1. 
Part 1 Application

Part 2

  • For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire.  New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 list from an MCAA member company.
  • Part 2 applications may not be submitted until after the new hire’s full-time start date. 
Part 2 Application

Have Questions?

Please contact MCAA Director of Career Development, Michele Hoffman.

Congratulations to Morgan Fischer, Recipient of the 2023 Ferguson WiMI Scholarship

Morgan Fischer is studying construction management at Kent State University and is one of two recipients of the Ferguson – Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship. Ferguson underwrites these scholarships which recognize high-achieving female students working towards a degree relative to the mechanical industry.

Morgan spent last summer interning for MCAA Member, The Brewer-Garett Company and noted that she enjoyed the company and their values so much that she decided to continue her internship with them during the Spring of 2023.

“To stay with a company long-term after graduation means that the company needs to have a sense of belonging and teamwork. I have always tried to include others and make them feel like they belong because I know what it feels like to be excluded. I think companies that have the empathy and care for their employees are the most successful. This success is not only defined by their financials or numbers of projects, but by the way their employees are proud to work there. This is so important to me because I’m very passionate about construction and the work I will be doing and I’m looking forward to being just as passionate about my employer.

Ever since I was younger, I have loved problem solving and completing puzzles. Since working with a mechanical contractor, I have viewed the mechanical systems as puzzles with all of the pieces and patterns that are required for installation. No system is exactly the same, but many of them have similar components. I enjoy the challenge that comes with different projects and coming up with solutions for the design and installation of the systems. I think a career in mechanical contracting would never get boring and is such an important aspect of a building.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Morgan on this prestigious scholarship and thank Ferguson for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Congratulations to Brock Schulz, Recipient of the 2023 Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Brock Schulz, this year’s recipient of the annual Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship, which honors the late owners (Wayne, Patrick, and Emmett Reilly) of the John W. Danforth Company, one of the preeminent and charter members of MCAA. Kevin “Duke” Reilly presented the award during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast at MCAA23 in Phoenix, AZ.

Brock studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nebraska and graduated in May 2023. He was an active member of his MCAA student chapter and served as the Fundraising Chair. Brock has been interning at MCAA Member, MMC Contractors since May 2021 and upon graduation was hired as a full-time Project Engineer.

“I joined MCAA for several reasons. At first it was another way for me to find an internship and get involved. I had been informed of what MCA was by a fellow member. However, after joining I quickly realized how much this organization has to offer. I think a better answer for this question is why I have come back over the last three years as a student member. I have returned to MCA not only for all of the benefits but also for all the opportunities to give back to both my community as well as those who have helped bring me up. I have enjoyed all the volunteering, helping out the younger generations get excited about their futures or giving a relaxing night to our contractors through our wine tasting fundraiser/networking event. The people in this industry have not only helped me open up and branch out as a person but have also led me along a path helping me grow up and become a better and stronger man. I am very appreciative for all MCA has giving me thus far and will do my best to give back as much as possible throughout my future career.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Brock on this prestigious scholarship and thank John W. Danforth Company for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Congratulations to Amaya Caggino, Recipient of the 2023 ATP Inspiring Future Leaders Scholarship

Amaya Caggino is the recipient of the brand-new ATP Inspiring Future Leaders Scholarship. The scholarship was established to recognize, support and inspire students in the mechanical industries.

Amaya studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland – College Park and graduated in May 2023. She was an active member of her MCAA student chapter and served as both Vice President and then President. She has been interning at MCAA Member, The Poole and Kent Corporation since May 2021 and upon graduation was hired as a full-time Project Engineer.

“I initially joined the MCAA student chapter because the faculty advisor recruited me, as he felt I would be a good fit and asset to the team. At that point during freshman year, I had never heard of mechanical contracting, however I was open to learning about something new. After shadowing the team for the semester, I was amazed at how the team was able to work together so effectively through different challenges to create a full-scale bid proposal that not only had real components of a construction project, but was a bid for a real-life construction project. Overall, after watching the team work to create the bid, I was in awe and I knew that this type of work in the mechanical contracting industry was something that I wanted to do with my career. I then decided to join the student chapter team myself for the following three years.

Five years after graduation, I see myself leading my very own project with Poole and Kent. I see myself as a project manager working on large scale projects, specifically data centers, and working towards earning various certifications such as the PMP and attending the Institute for Project Management.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Amaya on this prestigious scholarship and thank ATP Learning Solutions for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Congratulations to Brodee Paul, Recipient of the 2023 Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship

Brodee Paul is one of the two recipients of the Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship. The Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey established these scholarships to honor the memory of Alan P. O’Shea, it’s former Executive Director, and to memorialize his many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry. The scholarships were presented by Richard Tomaiko (MCA of New Jersey President) and Phillip Petillo (MCA of New Jersey Executive Director).

Brodee is the President of his student chapter at the University of Nebraska and will be graduating from their five-year program with a Master’s in Architectural Engineering in May 2026. He’s currently interning with MCAA Member, The Waldinger Corporation.

“I joined my MCAA student chapter for two main reasons: First, to connect with fellow chapter members, as well as other student chapters and industry professionals across the nation. I wanted to join a body of people who have similar interests as me, but different experiences in their route to success.

The second reason was because of the many opportunities to give back to the organization. When I joined the chapter, I was elected as Recruitment Chair and I was taken out of my comfort zone in order to inform the students within my program what the MCA-Omaha student chapter provides as an organization. I had one of the most successful years of recruitment in Omaha and I’m proud to share it!

I’ve also been selected for multiple MCAA conferences where I had the honor of meeting so many individuals in this industry, as well as the individuals who lead our organization. I joined because of the benefits I could receive, but stayed because I want to contribute more to my chapter.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Brodee on this prestigious scholarship and thank the MCA of New Jersey for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

Post on the GreatFutures Job Board Now and Meet Your Candidates this Fall!

The MCAA GreatFutures Job Board is a tool to post entry-level full-time positions and internships that are directed at MCAA Student Chapter Members. Post a job now and then register for the GreatFutures Forum (student-focused conference) to meet candidates in person in Milwaukee on September 28-30th. The Job Fair is on the morning of September 29th and registration for the entire conference is complimentary for MCAA Members. Registration is currently available and closes August 30th .

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

How to Post an Entry-Level Job or Internship

  • Login with an MCAA username and password
  • Click on the job board within the Career Development page
  • Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
  • Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
  • When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
  • Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
  • Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
  • From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process
VIEW JOB BOARD

Congratulations to Morebodi Sebadieta, Recipient of the 2023 Viega – Joe Pikus Scholarship

Morebodi Sebadieta is the recipient of the Viega – Joe Pikus Scholarship. Upon the news that Joe would soon be retiring, Viega wanted to commemorate his passion for student learning by naming a scholarship in his honor. This new scholarship is available to an active participant of an MCAA student chapter, who is a junior or senior, majoring in construction management, with a 3.5 GPA or higher, who participated in the student chapter competition, and most importantly, who is committed to a career in mechanical contracting, demonstrated through an internship.

Morebodi is studying construction management at California State University, Chico and anticipates graduating in December 2023. He has been interning at Kinetics since May 2022 and is planning on continuing his internship with them this summer as a Project Engineer.

“The technicality of mechanical systems is what has kept me interested in this industry. I’ve learned quite a lot from my internship, especially with process piping. I consider mechanical contractors specialists in the construction industry, which really intrigues me.

Five years after graduation I see myself being a Project Manager and running projects for a mechanical contractor. The more I hear about something, the more I want to learn and perfect it. Mechanical construction is not any different. I’m eager to learn more about mechanical and joined the MCAA and ASC competitions to help me gain as much knowledge and experience as I can before graduating.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Morebodi on this prestigious scholarship and thank Viega for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.