Maria Cadena
Graduate Engineer
My name is Maria Cadena and I am a Graduate Engineer in Hatch Mott MacDonald’s Boston, Massachusetts, office. I began my career at the firm as an intern, and in my current role, I work primarily on tunneling, geotechnical, and structural projects.
I have had the opportunity to learn and grow professionally and personally during my time with Hatch Mott MacDonald. The tunneling team that I work with is extremely knowledgeable and I’m able to leverage my coworkers’ experience to learn something new every day. They are always willing to provide feedback and guidance to help shape my career. I also enjoy the work atmosphere at Hatch Mott MacDonald, and I have become close friends with my coworkers.
Hatch Mott MacDonald has also supported my professional development by providing me with the opportunity for additional training. I recently attended technical training, hosted by the firm’s New Jersey office, on the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, a new technology that leverages comprehensive 3-D models that enhance our ability to meet client expectations and our clients’ ability to easily understand all project alternatives, costs, and benefits. This training opportunity not only helped grow my skills, but allowed me to develop and strengthen important relationships with staff outside my home office.
In addition to providing me with technical training, Hatch Mott MacDonald supported my interest in developing a community for new graduates, providing me with the tools and guidance to create the Starting Point program. When it launches, Starting Point will provide career guidance and facilitate communication among recent graduates, allowing them to network as well as to express their interests and questions though various forums. The goal of the program is to ensure that members have access to the information and resources necessary to grow within Hatch Mott MacDonald.
My interest in providing opportunities to learn and grow extends outside of the office as well. I enjoy volunteering with children who are interested in math, engineering, and science. I work closely with a local radio station that hosts an annual science fair for students entering the sixth grade. In addition, I volunteer at a local Boys and Girls Club with a program to teach fifth graders fun science projects. I always have a good time teaching the kids about engineering and showing them how much fun math can be when applied to a real life project.
I have had the opportunity to learn and grow professionally and personally during my time with Hatch Mott MacDonald. The tunneling team that I work with is extremely knowledgeable and I’m able to leverage my coworkers’ experience to learn something new every day. They are always willing to provide feedback and guidance to help shape my career. I also enjoy the work atmosphere at Hatch Mott MacDonald, and I have become close friends with my coworkers.
Hatch Mott MacDonald has also supported my professional development by providing me with the opportunity for additional training. I recently attended technical training, hosted by the firm’s New Jersey office, on the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, a new technology that leverages comprehensive 3-D models that enhance our ability to meet client expectations and our clients’ ability to easily understand all project alternatives, costs, and benefits. This training opportunity not only helped grow my skills, but allowed me to develop and strengthen important relationships with staff outside my home office.
In addition to providing me with technical training, Hatch Mott MacDonald supported my interest in developing a community for new graduates, providing me with the tools and guidance to create the Starting Point program. When it launches, Starting Point will provide career guidance and facilitate communication among recent graduates, allowing them to network as well as to express their interests and questions though various forums. The goal of the program is to ensure that members have access to the information and resources necessary to grow within Hatch Mott MacDonald.
My interest in providing opportunities to learn and grow extends outside of the office as well. I enjoy volunteering with children who are interested in math, engineering, and science. I work closely with a local radio station that hosts an annual science fair for students entering the sixth grade. In addition, I volunteer at a local Boys and Girls Club with a program to teach fifth graders fun science projects. I always have a good time teaching the kids about engineering and showing them how much fun math can be when applied to a real life project.