MCAA at Maryland is a great organization with awesome opportunities for students to enhance their knowledge and expand their network within Mechanical Contracting.
Students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering share their experiences as members of the UMD student chapter of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and their opportunity to attend MCAA’s Great Futures Conference last fall in Arizona. This annual conference is an opportunity to connect future professionals with MCAA members and future internship and full-time employment opportunities.
Hailey Brennan is a senior in Mechanical Engineering and currently serves as President of the UMD’s MCAA Chapter. She’s also involved in the Society of Mechanical Engineers, Women in Engineering and QUEST Honors Program. MCAA President
Can you tell us about your participation in the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA)?
I am the current president of the UMD Chapter of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. I joined as a freshman in fall 2018 and have been president the past two years. The majority of my participation is through the MCAA National Student Chapter Competition which occurs every fall. From September through December, schools work together to create a bid proposal for a real mechanical project provided by MCAA.
Once all submissions are in, the proposals are scored and the top four teams compete at the National Conference in March with a verbal presentation. Two years ago the UMD team placed 3rd, however we were unable to compete at the National Conference in Hawaii due to COVID.
This past year we placed 6th so we are giving it our best effort this year to make it back to the top four!
What kind of activities do students engage in with MCAA?
We encourage all students interested in Mechanical Contracting to join MCAA - no experience necessary!
Students can choose to be involved with the yearly proposal or stay in touch for job opportunities within the Mechanical Contracting industry. The student chapter has been able to attend numerous MCAA conferences as well as local MCAMW (Metro Washington) events that help students network, give back to the community, and have fun.
This is a great organization with awesome opportunities for students to enhance their knowledge and expand their network within Mechanical Contracting. I encourage all students with an interest to join as they may connect with someone who will help them get their dream job.
You had the opportunity to attend MCAA's Great Futures Conference last fall in Arizona. What were some highlights from attending?
Some of the highlights of MCAA's Great Futures Forum in Arizona were the keynote speakers, who helped inspire us to not fear rejection, understand our personalities, and work together.
We also toured Sloan Park, the practice facility for the Chicago Cubs, and learned more about the mechanical systems that help keep the fields green, indoor spaces cool, and bathroom spaces working.
Another highlight was the career fair where local and national companies involved in the MCAA were able to connect with students for internships and full time positions. It was great to meet students from across the country who are interested in the same field as you!
What are your post-graduation career goals?
I will be staying in the Mechanical Contracting industry but am currently considering a few different pathways focused on Energy or Project Management.
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