Mckenzie Garcia’s natural affinity for math can be traced back to his childhood. When Garcia was growing up, his dad’s construction work and access to residential buildings gave him first-hand exposure to the ins and outs of the business. His dad’s work also showcased the importance and power of math.
“My dad always had a multiplication chart in his work van, and I learned a lot about the math required to build a house,” Garcia says.
In elementary school, Garcia’s math talents were nurtured through his participation in Number Sense competitions—timed mental math tests. At 13, he bought his first car and quickly discovered the joy of using his math and budding mechanical skills to see his work come to life.
“I enjoyed working with my hands and the satisfaction of being able to enjoy the fruits of my labor,” he says.
Garcia is now enrolled in the Hitachi Energy rotational program, working with the Grid Power Quality Solution and Services tendering team. The program provides a unique opportunity for professional development, allowing high-potential graduates to be in the driver’s seat of their careers. Graduates join as full-time employees and are exposed to different roles and experiences across various business units and functions within the company.
Here, Garcia shares why he was compelled to join the Power+ Graduate Program, how he’s cultivated a sense of community at Hitachi Energy, and advice for those striving to gain admittance into the rotational program.
What led to your job at Hitachi Energy, and how did you know the company would be a good fit?
When thinking about my career, I wanted to find a company that empowered its employees and pushed forward the energy transition—and Hitachi Energy is doing exactly that. During my first interview, everyone I spoke to was friendly, curious, and striving to make an impact. That’s still true today.
At Hitachi Energy, I’m presented with challenges and opportunities allowing me to gain new skills and become a more well-rounded professional. I wanted to be, and am proud to say that I am, a part of a culture that leads innovation and is advancing a sustainable energy future for all.
What are your core responsibilities as a tender manager? What about this work excites or inspires you?
I’m responsible for coordinating across disciplines to find the best solution that we can provide for a client. So far, I’ve been able to combine my experience as a field engineer with intrapersonal skills to create comprehensive project proposals for international clients.
It’s essential to understand technical solutions and project financials, which excites me every day. This dynamic leads to new, interesting challenges that necessitate a broader perspective to grasp each aspect of a project.
We understand you‘re in Hitachi Energy’s Power+ Graduate Program, the company’s flagship early career rotational program. Can you tell us a bit more about that experience?
I knew I wanted to work in the energy industry, but I wasn’t sure where my role would fit. I didn’t see myself in a strictly technical position; I didn’t envision becoming a designer, and I also didn’t see myself working independently for much of the time. I wanted to find a position that combined technical skills, human interaction, and problem-solving.
This is why I chose to be in the rotational program. I wanted to explore possible roles and learn about different ways of working before locking in on one role. This experience has enabled me to learn a tremendous amount about the company and an even greater amount about myself and how I can put my best foot forward.
What is a particularly noteworthy learning or personal growth moment from the Power+ Graduate Program that stands out?
Each one of my roles has been distinct. In my first role, I was a junior power markets analyst, specializing in renewable energy trends. In my second role, I was a project field engineer; I supported the execution of a static synchronous compensator. My current function is tender manager; I’m responsible for creating comprehensive project packages encompassing bids, contracts, and proposals.
Each came with distinct challenges, but there’s been a consistent advocacy for growth. Being a Power+ Graduate has allowed me to be part of a learning community, and that means asking for resources and meetings and being included in activities that I find interesting. The people at Hitachi Energy are here to support everyone, not just Power+ Graduates. Each role is a unique learning opportunity. We all have the ability to grow, and we have networks that can support us, but it’s up to us to ask for help.
How does the Power+ Graduate Program cultivate a sense of community and camaraderie for new hires and early career candidates? Why is this important for those who are just starting their professional journey?
The feeling of being connected has been incredibly organic. Recent college graduates like me are excited for the opportunity and we make sure to check in with each other. We have an open chat for members of the U.S. Power+ Graduate community, where we share our experiences, challenges we’re facing, recent successes, and upcoming projects. We prioritize sharing ways to connect outside of work—whether that means sharing favorite foods, sporting events we’re going to, or hobbies like hiking or rock climbing. This speaks volumes about Hitachi Energy’s incredible culture.
What other professional development opportunities are available for Hitachi Energy employees? Which ones have you benefitted from the most?
Special opportunities for Power+ Graduates include fireside chats with company executives, who discuss their journey to their current role and what they’ve learned throughout their experience. Power+ Graduates are highly encouraged to reach out to program members in other countries. We have an international team who facilitates networking events. We’re also paired with international Power+ Graduates to complete leadership pillars and share how we can incorporate these ways of thinking into our roles.
And I’ve been able to stay connected through our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Outside of Power+, the local chapter of Hitachi Energy’s Young Professional Network (YPN) organizes a kickball team through a local intramural sports league. YPN is another way to connect young professionals who aren’t located in Raleigh and grow our network within the company.
You’ve been in your role at Hitachi Energy for under a year. How does the company nurture and guide new hires? How does the onboarding process help new employees get acclimated?
The Power+ Graduates receive a highly informative onboarding process that includes introductions to each of the company’s four business units. Members of each business unit present their wider objectives. While in each role, we delve into specific responsibilities and proper channels. A huge aspect of working at Hitachi Energy is safety. It’s essential that we understand and ensure proper safety precautions. Regardless of our role, we take that to heart.
What advice do you have for those hoping to join the Power+ Graduate Program? What can they do to stand out during the recruitment process?
Reach out! Talk to anyone who has Power+ Graduate as part of their experience. Anyone hoping to join can stand out by advocating for themselves. We want to help, we want to grow, and that means sharing our lessons with others. I’ve had several people reach out to me. Some have joined the company, and I’m proud to call them my colleagues. If someone were to have questions about the program what better resource than a current member? Moreover, I suggest reaching out to someone in a role you want to learn more about and ask about their path.
Outside of work, what are you most passionate about?
As I grow my professional resume, I’m also working to build my life experiences. Recently, I’ve taken up cycling with a long-time friend, and we completed our first 100-mile ride at the Hotter’N Hell Hundred in our hometown.
Another friend and I summited Mt. Fuji in Japan, and I’ve driven around the entire country of Iceland. I love learning and experiencing different cultures, and I aim to experience life’s adventures with my family and friends. I smile when I think about everything that I’ve been lucky to see and be a part of.