Meet Clark Summer Associate Johan Ureña

Clark's summer associate program offers students opportunities to build their skills in real-world scenarios, including making connections and developing their networks. During the 12-week program, participants gain insight into the daily planning, decision-making, and communication required for successful projects.

Hear firsthand about the experience from Johan Urena, a summer associate with Clark Water working on the Methanol Feed Facilities at the Millard H. Robbins Jr. Regional Reclamation Plant in Centreville, Virginia.

Describe your role at Clark.

I walk the site every morning and afternoon to verify that our trade contractors are putting work into place accurately and safely. To support our superintendents, I verify and provide any documentation needed to accomplish that work. 

Tell us a little bit about your background. Where did you grow up?

I was born in New York and lived there for a few years, but later moved to New Jersey. My family is originally from the Dominican Republic, so I have also spent my fair share of years there. 

Where do you go to school?

I attend the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and study mechanical engineering. I will graduate in 2025.

What is a fun fact that someone might not know about you?

I am a sergeant in the US Army National Guard. I have been juggling college and being a soldier for the past few years. In 2025, I will also finish my Guard contract.

How have your background or interests shaped you into the builder you are today?

My main strength is the leadership I have cultivated while serving as a sergeant, plus I have experience helping around in construction projects when I was younger. Back then, I was mainly there as an extra set of hands doing measurements, cutting, and placing material. Looking back, I never thought of the different levels of construction. I thought only cutting this piece to the correct length mattered, but I couldn’t truly understand why. Now that I am a part of managing this work, I get a better view of how pieces fit into the overall project. There is nothing more fulfilling than building something better. 

What drew you to Clark?

Through the National Guard, I met one of my good friends and mentors, who worked at Clark. When I heard him speak of the amazing learning environment, the encouragement for personal growth, and all the opportunities Clark offered, I knew it was the right place for me. 

What has been your favorite part of your Clark experience? Or what are you most excited for?

The encouragement to make connections and see how individuals transition from setting up weekly plans to executing said plans at the jobsite. It’s like watching the drawings come to life right in front of you. 

This is your first year as a Summer Associate at Clark. What accomplishment from your time here are you most proud of?

It was a big accomplishment to gather information and jump right into the project. It was not easy, because there were so many different small parts happening at once. However, taking it step by step, you eventually see how they all work towards the overall goal of the project.

What is one of the most important things you've learned during your time at Clark?

Planning. I have seen that the ability to plan and prepare is an important tool the professionals at Clark use efficiently. I hope to eventually have that level of proficiency! 

Learn more about the summer associate experience and hear from other summer associates.