Under the Hard Hat with Emily Mata
July 12, 2023
At Clark, we are proud to be made up of individuals from various backgrounds and talents who thrive and succeed together. Our “Under the Hard Hat” series is designed to showcase the diverse people who make up the Clark team.
Meet Emily Mata, a summer associate with Clark's Northern Group, to learn about her background and her role at the company.
Tell us about your background.
I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, but raised in El Paso, Texas. I am currently a senior at the University of Texas El Paso pursuing a bachelor of science in civil engineering.
What is your role at Clark?
I am currently a summer associate in the Northern Group, working on the Parcel 3A Office Tower in Nashville. The 35-story office is part of Nashville Yards, an 18-acre mixed-use development.
What is a fun fact that someone might not know about you?
I love to watch international TV shows! I’m currently into Korean dramas, and I’m watching a historical drama called “Mr. Sunshine” on Netflix.
What is one of the most important things you've learned during your time at Clark?
There are so many stakeholders in construction, and clear communication is important. I am bilingual and am always trying to improve my communication skills in English and Spanish. I have also learned a lot about working on a team and knowing when to step into leadership roles.
What drew you to Clark?
I met some current Clark employees through college friends and the American Society of Civil Engineers. I immediately felt like I fit in at Clark when I was looking for an internship in 2020. When talking to the recruiters, it was clear that Clark was a great place for women in construction and provides an environment for professional growth through inclusiveness and encouragement for people to reach their highest potential.
This is your third year as a summer associate at Clark. What keeps you coming back?
The people. In construction, I love that you get to meet new people all the time. Also, it excites me that every summer, I’ve gotten to understand more about what Clark does!
