Q&A
Jacobs Go!: Mikayla Baker’s Story
Connecting and growing with international opportunities
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As part of our Boldly Moving Forward Strategy, we’re focused on intentionally building deep, trusting relationships for our people and nurturing our inclusive culture, including in how we approach wellbeing.
Wellbeing is foundational to everything we’re able to do and accomplish. We continually evaluate our wellbeing programs and benefits to best support our people – and we’re sharing stories of how these programs and tools are helping each of us individually be at our best, so we’re able to do more – together.
In this feature, we connected with Structural Engineer-in-Training Mikayla Baker about her experience with our Jacobs Go! program in Manila, Philippines.
Featured benefit: Jacobs Go! – an employee program aimed at facilitating inter-regional and international six-month career opportunities. This early career program encourages connectivity across our business – enhancing our employee experience, providing professional and personal development opportunities and expanding global networks.
Tell us about your Jacobs Go! journey.
When I first joined Jacobs in 2020, the Jacobs Go! program immediately became a bucket list item. Global mobility has always been a goal of mine and the program presented the perfect chance to not only travel, but also expand my network and develop in my role as a structural engineer.
Fast forward to July 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Manila office for Jacobs Go! as a Global Integrated Delivery (GID) engineer for projects I’d previously been a part of in my home office. When I first joined the team and moved so far from my home in Greenville, South Carolina in the U.S. I was admittedly nervous. However, the warm welcome the Manila team extended to me shattered my expectations and set the tone for my six-month stay.
Although Manila’s bustling metro is vastly different from my slower-paced hometown, I found a sense of belonging and comfort here. The office culture is truly admirable and I thoroughly enjoyed the icebreakers, technical talks and career journey discussions. The opportunities for career growth, whether through my project or engaging with the team, were invaluable.
Jacobs’ team building at the Shercon Resort and Ecology Park.
What aspect of the experience did you find the most inspiring and exciting?
The dedication displayed by everyone in the office was truly inspiring. The fast pace and quickdeadlines my project team was committed to meeting motivated me to put my best foot forward. Working with the team, I recognized the technical ability and hard work the Manila office puts in. I hope to bring this level of passion back to the U.S. with me. Additionally, I was excited to learn about other projects the office was taking on.
Tell us about the cultural experience.
In addition to professional development, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture. While I thoroughly enjoyed my solo excursions, the group outings with the team hold a special place in my heart. I’m thankful to have had so many #OurJacobs Manila team members take trips with me to explore Luzon. Whether it was a swim at a waterfall, a hike up a mountain or a street food adventure, all these experiences were unforgettable. I am grateful to have made so many friends along my journey and I hope to create more great memories with everyone in the future.
I want to express my utmost gratitude to everyone at the Jacobs office in Manila for making my time so memorable. Your support and camaraderie were incomparable and I’m forever grateful to have been part of an amazing team.
“Although Manila’s bustling metro is vastly different from my slower-paced hometown, I found a sense of belonging and comfort here. The opportunities for career growth, whether through my project or engaging with the team, were invaluable. ”
Mikayla Baker
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Spent a long weekend in La Union (Elyu) with some members of my Jacobs team.
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Having a group meal to mark my last day at the office.
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Celebrating at the amazing year end party.
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On my first solo trip to Tagaytay to see Taal Volcano Island.
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Took my first Jeepney ride on the University of the Philippines’ campus.
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I love trying new food and my team was happy to share with me. Bangus (milkfish) is the Philippines’ national fish and became one of my favorite dishes.
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Halo-halo, or mix-mix in Tagalog, is a popular dessert I tried at a group dinner.
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On one of my many street food adventures, I was introduced to kwek-kwek and isaw.
Wellbeing at Jacobs
At Jacobs, the wellbeing of our people is fundamental to our success. When we’re each able to be well, our collective power is limitless.
A world where you can is only achievable when we’re each functioning at our highest abilities. We can’t be our true selves, get our work done, and develop and grow unless our ideal states of being are sustained. We embed wellbeing into all, so we’re able to deliver on our purpose – today and into the future.
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