I am an engineer from Argentina with a strong technical background in underground civil projects. My journey spans Argentina, France, and Hong Kong. I joined the Bridges Program to step outside my comfort zone and enhance even further my professional growth.
During my first months on this assignment, the biggest professional challenge was taking on a much larger scope than I had in my previous role in Hong Kong. However, thanks to a thorough handover from my predecessor, I was able to confidently take the lead on the Permanent Structures Design for the Potomac River Tunnel.
Today, I feel confident in my role and the work I’m delivering. Looking ahead, I’m eager to support my future successor by sharing key insights into the main challenges of this position: managing client relationships, conducting effective design reviews, staying actively involved in on-site activities, and smoothly handling design changes.
On a personal level, this chapter also came with its challenges, particularly leaving behind close friends in Hong Kong. Still, adapting to life in the United States has been smoother than in my previous international assignments. With more maturity and stability in my personal life, I’ve focused on understanding and embracing the unique “American way” of working. My strategy early on was to listen more than speak, which helped me better grasp cultural nuances and collaborate effectively with the different parties involved in the project.
One of the clear advantages of this assignment in Washington has been the emphasis on work-life balance, which is much more present here than in Hong Kong. I’ve embraced this by dedicating more time to reading and exercising. DC’s bike-sharing system has made it easy to cycle 20 minutes through the National Mall to site — a great start to each day. This new routine even motivated me to take part in the DC Half Marathon.
Living in the nation’s capital also brings unique cultural benefits. Free access to Smithsonian museums has helped me better understand American history and culture. With 2025 shaping up to be a significant political year, I enjoy exchanging views with people about current events and perspectives.
I’m grateful to discover a destination that has already taught me so much in such a short time.
I look forward to what’s around the corner in the Bridges Program!
I am an engineer from Argentina with a strong technical background in underground civil projects. My journey spans Argentina, France, and Hong Kong. I joined the Bridges Program to step outside my comfort zone and enhance even further my professional growth.
One step • Sebastian INVENINATO
During my first months on this assignment, the biggest professional challenge was taking on a much larger scope than I had in my previous role in Hong Kong. However, thanks to a thorough handover from my predecessor, I was able to confidently take the lead on the Permanent Structures Design for the Potomac River Tunnel.
Today, I feel confident in my role and the work I’m delivering. Looking ahead, I’m eager to support my future successor by sharing key insights into the main challenges of this position: managing client relationships, conducting effective design reviews, staying actively involved in on-site activities, and smoothly handling design changes.
On a personal level, this chapter also came with its challenges, particularly leaving behind close friends in Hong Kong. Still, adapting to life in the United States has been smoother than in my previous international assignments. With more maturity and stability in my personal life, I’ve focused on understanding and embracing the unique “American way” of working. My strategy early on was to listen more than speak, which helped me better grasp cultural nuances and collaborate effectively with the different parties involved in the project.
One of the clear advantages of this assignment in Washington has been the emphasis on work-life balance, which is much more present here than in Hong Kong. I’ve embraced this by dedicating more time to reading and exercising. DC’s bike-sharing system has made it easy to cycle 20 minutes through the National Mall to site — a great start to each day. This new routine even motivated me to take part in the DC Half Marathon.
Living in the nation’s capital also brings unique cultural benefits. Free access to Smithsonian museums has helped me better understand American history and culture. With 2025 shaping up to be a significant political year, I enjoy exchanging views with people about current events and perspectives.
I’m grateful to discover a destination that has already taught me so much in such a short time.
I look forward to what’s around the corner in the Bridges Program!
