Three months ago, I arrived in New York to begin a new chapter in my life as a structural engineer in New York, joining GMS as a J1 Researcher.
In my first blog post, I wrote about my expectations, the challenges of moving abroad, and my motivation to grow both professionally and personally. Now, after my first summer in the city, I can confidently say that the experience has been even more rewarding than I expected.
And I could hardly have chosen a more exciting summer to arrive in New York!
Growing as a Structural Engineer in New York
One of my main motivations for coming to the United States was the opportunity to experience a different engineering environment and broaden my professional perspective.
After several years working in structural engineering, computational analysis, and engineering software development in Spain, joining GMS has allowed me to build on my previous experience while discovering new approaches to structural design and engineering practice in the United States.
From the very beginning, I have felt extremely welcomed by both my colleagues and supervisors. The working environment has made it easy to settle in, ask questions, exchange ideas, and become part of the team.
These first months have been a continuous learning experience. Working in a new country means adapting not only to different technical standards, design methodologies, and measurement systems, but also to a different professional culture. Understanding how engineering projects are developed in the US, collaborating with experienced professionals, and becoming familiar with American engineering practices have all contributed to my professional growth.
What I particularly appreciate is the opportunity to combine my previous technical background with new perspectives and challenges. Structural engineering is a universal discipline, but the way it is practiced can vary significantly from one country to another. Discovering these differences firsthand is one of the most valuable aspects of this experience.
A Summer to Remember in New York
Beyond the office, living in New York has been an experience in itself.
The summer of 2026 was a particularly special time to be here. The United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence, the New York Knicks’ historic championship was still fresh in the city’s memory, and Spain won the FIFA World Cup, with the final taking place right here in the New York metropolitan area.
For someone arriving from Spain, it was certainly an unforgettable introduction to the city!
But what has impressed me most about New York is not just its major events or famous landmarks. It is the incredible diversity of everyday life.
Over the past few months, I have spent much of my free time exploring different neighborhoods, walking through the city, discovering its architecture, visiting museums, and experiencing the cultural and social life that makes New York so unique.
From the busy streets of Manhattan to the quieter residential neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens, every part of the city seems to have its own identity, history, and atmosphere.
As a structural engineer, I also find it fascinating to live in a city where architecture and engineering are such an essential part of its character. Walking through New York feels like discovering a living collection of different architectural periods, construction techniques, and urban transformations.
And there is always something new to discover.
Beyond the City: Discovering New York State
Another highlight of these first months has been the opportunity to travel beyond New York City and explore other parts of the state.
Weekend trips to Upstate New York, including Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes region, and its beautiful natural parks, have shown me a completely different side of the area.
It is surprising how quickly the landscape changes once you leave the city behind. From skyscrapers and crowded avenues to forests, lakes, mountains, and small American towns, the contrast is remarkable.
These trips have also given me the opportunity to meet new people, share experiences, and discover aspects of American culture that are very different from everyday life in Manhattan.
More Than a Professional Experience
Looking back, I realize that moving abroad is about much more than changing jobs or learning new technical skills.
It is also about adapting to a new environment, communicating in another language every day, meeting people from different backgrounds, and learning to see familiar things from a different perspective.
There are challenges, of course, but I believe that is precisely what makes an international experience so valuable.
After three months, I feel increasingly settled in New York, both professionally and personally. I am very grateful for the welcome I have received at Gilsanz Murray Steficek, and for the opportunity provided by the J1 Exchange Visitor Program and Architect-US to experience engineering and life in the United States.
There is still so much to learn, explore, and experience, but these first months have already confirmed something I believed before arriving: stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the best ways to grow.
And if this first summer is anything to go by, I am really looking forward to what comes next.
