Let's get technical! 
Hi, my name is Mary-Alice Amaral, and I’m a presales consultant at AVEVA supporting the Operations Control (HMI / SCADA) product portfolio. I’m thrilled to share my journey and insights with you as a young engineer navigating the ever-evolving world of industrial technology. My goal is to empower technical users like you by offering fresh perspectives, practical technical tips, and a peek into the innovative projects that can drive your success.
A Bit About Me:
I focus on supporting channel partner engagements for AVEVA’s HMI / SCADA and connected worker offerings. My background in Chemical Engineering from The University of Alabama, where I graduated in 2019, gave me a solid foundation in problem-solving. After graduation, I worked at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), focusing on Water and Wastewater Compliance Assistance and Operator Certification. This role allowed me to visit plants, perform energy assessments, and provide actionable insights to improve compliance and efficiency—skills that are highly relevant to many of the challenges faced by our partners and customers today.
Why I Value a Career in Tech:
My interest in tech sparked while I was researching a SCADA system training class for an operator’s certification. Learning about control systems opened a new world for me, one where I saw endless possibilities for innovation and impact. I soon discovered the AVEVA Graduate Program, which provided an incredible launching pad into the tech industry. For any university students or young engineers reading this, I can’t emphasize enough how valuable early career opportunities like these are—they’re essential for building the expertise and connections that will set you up for success.
The Best Part of Being on the AVEVA Presales Team:
One of the things I love most about my role is the variety of opportunities and engagements I get to be a part of. From conducting software demonstrations to leading labs at enablement events, and supporting channel partners, every day brings new challenges and learning experiences. This diversity in roles means I’m constantly expanding my technical knowledge and finding new ways to support technical users in optimizing their solutions.
My Advice to Young Engineers and beyond:
Any experience is good experience. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for years, there’s always something new to learn. Early in my career, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go, but every step—even those outside the path—taught me something valuable. For young engineers, my advice is to embrace every opportunity, even if it doesn’t seem directly related to your end goal. The knowledge you gain can often be applied in unexpected ways, helping you tackle the diverse challenges you encounter in the field.
Why the HMI / SCADA Portfolio at AVEVA Excites Me:
What excites me most about AVEVA’s offerings is the impact we can have on our clients and end users. The ability to leverage emerging technologies like industrial AI allows us to extract meaningful insights from plant data, driving efficiency and innovation. I’ve seen firsthand how our connected worker solutions have transformed operations across different industries, solving real-world challenges and adding significant value.
Additionally, AVEVA’s commitment to growing and fostering a global technical community is something I’m proud to be part of. If you’re not already a member of Heroes HQ, I strongly encourage you to join. It’s a community where System Integrators, partners, AVEVA employees and beyond can connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on innovative solutions.
My Recommendations for Staying Ahead:
To keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the HMI / SCADA field, it’s crucial to understand both the history and the future direction of the software. AVEVA has been a major contributor to the shift towards greater visibility and collaboration in plant operations. Attending workshops, industry events, and engaging with our community are all excellent ways to stay informed and apply the latest innovations to your work.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this blog. I hope you’ll join me on this exciting journey of HMI / SCADA excellence with AVEVA! Stay tuned for my monthly blog posts, where I’ll share updates, tips, and insights. In the meantime, connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out on Heroes HQ—I’d love to help you expand your technical growth and succeed in your projects!