Starting your career is about more than a paycheck: it’s about finding a place where you can grow, connect, and make a real impact. At Meritage Homes, the foundation for that growth comes to life through a commitment to fostering inclusivity, empowering employees, and offering meaningful opportunities for early career professionals to thrive.

Through robust early career programs and a network of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Meritage Homes is paving the way for young professionals to feel supported, valued, and equipped to build their careers in the homebuilding industry.

Building a Culture of Connection and Growth

The workplace culture at Meritage is rooted in connection and mutual support. For Assistant Construction Manager Seidy Vigil, this sense of community made all the difference when she joined the company as an intern.

“I was nervous about joining a larger company, thinking it might feel corporate and impersonal,” she said. “But at Meritage, it’s different. People value each other, genuinely connect, and build healthy, supportive relationships. It feels very human.”

This welcoming environment fosters collaboration and growth, allowing employees at all levels to thrive. Emily Tadano, Vice President of Investor Relations and External Communications, emphasized how Meritage creates space for learning and teamwork.

“Here at Meritage, we have a very inclusive workplace culture, and we value diversity of thought,” Tadano explained. “If you’re curious and have the desire to learn, you’ll find opportunities to work across teams and functions, even outside your role. That openness helps create an environment where individuals feel seen and supported.”

For Vigil, this culture of support extended beyond her initial fears. “Every construction manager I’ve worked with has been so welcoming and helpful,” she said. “No one has ever made me feel badly for asking questions, and I’ve always felt encouraged to learn and grow.”

Her experience reflects Meritage’s broader approach to empowering early career talent. Vigil shared how she proactively turned her internship into a full-time opportunity. “I asked my manager to treat me like an assistant construction manager, not just an intern. I wanted to take on the workload and prove myself,” she said. “That experience not only taught me a lot but also led to a full-time offer.”

Her advice for others? “Take the bull by the horns. Speak up, show interest, and work hard. Closed mouths don’t get fed.”

This commitment to growth is grounded in Meritage’s core values, such as “Start with Heart” and “Develop to Empower.” These principles guide how employees collaborate, innovate, and support each other, creating a sense of purpose and belonging throughout the organization.

Real Growth Opportunities for Early Career Professionals

Meritage doesn’t just offer internships — it provides a launchpad for lasting careers. Interns take on meaningful projects, gain hands-on experience, and receive mentorship to prepare them for future success.

Regina Rivera, Vice President of Inclusion and Culture, elaborated on the company’s approach:

Interns also complete capstone projects designed to make an impact. “These projects align with what they’re learning in school and also give them the opportunity to influence real business operations,” said Rivera.

For students who may not know their exact career path, Meritage provides opportunities to explore. “Even if you’re not sure where your passion lies, internships at Meritage let you try something new or learn from others,” said Tadano. “For example, someone in accounting could work on projects with marketing or procurement teams to expand their knowledge.”

Creating Inclusive Spaces with ERGs

Meritage’s three ERGs foster community and support among employees:

• Women’s Impact Network (WIN) empowers women through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
• Family.Built.Better supports employees at every life stage by addressing the challenges of balancing work and personal responsibilities.
• MAGIC (Multicultural Awareness Grows Inclusive Culture) fosters a safe space for underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ employees, people of color, and allies.

Rivera emphasized that the ERGs are employee-led and supported. “They create safe spaces for our team members to be empowered and give voice to individuals. The ERGs not only allow members to support each other, but also help the business,” she said.

WIN, for instance, addresses the challenges women may face in a male-dominated industry. “We’ve made it a priority to help women rise into leadership roles in construction and operations,” said Rivera. “WIN helps women connect and also provides men in the organization with a deeper understanding of how they can be strong allies for women, both professionally and personally.”

For National Marketing Specialist and WIN member Frankie O’Neill, the group has been a source of inspiration.

“WIN has shown me how many strong female leaders we have cross-functionally at Meritage,” she said. “It’s a space where we can acknowledge challenges, connect, and strengthen each other. Seeing the growth of female leaders in my time here has been so encouraging.”

Tadano also praised the camaraderie and learning opportunities WIN offers. “The ERG has been a wonderful space for learning, not just about being a woman in Corporate America, but also about topics like financial literacy and mental health,” she said. “These events bring people together and remind us that we’re more than just our roles.”

MAGIC emphasizes allyship, highlighting ways we can better understand and support each other and our diverse customer base. They offer educational webinars and even workshops on allyship through real business scenarios and practical tools for employees.

Family. Built. Better. has hosted storytelling sessions with senior leaders. “Our leaders shared their career journeys and personal experiences, which humanized them and created deeper connections across the organization,” Rivera added.

A Foundation for Success

Meritage’s dedication to inclusivity, growth, and connection is woven into every aspect of the organization. From mentorship programs to ERGs, the company ensures employees have the tools they need to thrive.

“Meritage is not just a place to start your career; it’s a place to build it,” Rivera adds. “Whether you’re an intern, a new grad, or just starting out, you’ll find opportunities to grow, contribute, and make a difference here.”

If you’re ready to join a company that prioritizes growth, connection, and inclusivity, explore Meritage Homes’ early career programs and start building your future today.