News & Insights

James Allen is a marketing major at the University of Pittsburgh who joined our team as a marketing intern. Working remotely, he’s taken part in impactful projects and gained hands-on experience in marketing strategy, social media, and working with a cross-functional team.

Why did you choose to intern with Salas O’Brien?

I saw the variety of projects the company was involved in, and that was a large factor in getting me excited about applying. I was especially drawn to the Armor 1 project in Pittsburgh, which felt close to home, but I also loved seeing the company’s global work.

More than anything, I appreciated the pioneering spirit of the tagline, “Engineered for Impact.” Many companies focus on meeting internal goals, but at Salas O’Brien, they’re equally focused on finding solutions that truly make a difference for people. Whether through marketing materials or directly from leadership, the message is consistent: they care about our clients and creating a lasting, positive impact.

What was your internship experience like?

It was amazing!

The role was far more hands-on than my last internship, giving me the chance to work with tools I was familiar with while learning new ones. The level of involvement I had made my experience extremely rewarding.

How would you define your time with Salas O’Brien in one word?

Encouraged.

Throughout my internship, I felt supported in asking questions, reaching out to others, and making the most of my experience. Everyone I interacted with was open and willing to help me grow.

What’s the company culture like?

The culture at Salas O’Brien is defined by how supportive and trusting the team is.

There’s a genuine belief in your ability to take on new responsibilities, with support to step into them without having to prove yourself first. That confidence creates a real sense of belonging that’s really motivating.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I love diving into anything that gives me the chance to keep learning! It’s the opportunity to deepen my understanding of something that I get really excited about.

For a while, it was chess. I would watch tutorials, study famous games, and read strategy books, always finding something new to explore within the game.