Parker Jeffries spent his summer internship working with our process engineering teams in Indiana. During his time with Salas O’Brien, Parker built valuable connections and gained clarity on the career path he hopes to pursue.

How has Salas O’Brien supported your growth?

The best way Salas O’Brien has helped me over the course of my internship has been through the connections I’ve made and the experience I’ve gained. I’ve been able to talk with people in nearly every engineering discipline. That’s given me plenty of insight as to where I want to take my career in the future. After my time here, I understand the skill sets I need to work on and the individual things I should improve for myself.


Where did your interest in engineering stem from?

It really started with my family. I grew up surrounded by people in STEM, including my cousin who’s an engineer, and that exposure sparked my interest in the field. I went on to take engineering courses at the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center, and from that point on, I knew engineering was the path I wanted to follow.

What’s the company culture at Salas O’Brien like?

Everyone here is approachable, easy to talk to, and genuinely personable, which makes it a welcoming place to work. I feel encouraged to be myself, connect with others, and push to do my best work because my leaders and team members believe in what I’m capable of achieving.

Any advice for future Salas O’Brien interns?

Take initiative and have a sense of purpose.

Don’t be afraid to approach people and ask questions. The more you show a genuine desire to learn, the more others will want to help you. Come in each day with a goal, whether it’s learning something new or solving a problem, and keep your mindset focused on growth. If you have the confidence to seek help and the willingness to put yourself out there, you will be a valuable asset to the team and will have a positive experience!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love playing soccer and have enjoyed the sport my whole life. In high school, I spent four years on the varsity team and came away with a single goal. But that’s the life of a defender!