Culture as a Choice: Determining the “Right” Place to Work - Part 1: Balance, Teamwork and Meaning
Great corporate culture can mean different things to different people and choosing the right place to work is no easy feat. Candidates must evaluate everything from salary and benefits, assess the company culture and potential for growth, consider work-life balance, and understand overall career goals. Brindley Engineering has been on a hiring spree, and we wanted to take a minute to ask our newest BE teammates why they chose Brindley Engineering as their workplace of choice. In this series you will hear from Structural Designer, Phuong (Eva) Nguyen from our Lisle office, Andrezza Henke Passarelli, a Structural Designer from our Houston Office, Mike Brown, Senior Piping Team Lead & Designer from Lisle, and Katy Summers, a Project Controls Specialist from Lisle.
Welcome to Part 1: Balance, Teamwork and Meaning with Project Controls Specialist, Katy Summers. Making a career change was scary for Summers. Leaving a familiar place, even one that wasn’t the right fit anymore, comes with a lot of fear and uncertainty. The common phrase “the grass isn’t greener on the other side,” was something in the back of her mind as she looked for a new opportunity. But she recently learned that sometimes it is greener, when you find a company that truly values you, supports you, and helps you grow. Taking the leap to Brindley Engineering was a great decision, both professionally and personally for Summers. It was a reminder for her that change can be exactly what’s needed to find balance, fulfillment, and happiness.
“I chose Brindley Engineering because it immediately felt different, in the best way… Working at BE has been life-changing, honestly. It’s even better than I expected. The culture is supportive, and there’s a strong feeling of appreciation and belonging that you notice every day here.”
Q: Why BE?Why did you choose this company?
A: I chose Brindley Engineering (BE) because it immediately felt different, in the best way. A former coworker, who knew the kind of environment I was looking for, recommended and referred me to Brindley Engineering. From the very first conversation with the BE team, I could tell this was a company that truly values its people, not just for what they do, but for who they are. After coming from a fast-paced, high-pressure place, I was looking for more balance and appreciation, I wanted something more meaningful. At BE, the culture of teamwork, respect, and genuine care stood out right away. I knew I’d found a place where I could grow, feel supported, and build a long-term career.
Q: Tell us about your job search. What were you looking for in a company?
A: Like I said, I was looking for a company that offered balance, fair pay, and growth, but also one that truly invests in its people. I wanted to find a place that didn’t just talk about culture but lived it. For me, that means an environment where communication is open, hard work is recognized, and people are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally. Brindley checked every box – it’s a place where you can build a career and still have a life outside of work.
Q: What stuck out to you most when you interviewed at Brindley Engineering?
A: The people! Everyone I met seemed genuinely happy to be here and proud of what they do. The conversations felt authentic, not rehearsed or rushed. There was a clear sense of purpose and positivity, and I left every conversation feeling excited. It was obvious that BE cared just as much about finding the right fit for me as I did about finding the right company.
Q: What is it like to work at BE?Is it what you expected?
A: Working at BE has been life-changing, honestly. It’s even better than I expected. The culture is supportive, and there’s a strong feeling of appreciation and belonging that you notice every day here. People are recognized for their contributions and encouraged to bring their best ideas forward. I can do meaningful work, contribute to company-wide initiatives, and still have the flexibility and balance to show up for my family.
Q: What is the culture like at BE?
A: The culture at BE is genuine, supportive, and people focused. It’s the kind of environment where you’re encouraged to do your best work while still being reminded that you’re a person first. What stands out most to me is how coworkers at every level take time to help, guide, and connect, whether it’s offering support on a project, answering questions, or simply checking in. Beyond the day-to-day work, events like Friendsgiving, trivia nights, and team lunches make it easy to build real relationships, and that sense of connection makes BE feel like a true community.
Q: What excitesyou most about the next 2 years?
A: I’m excited to keep growing in my role and continuing to refine how we plan, forecast, and support our project teams. There’s so much opportunity here to innovate and make an impact, and leadership really encourages new ideas. What’s especially exciting is that the role I’m in is completely new to BE — what we’re doing has never been done here before. We’re building and improving a process that will streamline how we work, strengthen our systems, and bring real relief to our busy project managers. Knowing that I get to help shape something that benefits the entire company makes me feel both innovative and proud. Personally, I’m also looking forward to expanding my skills and taking on new challenges, knowing I’m part of a company that supports that growth every step of the way.
Q: What advice do you have for job seekers?
A: Find a place that values your well-being as much as your work. Ask the tough questions, about balance, communication, and growth. When a company truly cares about its people, it shows. The right job won’t just pay the bills, it will give you purpose, stability, and peace of mind.
Tune in for Part 2: Opportunities Abound with Structural Designer, Andrezza Henke Passarelli from our Houston, TX office.
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