As I neared the end of my junior year at Wentworth Institute of Technology, I knew I wanted my second co-op experience to be more than just a way to sharpen my technical skills. I was looking for a company where I could grow as an engineer—one that valued its employees and fostered a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. After some research, I found Hallam, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, and it immediately felt like the right fit.
An ESOP company is one where employees own 100% of the company’s stock, creating a strong sense of ownership and accountability. From top to bottom, everyone at Hallam was deeply invested in the company’s success. This made for an atmosphere of teamwork, transparency, and shared responsibility. It was clear from the start that Hallam valued its employees as vital components, not just workers, and that made it an ideal environment for my co-op.
On the technical side, Hallam offered me a chance to expand my expertise across a wide variety of areas critical to many industries. I worked closely with a team of skilled engineers who were not only experts in their fields but also generous with their time and knowledge. Every task I took on was an opportunity to stretch my technical abilities, and the team made sure I understood the reasoning behind the decisions we were making. This mentorship, and their willingness to explain the "why" behind each choice, helped me build a strong technical foundation. The hands-on experience was exactly what I had hoped for, and over time, I gained more confidence in my abilities.
What truly distinguished this co-op, though, was the work environment. From day one, it was clear that my development was a priority. My manager took the time to meet with me weekly to discuss my progress, address any challenges, and identify areas where I could improve. This regular feedback was invaluable for refining my skills and ensuring I was on the right track. It wasn’t just about completing tasks—it was about making sure I was learning and growing in a meaningful way. Hallam’s open-door policy meant I could approach anyone on the team for help whenever I needed it, and this kind of support made a huge difference in my experience.
Looking back, my co-op at Hallam-ICS was one of the most rewarding parts of my education. It not only gave me technical expertise and mentorship but also helped me better understand what makes a company’s culture truly exceptional. Hallam wasn’t just a place to gain experience—it was a place that challenged me to grow both professionally and personally. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work there and excited to apply everything I’ve learned in my future career. My time at Hallam has made me a more confident, capable, and well-rounded professional, and I’m eager to take the next step in my journey.
About the author
Syed joined the Mansfield, MA office as a Fall Engineering Co-op working the engineering team on projects for our clients in the Southern New England region. Syed is a student at Wentworth Institute of Technology, majoring in Electrical Engineering.
About Hallam-ICS
Hallam-ICS is an engineering and automation company that designs MEP systems for facilities and plants, engineers control and automation solutions, and ensures safety and regulatory compliance through arc flash studies, commissioning, and validation. Our offices are located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, North Carolina Texas and Florida and our projects take us world-wide. 
