Why I Left a Large Firm for Greater Career Growth at Nexus
At Nexus Engineering Group, career growth is about more than moving up the ladder. It is about having greater visibility, building stronger relationships, and making a direct impact on the projects, clients, and people around you. As a Project Manager, Matt Smith joined Nexus after spending years at larger firms, bringing valuable experience while looking for a different kind of professional environment.
Matt shares what attracted him to Nexus, how the experience compares to working at a larger organization, and why the move has been the right fit for this stage of his career.
Tell us about your role and career before joining Nexus.
My career began as a mechanical engineer at a pump company before transitioning into consulting engineering. Over time, I moved into project management roles and spent several years at a large professional services and design firm managing engineering projects full time. It was a great experience that exposed me to complex projects and helped me develop professionally.
As I started thinking about the next step, I found myself searching for career growth opportunities that were closer to the work itself. I was looking for an environment where there was a more collaborative work environment between project teams, leadership, and company decisions.
What initially made you consider a change?
I was not looking to leave because I was unhappy. My previous company was a good place to work, and I learned a lot there. The decision was about finding a career growth opportunity that better aligned with what I wanted professionally.
When I started looking at Nexus, several things immediately stood out. The company size, location, workplace flexibility, and Flex Fridays all caught my attention. More importantly, it felt like an opportunity to be part of a company where I could build stronger relationships with the people around me and have a more direct impact on the work being done. In a smaller, more connected organization, it is easier to see how your contributions influence projects, clients, and the overall success of the company. There is also greater collaboration across teams and more opportunities to work closely with leadership and decisionmakers. That combination of connection, visibility, team culture, and meaningful impact was very appealing to me and ultimately played a major role in my decision to join Nexus.
What were your first impressions of Nexus?
One of the biggest things I noticed was the emphasis on relationships. Nexus places a strong focus on building long-term client partnerships and understanding how clients prefer projects to be executed. There is also a level of flexibility and adaptability that allows teams to respond quickly and effectively to client needs.
I quickly realized that Nexus approaches projects differently than many larger firms. There is less focus on constant bidding and more focus on delivering value and maintaining strong client relationships.
How does the team culture at Nexus differ from a larger firm?
The biggest difference is accessibility. Leadership is highly approachable, and there is a much stronger connection between project teams and decisionmakers. Our President, Jeff Herzog, regularly visits offices and takes the time to talk with team members. The leadership team is easy to reach and genuinely interested in supporting people throughout the organization, which helps foster a collaborative work environment.
At larger companies, there can be several layers between team members and executive leadership. Here, there is much less distance. You feel connected to the people making decisions, which creates a stronger sense of involvement and accountability.
How has your project experience differed at Nexus?
The projects themselves are similar in size and complexity to what I worked on previously, but the overall experience feels different because I am much closer to the clients and the business. I have greater visibility into how projects impact both our clients and the company as a whole.
One way I describe it is that at a large organization, it can sometimes feel like being a small fish in a very large ocean. At Nexus, individual contributions are more visible. You can see how your work affects project outcomes, client relationships, and business performance, which makes the work feel more meaningful
How would you describe the culture at Nexus?
Nexus has a close-knit culture where communication is straightforward, and collaboration comes naturally. It is easy to get in touch with teammates, managers, and leadership when questions come up or support is needed.
Because the company is more centralized, it feels easier to build strong working relationships. Those relationships make a difference in both day-to-day work experience and long-term career development.
How has Nexus supported your professional development?
Since joining Nexus, I have been encouraged to continue growing professionally. One example is the support I received to pursue my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which has helped me further develop my project management skills.
The company is invested in helping people grow and provides opportunities to develop new skills, take on additional responsibilities, and continue building their careers.
What would you say to someone at a large firm who is considering a move?
I would tell them that this type of move is not necessarily about leaving a company because something is wrong. For me, it was about finding an organization that better fits the kind of work, responsibility, and relationships I wanted at this point in my career.
The accessibility of leadership, the ability to make an impact, and the stronger connection between project teams and decisionmakers have all reinforced that it was the right choice. At Nexus, you can see how your work contributes to the success of the business, and that creates a rewarding sense of ownership.
Why is this an exciting time to be at Nexus?
Nexus offers many of the same challenging projects and opportunities you would find at a larger firm, while providing a level of visibility and connection that can be difficult to find in a much larger organization.
For professionals who want to work closely with clients, collaborate directly with leadership, and see the impact of their work every day, Nexus provides a unique opportunity. Looking back, moving to Nexus was the right decision for me, and I am excited to continue growing with the company.
Considering a Change?
Making a career move is not always about leaving something behind. Sometimes it is about finding an opportunity that better aligns with your goals, values, and the kind of impact you want to make.
If you are looking for a collaborative work environment, stronger connections with leadership, and the opportunity to see the direct results of your contributions, a mid-sized engineering firm may offer advantages that are difficult to find elsewhere. At Nexus, professionals have the opportunity to work on challenging projects while building meaningful relationships with clients, teammates, and decisionmakers.
As Matt's experience demonstrates, the right next step is not always a larger company. Sometimes it is a company where your voice is heard, your contributions are visible, and your work makes a lasting impact.
Interested in learning more about careers at Nexus? Explore our current opportunities and discover how you can grow your career while making a difference every day.
About Nexus Engineering Group
Nexus Engineering Group is a full-service, independent engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) firm headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, with offices in Toledo, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Midland, Michigan; and Oak Brook, Illinois. Founded in 2005, Nexus partners closely with clients to support project goals from concept through startup, delivering practical, reliable solutions across the refining, petroleum midstream, chemical, manufacturing, power & energy, and renewables markets.
Nexus integrates engineering, procurement, and construction management services to help clients plan and execute complex projects with confidence. Through close collaboration and a client-first approach, Nexus supports informed decision-making, manages project risk, and delivers practical solutions that enhance safety, reliability, and long-term project value.
