Be Precise in What You Want: Daniel Thornton’s Job Search Success Story

In this job search success story, Daniel Thornton, a training associate with Management Systems International, shares how he leveraged his knowledge and connections to enter his ideal field. 

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

I work for Management Systems International, an international development firm. My job is a branch of the HR department and I help implement company-wide trainings that allow different branches to communicate standards or processes with each other.

How long did it take you to find this job?

4 months 

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?

I found this job through a coworker. He had worked at the company previously and notified me when the position was available because he knew I wanted to go into this field. Connections, I suppose, really helped the most.

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

Not being bogged down by past jobs that I had taken to get into the field that were outside the scope of the job I wanted was challenging. I got over it by leveraging the knowledge I had of the system and focusing on my knowledge of international development.

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?

Be precise in what you want. The problem with applying for everything is you can get sucked into a job that you don’t want to do and be even more miserable than when you started.

Why do you love your job?

I do enjoy my job.

Everyone’s job search story is different, but each individual story can inspire and empower others who are on their own unique path. We love to hear how our readers have found rewarding careers in Portland, and we want to share these stories with you to inspire you in your job search and to help us all better understand the local job market!