Thomas Caro
The Boeing Company
Huntington Beach, CA USA
"It took me awhile to learn how to stand up for myself. Regardless of the intimidation and doubt you face, don’t be afraid to ask questions of the people that know more than you."
Career Roadmap
Thomas's work combines: Technology, Business, and Learning / Being Challenged
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Information Technology Project Management
University of Phoenix
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Product Life Cycle Manager:
Bachelor's Degree: Information Technology Project Management
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
From a young age, I wanted to be an artist.
2.
Attended community college and studied fine art.
3.
Obtained a job at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Company (now Boeing) as a name plate fabricator—my graphic arts experience and education helped to get "my foot in the door."
4.
Due to a reduction in the workforce, I was laid off.
5.
Six years later, an opportunity arose to return to Boeing as a contractor for a small telecommunications company in information technology on a two year contract.
6.
Began learning IT skills and was rehired full-time with The Boeing Company in information technology on the condition that I would obtain a degree in that field.
7.
Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix.
8.
Have been working at Boeing for over 25 years collectively.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
You aren't good at this and won't succeed. I'm not going to help you.
How I responded:
In the past, there have been people that I've worked with that have tried to keep me down or prevent me from excelling (or being equal with them). Part of this is likely the result of jealously or fear on their part. I try not to let people intimidate me. Part of my coping strategy is to intentionally take on new things and challenge myself.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
During my first stint working at Boeing in nameplate fabrication, there was a workforce reduction that resulted in me losing my job. The nature of this industry is that it is fluid. I had to learn to be adaptable.
I grew up always being creative and started out working in a creative field. I made the switch to technology after an opportunity arose to pursue it. I just followed opportunities as they came.
I've always been the type of person that cares about what other people think of me. When I was younger, this was definitely a struggle to overcome. As I've gotten older, this has largely faded or I've learned to not let it impact me as much.
I didn't finish community college. I ended up going back to get my degree while I was working full-time and had a family. It took me 6 years to get a 4-year degree. I had to take breaks, pace myself, and learn to balance things.