Community Connections and a Fresh Perspective: Alison Lauderdale’s Job Search Success Story

After an unexpected career transition, Alison Lauderdale took the time to reassess her strengths and explore new possibilities. Through support from a career coach, consistent weekly goals, and networking events, she found a role that aligns with her passion for community impact as Director of NEXT Success at Career Path Services.

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

I’m the Director of NEXT Success at Career Path Services. I lead and manage community-based programs focused on workforce development and education for young adults. 

What do you like best about your career?

I love helping people and serving the community in meaningful ways. I enjoy connecting others to vital resources and managing programs that make a difference. I also love building strong teams — seeing staff grow in confidence and skill as they advance in their own careers. Empowering others while improving systems and outcomes keeps my work both purposeful and rewarding.

What resources ​have helped you in your career and your job searches? Are there specific tools or tactics that have contributed to your success? 

Meeting with a career coach was one of the most impactful steps I took in my job search. She provided perspective on navigating the current job market, helped me translate my skills into new opportunities, and reminded me of the value I bring as a leader. Having that encouragement and an expert eye on my resume was incredibly motivating.

I also attended networking events, which pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, introduce myself, and share that I was exploring new opportunities. Those conversations often opened doors and helped me build confidence in describing my experience and goals.

Finally, I set small, consistent goals each week, meeting new people, submitting applications, and continuing to upskill through short courses and projects. These small steps built momentum, kept me focused, and made the process feel achievable even during times of uncertainty.

Throughout your career, what obstacles have you encountered when doing a job search, and how did you overcome them?  

After 15+ years of consistent work, I found myself unexpectedly unemployed for the first time in my adult life. The sudden shift was disorienting, and it took time to rest, reflect, and regain my footing. Once I did, I approached the job search as both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.

I wanted to pivot into a new industry but initially struggled to see how my leadership, project management, and community engagement experience could translate outside of my previous roles. By working with a career coach and mapping my skills across sectors, I discovered how adaptable my background really was. 

That process helped me recognize what I value most in my work – developing people, strengthening communities, and improving systems. This gave me confidence to pursue positions aligned with those strengths. What began as a setback ultimately became a season of clarity and renewal.

What piece of advice would you give to job seekers or professionals trying to advance in their careers? 

Don’t give up. Every step forward, even small ones, move you closer to your next opportunity. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your strengths; having a cheerleader in your corner makes all the difference during the ups and downs of a job search. 

Take time to customize your materials so they reflect who you are and what you uniquely bring to the table. A personalized, authentic cover letter can help your story stand out. Most of all, stay curious, keep learning, and trust that your next role will build on everything you’ve already accomplished.

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.