Thomas Hunter becomes valuable resource for his team!
Thomas Hunter has worked as an associate project manager for one of our pharmaceutical clients in New Jersey for several years. During his time in this role, Thomas has taken on several complex and challenging projects. For example, he recently managed a multi-million dollar system upgrade which was beyond his scope of work. “This project required him to juggle priorities, organize requests, and consistently communicate with business users,” stated the associate director. Because of Thomas’ outstanding support, he has received great feedback from several business users. “We are thrilled that Tom is part of the team!”
Our goal, as one of the largest IT staffing firms in the U.S., is to find the best talent to support our clients with their technology projects. We are also delighted to have Thomas Hunter to represent the DIVERSANT technology consultants team. To recognize Thomas’ success, we have chosen to highlight his achievements in our Consultant Spotlight program. We asked Thomas a few questions to learn more about him and what he enjoys the most about his career.
- Consultant:Thomas Hunter
- Position: Associate Project Manager
- Location: Blackwood, NJ
Q&A with Thomas Hunter
Thomas discusses how he landed in the information technology field and what he enjoys the most about his role as an associate project manager.
D: Thomas, we appreciate your daily contributions as an associate project manager with our client. Our client shared many praises for your great work, so thank you. Tell us what made you pursue a career in IT?
TH: I received the opportunity to pursue my career through a program known as Work Opportunity Solutions (WOS). Out of a large number of original military veteran candidates; a subset of individuals were chosen based on work ethic and aptitude to participate in this program. WOS offered the opportunity to learn project management in a classroom environment. Once the educational portion of the program was over, we were given positions with the pharmaceutical client in West Point, PA.
D: What do you enjoy the most about your current role?
TH: I enjoy the building and managing teams. I enjoy the challenge of being presented with an extremely complex task, coupled with the high priority we generally see in my area. This job has not only allowed me to grow as an individual but as a project manager as well.
Simplifying the applications and processes is what I love most about my job. I enjoy the ability to build something internally for our business users and maintaining that application/process. In doing so I feel as though I am learning a very useful skill, and helping to save the client money, by ensuring they no longer need to use a third-party application/process.
D: What is one fun fact about you?
TH: I was actually in the United States Army prior to pursuing a career in IT. I served in the 173rd Airborne, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry. As Infantry soldiers we do not have much of a technical background outside of radio communications. It was certainly a culture shock when I began working for DIVERSANT. However, the ability to learn new skills and implement them quickly was something I am extremely proud of.
Also, I’m a huge Philadelphia Sports fan (Flyers, Eagles, Phillies).
D: What is your favorite motivational quote?
TH: “One problem at a time.” This is drawn from a book called “Inside Delta Force.” I read it early on in my military career. A team of Delta operators was set to conduct a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachute jump. One of the operators fell asleep in the aircraft before takeoff. The plane had collided during takeoff with, I believe, a helicopter and caught fire. The individual that was sleeping awoke to flames and the members of his team bailing from their aircraft. Without hesitation, he stood up and exited the aircraft prepared to conduct his freefall HALO jump, falling facefirst into the sand as they were only a few feet off the ground.
When the medics arrived on scene they asked him why he had exited the aircraft this way. He explained he woke up to the horrific sight of fire and his team exiting the aircraft and assumed they were in flight. The medics, astonished at the story, explained to this individual that while that strategy may have saved his life he was not wearing a parachute. This person exited an aircraft without a parachute assuming he was thousands of feet above the ground. To this revelation, he replied, “One problem at a time.” I think it is a testament to prioritizing urgent situations. Though the content is a bit extreme, that quote has gotten me through quite a lot.
D: Share one statement about your experience with DIVERSANT.
TH: DIVERSANT has afforded me not only the opportunity to take control of my career but ensures that I can continue to grow year after year. I report to Nicole Cicero and she is amazing to work with. DIVERSANT has ensured that I am comfortable with my responsibilities and my role at the client site.
Thomas, thank you for sharing your story and for being a valuable member of our team. Also, thank you for serving our country! Special thanks also to Nicole Cicero, our local sales director, for nominating Thomas as a top performer.
