Like many professionals navigating an uncertain job market, James Cochran spent years searching for direction. 

After studying creative writing and English, he found himself taking “pretty much any job that I could find for a really long time,” without a clear path forward. Eventually, he transitioned into logistics, but stability remained elusive, especially after being dislocated during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I struggled to find consistent employment and a company where I felt that I fit,” he said. 

During a recent period of unemployment, Cochran turned to WorkOne Indy, where he connected with a career navigator after months of submitting resumes without success. 

“I had a strong resume, but I was sending out the same resume everywhere and not hearing anything back,” he said. “They asked me, ‘Do you tailor your resume for each job?’ And I thought, ‘Why would I need to?’” 

That conversation with his career navigator marked a turning point. 

Through WorkOne Indy, Cochran immersed himself in available workshops and training opportunities, gaining what he described as a “crash course” in how the job search process has evolved in recent years, from applicant tracking systems to modern interview expectations. 

“One of the biggest takeaways was not to just send out as many resumes as possible,” he said. “Instead, figure out what you want to do, what it takes to get there, and focus your efforts.” 

With guidance from his career navigator and hands-on learning experiences through WorkOne Indy’s free workshops, Cochran began to rethink his approach. 

“Everything is so much different than it was just five years ago,” he said. “What I learned at WorkOne Indy really helped me understand that.” 

Beyond practical skills, the experience also helped Cochran rebuild his confidence after job loss. 

“Anytime you lose a job, you start to question your abilities,” he said. “It really makes you stop and think about what you want to do and where you want to be.” 

Rather than rushing into the next opportunity, Cochran took a more intentional approach. He focused on finding not just a job, but a workplace where he felt supported and aligned. 

That approach led him to Ryder, a leader in fleet management solutions, where he now serves as a Customer Logistics Manager. 

“I didn’t want just any position. I wanted to be somewhere I actually wanted to be,” he said. “With Ryder, I found that support.” 

Today, Cochran is focused on continuing to grow within the company while applying the lessons he gained through WorkOne Indy. 

For others navigating similar challenges, he encourages taking full advantage of the resources available. 

“Take your time and get as much out of it as you can,” he said. “There’s nothing like having access to free resources where people genuinely want to help you succeed. That wasn’t what I expected, but everyone was engaged and invested in my progress.” 

His advice is simple but powerful: 

“Don’t just jump into the next thing. Look for where you belong.” 

Last year, WorkOne Indy helped over 5,050 individuals enhance their employability and stay competitive in the job market through free career readiness and development workshops and assessments.

Looking for help with your career journey? Connect with a career navigator or register for an upcoming free workshop at workoneindy.com.