Like various parts of life, careers can take many twists and turns. As a leader in mobility, Toyota offers a wide range of career options for prospective employees, as well as those already working at the company.
From marketing to manufacturing and everything in between, at Toyota, career versatility is what drives innovation and supports the company’s philosophy of continuous learning. Plus, it keeps employees curious and open to new opportunities.
We’re sharing the stories of six individuals who started in one area at Toyota and are currently in completely different professional positions. Here’s what they had to say about their career journeys and how changing disciplines can be beneficial:
Never Giving Up
After working as a production employee at Toyota plant in Indiana for three years, Luis Almarza decided to explore a new direction. He applied for a leadership position in his department, but initially didn’t pass. However, he didn’t give up and with the support of his supervisors, he applied again and eventually succeeded. Almarza values the support and care he received from his leaders and now as a production team leader, he aims to offer the same support to his team.
A Second Act in Customer Service
Marta Portugues, with a background in hospitality and customer service, transitioned to Toyota to explore new challenges and be closer to her family. Starting as a customer service representative, she leveraged her previous experience to excel in her role. Eventually, she made a lateral move to a customer service representative for Toyota of Puerto Rico and then to a case manager for the East Coast. Portugues appreciates Toyota for giving her the opportunity to try new disciplines and expand her skills.
A Winning Chance
Charles Briggs, who initially started in the customer service department, moved across different departments within Toyota to explore new opportunities. Along the way, he learned from mentors and supervisors, and now as a leader himself, he enjoys mentoring and helping others develop their skills. Briggs believes in being open to trying new things and continually learning to expand knowledge and grow in one’s career.
An Impressive Introduction
Daniella Solis, who was initially hired by a third party to work at Toyota event, found herself falling in love with the company and its core values. She joined Toyota as a customer service representative and later transitioned into the digital communications team. Solis appreciates the seamless transition and the support she received from her supervisors and peers. In her current role, she focuses on finding solutions for guests’ issues while ensuring positive interactions.
An Internship That Fueled Success
Joshua Faison, through co-op opportunities at Toyota, explored different roles and departments within the company. Despite his background in electrical engineering, he took on a role that typically targeted mechanical or chemical engineers. Faison appreciates Toyota for providing opportunities to expand skills and knowledge through training and diverse experiences. He believes that switching between roles and disciplines helps eliminate knowledge gaps and improves overall capabilities.
A ‘Foot in the Door’ Philosophy
Mikayla Doyle, despite her degree in marketing, started her career at Toyota in a position unrelated to her field of study. However, she saw it as an opportunity to start building her path at Toyota and embraced the experience. She moved from one position to another, always focusing on building her skills and professional network. Doyle recommends joining Toyota’s Business Partnering Groups (BPGs) to connect with professionals from various areas and contribute to the community. She believes that Toyota encourages employees to embrace their authentic selves and actively seek out opportunities that challenge them.