Patrick "Pat" Rego: Volunteering as a Hudson Job Search Advisor
When you’re navigating a job search, it helps to have someone in your corner who understands the process - not just professionally, but personally.
Hudson Job Search Advisor Patrick “Pat” Rego brings exactly that perspective to the job seekers he works with. Before becoming an Advisor, Pat was an HJS client himself.
In 2022, Pat came to Hudson Job Search for help with his own job search. He experienced the HJS process firsthand, participated in the program and saw the value of having a structured approach and a supportive community behind him. The experience made such an impression that, when Pat retired, he decided to come back - this time as a volunteer Advisor helping other job seekers through the same process.
Professional Background: Patrick “Pat” Rego
Pat is a retired quality and engineering professional with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, product engineering and quality systems. A Six Sigma-trained Quality Systems Manager, his career included leadership and engineering roles with companies including GE, Morgan Advanced Materials, Diebold Nixdorf and Fortune Brands. His expertise includes ISO 9001 quality systems, internal auditing, process improvement, new product introduction and working with teams to identify and solve complex problems. Pat holds a master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a bachelor's degree in Ceramic Engineering from The Ohio State University.
How did you first hear about Hudson Job Search, and what inspired you to become an HJS Advisor?
I first came to Hudson Job Search as a client in 2022, so I had the opportunity to experience the HJS process firsthand. I was very impressed with the organization and the support available to job seekers. When I retired, I wanted to give back to an organization that had helped me, so becoming an HJS Advisor was a natural fit.
What do you enjoy most about helping job seekers?
I enjoy working with job seekers throughout their journey and watching them improve their job-search skills as they follow the HJS process. It is rewarding to see clients grow more comfortable and capable as they put what they are learning into practice.
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming an HJS Advisor?
It is rewarding and inspiring to guide clients through their job-search journey. Being an Advisor gives you an opportunity to use your own experience to help someone else navigate what can be a challenging time in their career.
How did you learn to advise job seekers?
The many resources available through HJS have helped me become a better Advisor. Other Advisors are always available to offer advice, and our Advisor meetings provide great opportunities for learning and connection. The online videos, training sessions and guest speakers are also extremely helpful.
I try to take advantage of those opportunities whenever I can. I regularly attend Advisor training as well as Monday evening speaker meetings. Networking doesn't necessarily come naturally to everyone, but I know how important it is during a job search. Being at the meetings gives me an opportunity to support new job seekers as they begin making connections and becoming more comfortable with the networking process.
If Hudson Job Search had the people and resources, what changes or other services would you like to see the organization offer in the coming years?
As someone who has experienced HJS as both a client and now an Advisor, I appreciate the resources and support the organization already provides. At this time, my focus is on continuing to learn, participate and help clients make the most of the HJS process.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their job search or recently unemployed?
Follow the HJS process, and put in the time and effort. The resources and opportunities are here, but you have to participate and do the work. If you commit to the process, you will improve your job-search skills and put yourself in a much stronger position to be successful.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Having first experienced Hudson Job Search as a client, I'm grateful for the opportunity to now give back as an Advisor. I know firsthand the value of having resources, structure and people willing to help you through the process, and I enjoy being able to provide that support to others.
For more about how you can give back to the community and volunteer as a Job Search Advisor, visit our ADVISOR page.