For many graduates, the idea of a “career path” feels like it should be linear; education leads to a job, and that job leads to the next step. But in reality, some of the most successful careers don’t follow a straight line.
In manufacturing especially, there are countless opportunities that don’t require a traditional four-year degree, but do require adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks. To better understand what that can look like, we spoke with Brian Buchanan, Partner at HTI, whose career journey took a very different route. From starting in a skilled trade to building a long-term career in recruiting and leadership, their experience highlights how non-traditional paths can lead to meaningful, long-term success.
How did your career path actually unfold compared to what you originally expected?
"Like most people, I didn’t go to college planning to end up in manufacturing recruiting. In fact, I was pretty uncertain about my career path early on. That uncertainty led me to pursue a skilled trade, and I completed an electrical apprenticeship at a nuclear facility, where I developed strong technical and project management skills."
"While that experience was valuable, I realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do long-term. In my late 20s, I connected with some former college friends who introduced me to the recruiting industry. What started as a pivot turned into a passion. I quickly found that I loved the fast-paced, people-focused nature of recruiting, especially within manufacturing."
Did you ever take a role that felt like a risk or step sideways? How did it turn out?
"I’ve taken two significant pay cuts in my career to pursue new opportunities. The first was leaving a Project Manager role to step into my first recruiting position. The second was joining HTI when it was a very small company, just six employees at the time, after leaving a more established leadership role in staffing."
"Both decisions came with financial challenges and a fair amount of uncertainty early on. But looking back, those risks were defining moments. I’m still with HTI 25 years later, and both moves ultimately paid off in ways that far exceeded the short-term sacrifices."
Mentorships and cross-departmental shadowing are great ways to show initiative and gain broader experience. Throughout your career have you had any mentorships or shadowing experiences that shaped you?
"I’ve been fortunate to learn from many people throughout my career—some through direct mentorship, and others simply by observing how they operated. Not every influence comes in a formal setting."
"My advice is to surround yourself with people you respect and want to learn from. Ask questions, observe closely, and most importantly, listen. Take pieces of insight from different individuals and use them to develop your own leadership style."
"At the end of the day, I’ve found that people who work hard and operate with integrity always have the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally."
What skills are becoming more valuable in manufacturing that may not be part of the traditional path?
"Skilled trades are becoming increasingly valuable, not just in manufacturing, but across the broader infrastructure needed to support growth in the U.S."
"The ability to install, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment is in high demand and will continue to be. These are roles that technology and AI simply can’t replace."
"What’s often overlooked is that these skill sets can also serve as a foundation for career advancement into planning, scheduling, purchasing, and leadership roles. The shortage of skilled tradespeople isn’t going away anytime soon, which makes these paths even more attractive."
What advice do you have for someone trying to decide to stay in a role vs. try something completely different?
"There’s absolutely nothing wrong with staying in a role you enjoy and feel comfortable in."
"But if you’re unhappy, whether it’s the work itself or your compensation, you have to be willing to take action."
"It’s easy to complain, but meaningful change requires taking a risk. If you’re not willing to step outside your comfort zone, it’s hard to expect a different outcome."
How do you personally define ‘growth’ beyond just promotions?
"For me, growth has always been about building something, not just climbing a title ladder."
"I’ve had the opportunity to help grow businesses and launch new business lines, and that experience has been far more rewarding than any formal promotion."
"Taking something new, or something that isn’t performing, and building a team to turn it into a success is incredibly fulfilling. That kind of impact, both professionally and personally, is what I consider real growth."
What stands out most in this journey isn’t a specific title or milestone, it’s the willingness to take risks, pivot when needed, and define growth on your own terms. Manufacturing offers more than one way forward. Whether you start in a skilled trade or take a different path, there are real opportunities to build a stable, fulfilling career without following a traditional route.