About Tom Trimble
Tom Trimble is a higher-education career professional, career strategist, author, and former technology executive based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He currently serves as Career Counseling Manager at The University of Tulsa, where he works with students and alumni as they prepare for the transition from college to professional life.
His career has included more than two decades of technology leadership, including serving as CIO/Director of Information Technology for Tulsa County. During that career, he worked on large-scale technology initiatives involving enterprise systems, digital government, information technology infrastructure, data, public access to information, and organizational change.
That experience continues to influence his approach to career development.
From the Employer Side of the Table
One of Trimble’s distinctive perspectives comes from having spent years on the employer side of the hiring process before becoming a career counselor.
He understands that employers aren’t simply looking for degrees or lists of responsibilities. They are looking for people who can solve problems, communicate effectively, learn quickly, work with others, demonstrate initiative, and contribute to organizational goals.
That perspective informs his work with students today.
His counseling philosophy is straightforward: students should not wait until graduation to begin thinking seriously about their careers.
Career development is a process.
It involves understanding yourself, researching industries, developing relevant skills, gaining experience, building professional relationships, learning how to present your value, and becoming intentional about the opportunities you pursue.
Technology Leadership
Before entering higher education, Trimble held technology leadership positions in both government and the private sector, culminating in his service as Tulsa County’s CIO/Director of Information Technology.
His work included technology modernization, enterprise systems, digital-government initiatives, information technology management, and collaboration with organizational leadership.
His work received recognition in technology and government publications, including coverage related to Tulsa County’s technology initiatives.
He also participated in national county-government technology leadership through the National Association of Counties.
Career Development
At The University of Tulsa, Trimble’s work focuses on helping students and alumni translate their education into professional opportunities.
His areas of interest include:
- Career exploration
- Job-search strategy
- Résumé development
- Interview preparation
- Networking
- Internship and experiential-learning strategy
- Employer expectations
- Artificial intelligence and the job search
- Early-career professional development
- Career transitions
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work
Trimble is particularly interested in the effect of artificial intelligence on career development.
AI can help candidates research employers, improve résumés, prepare for interviews, identify opportunities, and organize a job search. At the same time, candidates must understand its limitations and maintain ownership of their professional story.
Technology should enhance career strategy—not replace it.
Author
Trimble is the author of Your Career Compass: Navigating the Path to Purpose, Success, and Growth, a practical career guide addressing résumés, cover letters, interviews, AI-assisted job searching, and professional development.
His writing focuses on giving students and early-career professionals practical advice they can immediately apply.
Education
Trimble earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing and an MBA with an emphasis in Information Systems Management from The University of Tulsa.
Professional Philosophy
After working on both sides of the hiring table, Trimble believes one principle matters above all:
Career success becomes much more achievable when people stop waiting for opportunities to find them and start intentionally preparing themselves to pursue the right opportunities.
Tom’s approach is grounded in market reality, competitive positioning, and disciplined execution. He helps early-career professionals understand not just how to apply for roles — but how to be selected.
🔹Core areas of focus include: ✔️ Career Strategy & Competitive Positioning ✔️Resume & LinkedIn Optimization ✔️Interview Strategy & Offer Negotiation ✔️ Employer Insight & Talent Evaluation
If you’re serious about career advancement and want to approach the market strategically; let’s connect.
📩 tom@trimble.org