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Q: How long have you been with Oxford?
A: I started in 1988, so I’ve been here 36 years. I remember I started the Tuesday after Memorial Day, so I just had my 36th anniversary.
Q: How has Oxford grown and changed since you started working here?
A: Pretty much everything has changed. It’s interesting – the job is the same: you meet with customers and put people on projects. When I started, there were no cell phones, email and no internet. Our database was a file cabinet with resumes in folders. If you wanted to present resumes to clients, you had to drive them over there. Technology has made things completely different, and the company has grown exponentially. It’s been a lot of change over the years.
Q: How has the industry changed since Oxford started?
A: 100% the technology. I had the experience of going through the 90s .com boom and the internet revolution. We didn’t start using computers at Oxford until the mid-90s and cell phones in the mid-2000s. In the 90s, the hot technology was Java, and now there are dozens and dozens of hot technologies. Numerous ERP systems, Cloud technologies, etc., were not around 10-20 years ago.
Q: How do you feel you have contributed to Oxford’s success in your time here?
A: Longevity and hiring/mentoring others. I’ve helped open and manage different offices all over the U.S. I also managed the Chicago market ever since I got here in 1990. Back in late 2022, it was time to hand over the keys to the next generation of leaders, so I’m more focused on the recruiting side and helping consultants find new projects now. Whether it’s a Recruiter, Manager, or Account Manager, I’m here to help and have a lot of information that can help others.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment you had at Oxford?
A: In 1990, I was working in Burlington, Massachusetts, and I was invited to have lunch with my boss and the owner. They said I was doing an excellent job and asked if I wanted to take an opportunity in Chicago. I did not know anything about Chicago and was concerned I wouldn’t like it there, so I asked if I could go there on a visit. The owner said, “I think that’s a great idea,” and pulled airline tickets out of his pocket. He said, “You leave tomorrow at 7 am.” It turned out to be a great thing because I met my wife the first weekend I was out here, and we’ve been together for 34 years. That move helped me both personally and professionally.
Q: What keeps you at Oxford?
A: I just think the company has always been managed very well. You come to work, you work hard, and you’ll make money for the company, and they will give you some of it! I could do this job anywhere, but Oxford has always been well-managed, making it worthwhile to come in and enjoy it every day.
Q: How do you think Oxford’s core values contribute to its success as a business?
A: If I look at them, I like the aspect of Teamwork. We were somewhat divided as a business in the early days, but we’ve come together over the last 15-20 years. The teamwork piece has been a significant factor for me. The agility, moving on a dime, is so important. Our industry is constantly changing, so we have to be able to pivot as a team, especially in IT.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part for you as an Oxford employee?
A: I always say, “Come in, work hard, have fun, and make money.” One of the more rewarding parts of working here is helping people become successful and earn a good living. You must be trained well, have the desire to succeed, work hard, and you will do well at Oxford.
Q: If you could give advice to yourself 36 years ago, what would it be?
A: Do exactly what you did. Sometimes, I think about what would’ve happened if I said no to coming to Chicago. I’m so glad I gave that a shot. I would’ve looked at an opportunity in Ireland back in the 1990s, but if I looked back, I’d say do the same thing because everything turned out really well. After all these years I am in a great place financially and personally with my wife. I owe a lot to Oxford.
Q: How has the business adapted to changes in technology and market trends?
A: It’s constantly changing. AI is the latest and greatest emerging technology, and that wasn’t around three years ago. Everyone takes Microsoft, Oracle, and Amazon for granted. When I started, Microsoft was just beginning, and Amazon barely existed. It’s been incredible to see how technology changes and new companies pop up, resulting in opportunities for me and Oxford.
Q: How have the relationships with clients/consultants evolved over the last 40 years?
A: I think there’s a lot more communication. Back then, there were fewer communication methods (just the phone). Now, there are so many more ways to communicate and build relationships. It’s still a people business and the more you communicate with them the better. I still stay in touch with certain consultants I met in the 90s and still go golfing with some of them.
Q: What are your aspirations for the next 40 years?
A: In 40 years, I’ll be 99, so I’m hoping I’ll still be around!
Q: What message would you like to share with those who have supported Oxford over the years?
A: A big thank you to our customers and consultants for trusting us to help them.
Q: How are you going to celebrate this milestone?
A: I was thinking about that. I think I will buy the office 40 scratch tickets. Hopefully, we’ll collectively win $40 million!
Mark Amaral’s 36-year tenure at Oxford is a testament to his adaptability, dedication, and profound impact on the company and the IT recruiting industry. From the early days of file cabinets and face-to-face meetings to the digital revolution and beyond, Mark has not only witnessed but also actively contributed to Oxford’s growth and success. His story is a reminder of the importance of embracing change and fostering relationships. As Mark looks forward to the future, his legacy of helping others and driving excellence will continue to inspire his colleagues.