In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison discusses career pathways in Indiana with Cayla Chiddister, Senior Director of Communications at AgriNovus Indiana. Cayla shares her journey from growing up in a rural town to working at the intersection of innovation, storytelling, and agbiosciences. They delve into the state’s advanced industries, including AgriNovus’ mission to grow Indiana’s agbioscience economy, and highlight various career opportunities, programs, and the innovative work happening in this sector. Cayla also provides valuable career advice, emphasizing the importance of asking for opportunities, following the leader, and being present in one’s career journey.
5 Key Takeaways:
1.Unexpected Paths Lead to Exciting Careers: Cayla’s journey highlights that your initial career aspirations might evolve, and saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities can lead to fulfilling and impactful roles.
2. Agbioscience is More Than Farming: This industry encompasses a vast array of fields, from animal health and food science to technology and sustainable packaging, offering diverse career paths for individuals with various skills and interests.
3. Indiana is a Hub of Agbioscience Innovation: AgriNovus is actively fostering growth and innovation in this sector, creating exciting opportunities within the state.
4. Resources Exist to Help You Get Involved: Programs like Field Atlas provide valuable tools and connections for students and those looking to enter or advance their careers in ag bioscience.
5. Community and Collaboration are Key: The agbioscience community in Indiana is supportive and eager to connect with new talent, offering a welcoming environment for career growth.
For more resources on advanced industries, jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit www.cicpindiana.com/syi.
Whether you’re early in your high school journey or are heading towards whatever is next, now is a critical time of exploration and change.
You’ve probably been asked for years “what do you want to do when you grow up?” And while you don’t need to have that answer – or a specific job – in mind, it’s important that you begin to decipher potential career paths and begin taking the steps to work towards finding that answer.
So, what are some things you can be doing in high school or college to help you figure out that next path? Here’s how you can think about the future without being so worried about deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life. Here are 3 low-pressure steps you can take in high school to start laying the foundation for future career decisions.
Step 1: Self-Reflection
One step you can take in high school to start laying the foundation for future career decisions is to reflect on your interests and strengths. This can be as simple as asking yourself a few questions and jotting them down in a notebook or having a conversation with your parents, teachers, or other people in your network.
What are your interests and hobbies?
What excites you? How do you like to spend your time? Which school subjects do you enjoy the most? What do you like to learn about?
Questions like these can help you discern potential career paths, without tying you down to a specific job title or industry. High school should be a time for opening the door to more options, not narrowing down your options.
Your interests, whether they come from your favorite classes, hobbies, or other activities, can offer important clues about career paths you may enjoy. Here are a few examples of how you can start connecting the dots:
If you enjoy mathor problem-solving, you may be interested in pursuing a career within engineering, statistics, data analysis, scientific research, or logistics management.
If science is your favorite subject, think about what aspects excite you most. Love doing experiments? You might be drawn to laboratory work, pharmaceutical research, or biotechnology. Fascinated by discovery? You could explore careers in environmental science, agbioscience, or even forensic science.
If you love playing video games or working with computers, there are many ways to turn that passion into a career in technology, like coding, cybersecurity, software development or designing systems that power advanced manufacturing.
If you’re always organized and love planning, whether it’s keeping a detailed planner or coordinating group projects, you might thrive in a career in project management, event planning, supply chain management, or logistics operations.
If you enjoy reading, writing, or storytelling, strong communication skills are needed everywhere, including Indiana’s advanced industries.
If you’re an athlete or passionate about sports or fitness, consider how you could work in life science fields like kinesiology, sports medicine, biomedical device development, or health tech innovation.
If you love art, design, or creativity, industries like technology and advanced manufacturing need designers for product development, UX (user experience) design, or branding and marketing.
Emily Kitterman, Director of Careers in Tech at TechPoint, recently joined the See Yourself IN podcast, where she shared her advice for navigating the career exploration process. She encourages students to keep their eyes open to any opportunity that comes their way, and to always go back to the areas that excite you. “If you do something that excites you, that’s going to inspire continuous learning. That will drive you into those interest areas and you can build upon that in so many different ways.”
What are your skills and strengths?
In addition to exploring your interests, you should also reflect on your strengths and natural gifts. As guest Olivia West shared on the See Yourself IN podcast – a successful career journey begins with finding your gift. Think about what you truly love, and what other people affirm you for, and use that gift to serve others.
For example:
If people often comment on your organizational skills, you may excel in careers like project management, operations, or supply chain management.
If you’re a natural problem solver, you might find fulfillment in advanced manufacturing, engineering, or tech innovation roles.
If you have strong communication skills, whether in writing or speaking, you could thrive in marketing, technical writing, or public relations roles that help bring complex ideas to life.
If others comment on your analytical mind or ability to dig into the details, fields like data science or biotechnology research could be a good match.
Coupling your interests and your gifts can help you open your eyes to career possibilities or opportunities you may not have previously considered.
Step 2: Career Exploration
Another step you can take as a high school student beginning your career journey is to explore different roles. Career exploration doesn’t mean picking a job and locking it in forever. Instead, it means getting curious and learning about what’s out there.
What kinds of jobs exist? What do people actually do every day? How do your skills and interests align with different paths?
Here are some easy, low-stress ways to start exploring:
Read or watch videos about careers that interest you to gain some insights on some of the roles and responsibilities associated with the jobs.
Job shadow someone in your community, even if just for an hour or two, to get a real sense of what the work is like.
Talk to adults you know about their jobs. Ask them what they like, and what challenges they experience.
Follow companies or organizations you’re curious about on social media to see how their teams work or what kinds of work they do.
See Yourself IN makes career exploration even easier for Hoosier students like you. Through the See Yourself IN program, you’re able to explore podcasts, videos, articles, and other media that spotlight the various career opportunities available, specifically in Indiana’s advanced industries.
Step 3: Take Some Small Steps Forward
A career may seem far off, but there are ways to begin taking small, intentional steps forward. You don’t have to map out your entire future but now is a great time to start testing out what you’ve learned about yourself and from the adults in your life.
Here are a few ideas that can help you move from reflection to action:
Sign up for a class or club that aligns with a potential interest – like a STEM elective, robotics, FFA, health sciences, or even speech/ debate.
Try a short-term project, like building something or volunteering with an organization or opportunity in a field you’re curious about.
Set one short-term goal, like talking to a professional you’re interested in exploring or researching a new career each week.
Keep a journal where you track what you’re learning about yourself, for example what excites you (or what doesn’t!), or what strengths keep showing up.
What’s one small thing you can try this month to learn more or build a skill?
Ready to kickstart your career?
You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do with your life right now. Honestly, most people don’t at your age. But what you can do is start exploring. By taking time to reflect on your interests and strengths, learning about different careers, and trying out a few things along the way, you’re setting yourself up for success later.
The steps you take now don’t have to be big or final. They just need to help you learn a little more about what excites you and where your talents might take you. Whether it’s listening to a podcast, shadowing someone at work, or joining a new club, each experience helps you move forward.
See Yourself IN is here to help — with resources, real stories, and events that make career exploration a little easier (and more fun). Keep being curious, keep asking questions, and remember: it’s okay not to have all the answers yet. You’re just getting started.
Do you love solving problems? Are you curious about how apps, games, and websites are built? Do you want a career where you can be creative, work with cutting-edge technology, and make an impact in an increasingly digital world? If so, a career in technology could be a perfect fit.
What is technology?
Technology is everywhere—it’s in the apps we use, the websites we browse, and the devices we can’t live without. But it’s so much more than just what’s on our phones. Technology powers nearly every industry, from healthcare and finance to agriculture and manufacturing. It’s behind the software that keeps businesses running, the cybersecurity that protects our data, the artificial intelligence shaping the future, and the robotics transforming the way we work. Whether it’s developing new medical breakthroughs, coding the next big video game, or using data to solve real-world problems, technology plays a role in nearly every aspect of our lives. And with constant innovation, there’s always something new to explore.
Why explore a career in technology?
Technology is one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying industries, with demand for skilled professionals continuing to rise. Indiana’s tech sector alone contributes billions to the state’s economy and offers thousands of job openings every year. A career in tech provides stability, flexibility, and the chance to work on innovative projects that impact millions of people. Beyond great job prospects, tech careers allow you to make a real impact. Whether it’s developing new medical technologies, improving cybersecurity, or creating apps that make life easier, technology professionals are shaping the world we live in. But, you don’t need to know how to code to have a job in the technology industry (link to future blog). No matter your interests—business, healthcare, entertainment, finance, or beyond—there’s likely a tech job that fits.
Career Paths in Technology
There are a wide range of career paths within the technology sector, across a number of industries. Here’s a few careers in technology you may consider exploring:
AI Machine Learning Engineer – Develop and implement algorithms and predictive models that enable machines to learn and make decisions.
Bioinformatics Scientist – Use biology, computer science and Information Technology to analyze, interpret, and process biological data.
Business Development Representative – Expand the customer base and sell technical products through a combination of networking, market research, and outreach.
Business/ Data Analyst – Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, and prepare operations and procedures reports.
Cloud Administrator – Analyze, test, support, and evaluate the cloud-based systems, optimizing the configuration and performance of existing resources and services.
Cloud Engineer – Design, implement, and maintain cloud-based systems, ensuring they meet business requirements and integrate seamlessly.
CRM/ Salesforce Administrator – Integrate and customize Salesforce and other CRM programs to help users make the most out of the platform.
Cybersecurity Specialist – Plan, implement, and monitor hardware and software security measures for information systems and operational infrastructures.
Data Scientist – Use computer science, mathematics, and statistics to extract insights and inform decision-making.
DevOps Engineer – Optimize the system development life cycle and deliver high-quality software.
Digital Marketing Specialist – Develop and execute marketing campaigns across digital channels that enhance brand awareness, boost customer engagement, and drive sales.
Full Stack Developer – Design, develop, and maintain comprehensive software solutions, typically for the web.
Health IT Specialist – Manage and organize health information data and clinical software in healthcare settings, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
Manufacturing & Robotics Technician – Program and calibrate robots to meet specific production requirements, optimize robotic processes, and integrate new technologies.
Product Owner – Manage and oversee each step of product development from conception to launch.
Project Manager – Ensure that a project is completed on time, within budget, and that its objectives are met.
Software Developer – Create, develop, and modify general computer applications software of specialized utility programs.
UX/ UI Designer – Closely focus on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design and create digital interfaces that are intuitive and engaging.
If you’re excited about a career in technology, there are many ways to gain experience and develop the skills needed to succeed. Taking courses in computer science, math, or engineering will help you build a strong foundation, while coding bootcamps, online courses, and certification programs can provide hands-on skills. Getting involved in tech-related clubs, competitions, or hackathons is a great way to meet like-minded peers and learn from industry experts. Internships and job-shadowing opportunities with tech companies can give you valuable real-world experience and help you explore different career paths. Connecting with mentors or professionals in the industry can also provide guidance and insight as you navigate your journey into tech. No matter your background, there are multiple paths to get started in this exciting and rapidly growing field.
TechPoint Careers in Tech
TechPoint is Indiana’s leading tech ecosystem growth accelerator, helping students and young professionals discover opportunities in technology. Through initiatives like Careers in Tech, TechPoint connects students with high-demand, high-paying jobs in Indiana’s thriving tech industry. In addition to this program, college students of all grade levels are encouraged to apply for TechPoint’s Xtern program. Xtern is a 10-week, full-time summer internship program in the Indianapolis area, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while also building connections with your peers.
Do you see yourself in technology?
The tech industry is growing and evolving at a rapid pace, with new roles emerging every day. Whether you dream of coding the next big app, securing systems against cyber threats, or using data to drive decision-making, a career in tech offers limitless possibilities. The future is digital, and you have the power to shape it. If you have a passion for problem-solving, innovation, and creativity, there’s a place for you in this exciting field. The question is—do you see yourself in tech?
Do you see yourself in a career that helps people? Do you thrive in a high-tech environment? Would you like to make an impact both in your community and in the world? If this sounds like you, a career in agbioscience could be for you!
What is agbioscience?
Agbioscience is where agriculture, science, and technology come together to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges – like feeding a growing population, developing sustainable farming methods, and creating new bio-based products. Whether it’s developing drought-resistant crops, using data to improve farm efficiency, or engineering new food products, careers in agbioscience are shaping the future of food and agriculture, in our state, across the country, and around the world. Agbioscience is about more than just farming. It also includes research and development, technology, engineering, business, and more.
Why explore a career in agbioscience?
The agbioscience industry contributes $69.6B to Indiana’s economy and employs over 147,000 people in the state. This sector is critical to both local and global economies, offering a wide range of career paths and countless opportunities for people who are passionate about science, sustainability, and problem-solving. Agbioscience careers play a major role in advancing food security, environmental conservation, and innovative farming techniques that help feed the world efficiently. From working in labs developing new plant varieties to using artificial intelligence for precision farming, there are countless ways to make an impact in this field. Many agbioscience careers offer strong job security, opportunities for advancement, and competitive salaries, making it an attractive industry.
Career Paths in Agbioscience
Agbioscience spans multiple disciplines, meaning there are a number of ways to make an impact in this field. If you’re interested in science, technology, or sustainability, here are a few agbioscience careers you might not have considered:
Agricultural Data Analyst – Use big data to help farmers make better, more informed decisions.
Agricultural Engineer – Investigate agriculture’s pressing issues and design solutions in areas such as power supply, machine efficiency and water/air pollution.
Agronomist – Use experimentation and research to improve the quality and production of crops for use in food, fuel and fiber.
Animal Nutritionist – Works with all types of animals to improve their health for increased reproductive and production potential.
Animal Scientist – Conduct research focused on the genetics, nutrition, growth, development, and reproduction of domestic livestock and companion animals.
Biochemist and Biophysicist – Study and conduct research on the chemical and physical properties of living things.
Bioinformatics Scientist – Develop and use computer technology to manage, analyze, and store large sets of biological data.
Climate Change Analyst – Study weather patterns to predict climate change, evaluate its potential impact and work to improve environmental practices.
Communications Manager – Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create and maintain your brand’s public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Entomologist – Knowledge of insects, how they impact our world, and how we impact theirs is crucial to our ecosystem.
Farm Manager – Oversees agricultural operations, from crop production to livestock management.
Food Scientist – Experts on what our food is made of, helping sustain our food supply in a way that makes it taste good, and be good for you.
Manufacturing Engineer – Use your prowess for efficiency and procedures to create more efficient production processes or practices.
Plant Geneticist – Research and study plants and crops in order to create new varieties and increase desirable traits.
Precision Agriculture Technician – Use drones and other advanced technology to optimize farming efficiency.
Robotics Technician – Use hands-on expertise in robotic equipment to improve and transform work, and our lives.
Soil Scientist – Explore and interpret soil characteristics to better understand Earth’s land and water resources.
Veterinary Technician – Exercise a combination of attention to detail and empathy to provide the best care for animals in a variety of settings.
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist – Study animals, their behavior, and their relationship to their environments.
If you’re interested in exploring a career in agbioscience, there are many ways to gain experience and explore potential paths. Taking STEM courses like biology, chemistry, and environmental science can provide a strong foundation in scientific principles relevant to the field. Seeking internships or job-shadowing opportunities with agribusiness companies or research labs can offer hands-on experience and valuable industry connections. Exploring degree programs in agricultural science, food science, or environmental studies can help you develop specialized knowledge and skills for a future in agbioscience.
AgriNovus Field Atlas
Field Atlas is a career exploration program by AgriNovus Indiana designed to introduce students to opportunities in agbioscience. The program helps students like you connect their skills and interests to agbioscience careers they may not have considered.
In addition to their career profiles and employer spotlights, the Field Atlas Ambassador program is a great opportunity for college students to engage in agbioscience career discussions and explore the companies and organizations that are making an impact in the industry. Click here to learn more about Field Atlas and explore more agbioscience careers.
Do you see yourself in agbioscience?
The agbioscience industry is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology and a greater focus on sustainability. Careers in this field are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, combining biology, chemistry, engineering, and data science to tackle the challenges of modern agriculture. With the rise of agricultural robotics, vertical farming, and alternative proteins, new opportunities continue to emerge for those interested in the future of food and sustainability. Agbioscience offers a world of possibilities for those passionate about making a difference in food, sustainability, and technology – there may be a career for you!
As educators, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of your students. Many high school students today are uncertain about their career paths, often overwhelmed by the question, “What do I want to do with my life?” With so many career options available, it’s no surprise that students can feel paralyzed by indecision.
That’s where you come in. As a guide and mentor, you have the opportunity to help students explore career possibilities and see themselves in jobs they might not have considered. The See Yourself IN program was created to support this very process. Aimed specifically at high school students, this initiative provides a wealth of resources about jobs, industries, and career opportunities within Indiana, particularly in some of its most advanced sectors.
One of the best ways to help students engage in career conversations is through the See Yourself IN Digital Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to give you everything you need to facilitate discussions about careers and help students take the next step toward finding a fulfilling career path. From talking points to frequently asked questions and classroom activity ideas, this resource is a powerful tool for guiding students as they explore career opportunities in Indiana.
What is the See Yourself IN Digital Toolkit?
The See Yourself IN Digital Toolkit is a collection of downloadable resources specifically created for educators. It contains the following key materials:
Talking Points: This document helps you articulate the value of the See Yourself IN program and highlights key messaging about Indiana’s job market and industries.
Resource Guide: This guide is packed with links to podcasts, videos, and other career exploration tools that can help bring conversations and real-world insights into the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): The FAQ section addresses common student inquiries about the See Yourself IN program and how it can provide value to students, giving you quick answers to guide your students.
With these resources, you can facilitate career-focused conversations with confidence, all while guiding students to a variety of external materials that will further deepen their understanding of career possibilities in the Hoosier state.
How you can Leverage the See Yourself IN Digital Toolkit for Career Conversations
As an educator, you have the power to influence the decisions your students make about their futures. Many of them are still figuring out what they want to do after high school, and with your guidance, they can begin to see the world of career possibilities that lie ahead.
The See Yourself IN Digital Toolkit can be an invaluable resource as you help students explore career paths, gain industry insights, and learn about the skills required for success. Here’s how you can leverage the toolkit to facilitate meaningful career conversations.
1. Support Career Path Exploration
The toolkit provides resources to help you guide students as they explore various career paths within Indiana’s most advanced industries. Many students are unaware of the breadth of career opportunities available to them in fields like technology, agbioscience, or advanced manufacturing.
The See Yourself IN Digital Toolkit can help you direct students to resources that allow them to dive deeper into these industries. By leveraging these resources, you can encourage students to consider how their interests and strengths might align with a variety of career options. For example, a student passionate about writing may not immediately see how they could fit into a tech career, but with the right guidance and resources, you can help them see the writing and communication roles that exist in technology companies.
2. Provide Real-World Industry Insights
One of the strengths of the See Yourself IN program is its collection of real-world industry insights. The See Yourself IN digital toolkit includes links to videos, podcasts, and articles that feature young professionals sharing their experiences and advice about working in different fields. These resources bring career exploration to life by showing students what careers in these industries really look like and the skills they require. By sharing these insights in the classroom, you can provide students with tangible examples of career pathways they might not have considered.
3. Highlight Success Stories
The stories shared by the See Yourself IN program provide real-life examples of how people from diverse backgrounds have succeeded in various industries, giving students the inspiration to pursue their own career goals.
The See Yourself IN Digital Toolkit helps you bring these stories into your classroom conversations. Sharing these success stories with students can help them visualize themselves in similar careers and spark discussions about the different pathways to success. You can also use these stories to address questions students might have about the steps they need to take to achieve their own career goals. This empowers you to clarify doubts and provide students with the confidence they need to take the next step in their career journey, regardless of what that next step might be.
The See Yourself IN Digital Toolkit is a powerful resource that can help you facilitate meaningful career conversations with your students. By using the toolkit’s talking points, resource guide, and FAQs, you can guide your students as they explore career opportunities, gain industry knowledge, and discover paths to success.
Empower your students to see themselves in careers they may not have considered and help them take confident steps toward their future. Start using the See Yourself IN Digital Toolkit today to inspire the next generation of professionals and leaders in Indiana!
Cameron Weber has always wanted to make a difference in the world. As a senior at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology studying biology, they hadn’t considered a career in agriculture. However, their perspective changed when they realized they could combine their passion for helping people with a career in agbiosciences—a field that impacts everyone, but is often overlooked.
Cameron’s journey began when they first entered college as a biomathematics major. Soon, they realized that biology better matched their interests and goals. This shift set them on a new path that would eventually lead them to discover the world of agriculture.
Like many high school students, Cameron was searching for a career that would be both fulfilling and purposeful. They wanted to help people and make a meaningful impact on the world. It wasn’t until an on-campus career fair and conversations with AgriNovus Indiana’s Field Atlas program that Cameron began to see agriculture as an exciting option. The Field Atlas program connects students with careers in the agbiosciences field and encourages them to think outside the box.
“Erica, the Field Atlas representative, really encouraged me to see myself in agriculture,” Cameron explains. They learned that agriculture wasn’t just about farming—it also includes technology, innovation, and science. Cameron quickly saw how agbiosciences could be just as impactful as other fields, like medicine or technology.
“Agriculture touches every single person on the planet,” says Cameron. “It affects our lives in ways many people don’t realize.” Whether it’s through plant science, technology, or sustainable practices, agriculture is the foundation for advancements in many industries.
Cameron became an ambassador for the Field Atlas program, helping other students discover how they could make a difference in agriculture. They explain how careers in agriculture are often tied to technology and innovation, using tools like drones to help feed people and improve global sustainability.
Cameron advises high school students to stay open-minded about their career options. “Don’t be afraid to explore something you’ve never considered,” they suggest. “Take risks, ask questions, and reach out to people who work in the field. The right career may be one you never expected.”
Through their story, Cameron shows that career paths are not always clear right away. It’s about exploring what excites you and discovering how you can contribute to the world in your own unique way. To learn more about how agriculture can make a difference, read Cameron’s full story here.
Elevator pitches are just as important to your career readiness as a resume, cover letter and LinkedIn. Learn what they are, how they can help and how to use one in this informative piece from Ascend Indiana.
See how ISU student Spencer Limcaco turned his passion for forestry, agriculture, and the environment into leaderships opportunities and a career.
In this story from Hoosier Ag Today, we see how AgriNovus Indiana, the agbiosciences initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is educating and connecting college students to careers in agriculture through their Field Atlas platform. One Ball State University student recently on a Field Atlas farm tour, knows now how her chemistry degree can also prepare her for a career in agriculture.
