| 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. |
| 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. |
Show Notes:
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison talks with Riana Dozier, a passionate engineer who has transformed her community through her work with Goodwill and Cook Medical. Riana shares her inspiring journey from a driven high school student in Indianapolis to a dedicated professional leading engineering projects that uplift her hometown. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep commitment to community service, Riana discusses how her roles have merged advanced manufacturing with meaningful community impact.
5 Key Takeaways:

1. Community Roots and Career Choices: Riana’s journey underscores the significance of community and family in shaping career decisions. Her commitment to returning to Indiana after college highlights how local ties can influence professional paths and inspire career fulfillment.
2. Networking and Opportunity: The importance of networking and building relationships is emphasized through Riana’s story of securing a role at Goodwill. Even during challenging times, maintaining connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.
3. The Intersection of Engineering and Social Impact: Riana’s work at Goodwill, particularly in collaboration with Cook Medical, demonstrates how engineering skills can be leveraged to address both industrial and social challenges, such as providing job opportunities and revitalizing underserved communities.
4. Embracing Flexibility and Self-Worth: Riana’s experiences highlight the value of embracing one’s career journey without a rigid plan. Her advice on recognizing personal worth and turning weaknesses into strengths offers practical wisdom for navigating career uncertainties.
5. Exploring Advanced Industries: For those interested in Indiana’s advanced industries, Riana’s insights suggest starting with research and engagement. Exploring opportunities through local events, tours, and organizational websites can provide valuable entry points into impactful careers.
For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi.
Join us Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 9am to 11am at the Bleachers at HQO
Raise Your IQ: Networking & Careers is an engaging and interactive event designed to boost your career development and networking skills! During this event, you’ll connect with industry leaders who will share their insights and experiences to help you take your professional journey to the next level.
Whether you’re an intern, recent graduate, or young professional looking to advance your career, this event offers something for everyone. From inspiring panelist stories to networking workshops, you’ll leave with valuable skills and connections to elevate your career.
This event is free to attend, and all are welcome!
Panelists include:
Mateo Cedano: The Heritage Group
Alli Donovan: AMA Indy
Kristen Lampkin: Director, Business Equity for Indy
Carrington Sanders: Mayor’s Office
Show Notes
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison explores the dynamic world of Indiana’s advanced industries with Adam Gushwa-Williams, the manufacturing manager at Rolls-Royce. Adam shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Elkhart, Indiana, to overseeing $220 million of turbine machining output at Rolls-Royce. The conversation delves into Adam’s transition from college to career, the significance of mentorship, and his passion for supply chain management and advanced manufacturing.

5 Key Takeaways:
For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit: www.cicpindiana.com/SYI.
How often should you apply for a job? Learn some of the top job application tips so you will be ready.
Find out how a modern youth apprenticeship program called UpSkill Work & Learn is helping a high school senior find her true career passion and what that means for her next step of going to college.
An Indiana automotive parts advanced manufacturer is helping a student find her true passion in engineering through the Regional Opportunity Initiative’s UpSkill Work & Learn apprenticeship program in the Indiana Uplands region.
A master’s student at the IU Luddy School of Informatics and Computing, where she studies human-computer interaction, is taking her skills to the 16 Tech Innovation District to help position downtown Indy as an ecosystem of innovation. Learn how her role will impact many of Indiana’s advanced industries.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison talks with Gabby Seal about the diverse opportunities in Indiana’s advanced industries, specifically the life sciences sector. Gabby shares her journey from a pre-med student at Indiana University to becoming an MSAT engineer at INCOG BioPharma Services. They dive into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her career path, the importance of networking, and advice for others navigating similar career journeys. Gabby also highlights the significance of aligning personal values with company values and maintaining hobbies for work-life balance.
Career Pivoting: Gabby Seal discusses her transition from pre-med to a career in the life sciences, highlighting the importance of being adaptable and exploring different pathways within the industry.
Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic played a crucial role in shaping Gabby’s career, as she contributed to the manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines at Catalent, underscoring the significance of Indiana’s role in global health.
Networking: Gabby emphasizes the value of networking and reaching out to professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, which helped her secure her position at INCOG BioPharma Services.
Company Culture: Researching and ensuring that a company’s core values align with one’s own is vital for job satisfaction and professional growth.
Work-Life Balance: Maintaining hobbies and interests outside of work can lead to unexpected networking opportunities and help sustain a healthy work-life balance.
For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison sits down with Jefrie Polanco, a quality automation engineer at Allegion, to uncover his inspiring journey into Indiana’s advanced manufacturing sector. Jefrie shares his story of resilience, from facing personal loss to seizing opportunities in the tech field, ultimately finding fulfillment and success in his career. Through perseverance and a passion for learning, Jefrie demonstrates how embracing challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.
Seizing Opportunities: Jefrie’s decision to pursue an adult apprenticeship program, despite initial doubts, highlights the importance of taking chances and embracing new opportunities.
Resilience and Perseverance: Facing setbacks and personal loss, Jefrie’s journey underscores the power of resilience and determination in achieving career goals.
Passion for Learning and Adaptability: Jefrie’s early interest in coding, sparked by modifying his MySpace page, showcases the value of continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech industry.
Teamwork and Communication: Working as a quality automation engineer, Jefrie emphasizes the significance of effective teamwork and communication to deliver high-quality results.
Faith in the Journey: Jefrie’s story inspires listeners to have faith in their career journeys, trusting in themselves and embracing the process of growth and development to achieve their dreams.
To learn more about the TechPoint Adult Apprenticeship Program, visit https://techpoint.org/adult-apprenticeship/
For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi.