When Emily Britton graduated from Purdue University, she didn’t have a five-year plan.
What she did have was a willingness to explore, ask questions, and take her time finding the right fit.
Today, Britton is a Business Development Representative for Cheneco, helping organizations across Indiana evaluate renewable energy solutions that can lower costs and improve operational efficiency. She spends her days building relationships, solving problems, and learning about industries that power Indiana’s economy.
But getting there wasn’t a straight line.
Emily’s future uncertainty ultimately became one of her greatest advantages, leading her to opportunities she never expected and a career she now loves in Indiana’s advanced industries sector.
But, her path to Indiana’s energy industry wasn’t one she mapped out in high school. Like many students, she discovered her career direction through exploration, curiosity, and a willingness to change course along the way.
Finding her path at Purdue
Like many young Hoosiers, Emily Britton imagined her future would take her beyond state lines.
“I always thought that once I graduated college, I was going to leave Indiana and try something new,” she said.
Instead, a career she never expected—and a professional network she never anticipated building—gave her reasons to stay.
When it came time to choose a college, Britton focused primarily on Indiana universities. After touring several campuses, she ultimately chose Purdue University. At the time, she believed her future might be in healthcare.
“I always enjoyed math. I always enjoyed anatomy,” Britton said. “I thought maybe I would be a chiropractor.”
She began her college career studying kinesiology, but as she learned more about herself and the opportunities available to her, she realized another path might be a better fit.
Why changing directions can be a good thing
After arriving at Purdue, Britton transitioned from kinesiology into marketing through the Daniels School of Business. The shift gave her exposure to disciplines far beyond marketing alone, including statistics, accounting, and business strategy.
At first, she questioned why so much of her coursework extended beyond her major, but looking back, she sees it differently.
That realization would prove true in her own career journey.
While she graduated with a marketing degree, the skills she developed would ultimately help prepare her for a role centered on communication, relationship-building, business strategy, and problem-solving.
The resource that helped shape her career
After graduation, Britton made a decision many new graduates might find uncomfortable: she slowed down.
Although she received a job offer before graduation, she chose not to accept it immediately. Instead, she wanted time to determine what type of work would truly align with her interests and strengths.
During that process, she leaned heavily on Purdue’s career services team.
Working with a career counselor, she completed personality assessments, explored career options, refined her resume, and gained clarity about what she wanted from her professional future.
“I knew that I really wanted to do something that I would enjoy,” she said. “But that approach means that there are a million different opportunities to consider. I appreciated having an on-campus resource to help me prepare for my career path more purposefully.”
The experience reinforced a lesson she now shares with students whenever she can.
Discovering opportunity in Indiana's energy industry
While Britton didn’t originally envision herself working in energy, she has found both purpose and opportunity in the industry.
She enjoys helping organizations explore renewable energy solutions while learning about the industries that power Indiana’s economy.
Through her work, she regularly visits manufacturers, healthcare organizations, and businesses across the state.
“I love continuously learning about the world and how things are made,” she said.
The experience has also opened her eyes to the scale of Indiana’s advanced industries.
From manufacturing hubs in Columbus and Lafayette to growing investments across the state, Britton sees Indiana as a place where innovation and industry continue to create opportunities for young professionals.
“There is so much industry in the state of Indiana,” she said. “And it’s continuously growing.”
Emily's advice for students exploring their future
When students ask how to find a career they enjoy, Britton’s answer often comes back to one word: connection.
She encourages students to use LinkedIn, attend industry events, speak with professionals, and take advantage of career resources available through their schools and universities.
Most importantly, she encourages them not to panic if they don’t have everything figured out.
Career paths rarely follow a straight line.
Some students discover their passion immediately. Others need time to explore, experiment, and learn more about themselves.
“Everyone’s journey is different,” Britton said. “It can look so many different ways.”
For Britton, that journey began with uncertainty about what came after college. Through exploration, networking, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities, she found a career she loves—and a future she never expected to build in Indiana.
