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.
"I always knew I was going to college. What I didn't know was what I wanted my career to be."
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.
"I feel very lucky to enjoy my job. And, the network I've built in Indiana has really made me love where I live for an entirely different reason."
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.
"I realized they were preparing us for the world. A lot of people study one thing and end up going in a different direction."
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.
"I think it's so important to take your time when career searching because you want to find something that you're passionate about. You're going to succeed if you're passionate about it."
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.
This article was written by Janiya Beason, communications intern for CICP.
Internships offer students more than workplace experience—they provide opportunities to develop new skills, build professional relationships, and explore potential career paths. This summer, four interns joined the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and its initiatives, contributing to projects that support Indiana’s advanced industries while gaining valuable real-world experience.
Hands-On Experience
From communications and marketing to business analysis and AI, each intern had the opportunity to contribute to projects with real impact this summer.
Janiya Beason, Communications Intern for CICP and a TechPoint Xtern, helped launch the See Yourself IN TikTok account, created a website feedback survey to gather user insights and opinions, contributed to a media kit, and collaborated on content and social media ideas.
Camila Garcia, Marketing Xtern for TechPoint, managed Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube content, created blog posts for the Xtern program, and interviewed Mira Awards finalists to help tell the stories of Indiana’s growing technology ecosystem.
Reflecting on her experience, Camila said one of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was the opportunity to work with many different platforms and audiences.
“I’ve learned how to adjust my voice and format depending on the platform and audience, which has been one of the most valuable parts of the experience.”
Gianna Bird, Business Analyst Intern for CICP, she supported outreach and logistics for the Indiana AI (IN AI) Roadshow while analyzing AI readiness among businesses across Indiana.
Krish Gajaria, AI Strategy and Innovation Intern at AgriNovus Indiana, focused on developing an AI implementation strategy to improve everyday operations, researching workforce development, and supporting the Velocity startup accelerator. One of the highlights of his internship was presenting AgriNovus’s AI strategy during a board meeting.
“Having the opportunity to share my thoughts and insights with a group of people coming from a myriad of different backgrounds was an incredibly valuable and formative experience that further reinforced my belief in the importance of communication.”
Together, these projects gave each intern the opportunity to make meaningful contributions while gaining hands-on experience in Indiana’s advanced industries.
Growing Professional Skills
Beyond their day-to-day responsibilities, each intern developed technical and professional skills that will prepare them well for future careers.
Camila expanded her digital marketing skillset by learning WordPress and writing SEO metadata for website content.
Janiya strengthened her collaborative skills while taking initiative and offering ideas in meetings, as well as researching how to connect and engage different audiences through content.
“One skill I’ve gained was giving my input and researching how we can reach different ages and audiences. Working in communications, I feel it’s important to know your target audience and how to engage them.”
Gianna built confidence through networking and connecting with professionals while promoting the IN AI initiative.
“This got me out of my comfort zone and talking with people I had never met before.”
For Krish, one of the biggest lessons was learning that effective communication is just as important as technical knowledge.
“Knowing how something works is one thing, but being able to break it down and share your knowledge with others is a whole new ball game.”
Looking Ahead
While each intern worked on different projects throughout the summer, the experience helped each of them gain a clearer vision for their future careers.
Camila hopes to use storytelling to help brands and organizations connect with diverse audiences through meaningful content.
“Marketing lets me shape how a story gets told, and international studies reminds me that the same story lands differently depending on the audience and culture. I love figuring out how to bridge that gap.”
Janiya looks forward to creating engaging content that reaches wider audiences and hopes to continue finding various ways to grab attention through content. She hopes one day to manage social media for major brands.
“What excites me the most is coming up with creative content that could reach a wider audience, and finding different ways to engage people. I also hope to possibly manage social media for big brands!”
Gianna says working at CICP showed her the value of a collaborative workplace where teammates celebrate one another’s successes.
For Krish, the internship reinforced his passion for applying business and technology across industries to solve meaningful challenges.
“I’m excited about the diversity. To me, business and economics are less about isolated fields of study and more about bringing new perspectives that can be applied across disciplines.”
As another successful summer comes to a close, these internships have provided students with more than just professional experience—they’ve offered opportunities to learn, grow, and make meaningful contributions to organizations shaping Indiana’s future. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and collaboration, CICP continues to invest in the next generation of talent while helping students build the skills, confidence, and connections they’ll carry throughout their careers.
This article was originally published by Field Atlas. Click here to read the original article.
AgriNovus Indiana launched its second year of the Field Atlas Agbioscience Mentorship Program (AMP) in February – and the desire students have to make a difference in the world through careers in agbioscience, mixed with the dedication industry leaders have to supporting our next generation workforce through this program, has been invaluable.
AMP is a guided yearlong mentorship program that connects late college students and early professionals to industry leaders excelling in the agbioscience field. This year, 16 students were paired with industry leaders who serve as their mentors for the duration of the program. Current mentees include juniors in college to PhD students from universities such as Purdue, Ball State, Indiana University, Butler and more. These students come from various backgrounds and areas of study, all with the hopes of developing their professional skills and ultimately learning how they can utilize those skills to create a meaningful impact in agbioscience.
The selected 2026 cohort includes students pursuing degrees in Animal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Biological Engineering, Environmental Management, and more. Many of the students in this cohort do not come from an agricultural background but have recognized the importance of agriculture and its effects on our food system through AMP and other Field Atlas programs. Through the guidance of their mentors, they have become inspired to seek new opportunities and gain insight into how their specific background and skills align with career paths in this space.
Every month, each mentor and mentee pair meet to discuss various professional development topics and how mentees can best prepare to enter the workforce. The conversations had in the first few months of the program showcase just how valuable mentorship can be (see below):
“The most helpful aspect of this session was the discussion on interpersonal communication and how it is shaped by cultural context. My mentor emphasized the importance of active listening, understanding what is considered appropriate and professional in interactions, and adapting communication styles in different professional environments… A key takeaway for me was that while many factors are external, the most important element I can control is how I communicate and present myself.” — AMP mentee
“This month I was able to understand that sometimes weaknesses are not totally weaknesses, especially if they help you actually strategically and tactically achieve goals.” — AMP Mentee
“I got more exposure to the industry, developed plans for researching the industry and got experience with imagining how my major could apply to companies.” — AMP Mentee
“The most helpful part of this session was discussing my professional goals and how my diverse background from crop science and agricultural field experience to my current PhD research in functional genomics and bioinformatics positions me as a unique candidate for roles in the agbioscience industry. My mentor provided valuable insight into how this combination of academic, field, and research experience can be an advantage in the industry. He also offered to help connect me with professionals in the field and create networking opportunities that could further support my career development.” — AMP Mentee
“I found it especially helpful that my mentor shared a wide range of resources to support my research project. Learning more about current trends and the available sources he can offer has been very valuable.” — AMP Mentee
AMP would not be possible without industry leaders dedicated to serving and guiding our next generation workforce. It is inspiring for young professionals to have an established leader to look up to and learn from. We are thankful for every single mentor who has contributed their time and knowledge to the mentees and the Agbioscience Mentorship Program. It is evident how much of an impact they are creating for these students as they embark on their professional journeys.
Are you interested in joining the 2027 Agbioscience Mentorship Program as a mentor or mentee? Reach out to Career Success Manager, Karis Witte ([email protected]).
This article was originally published by Field Atlas. Click here to read the original article.
Why did you initially decide to apply to the Agbioscience Mentorship Program (AMP)? What were you hoping to gain from this experience?
Hey, my name is Jean Paul Iyakaremye. I decided to join this AMP program because I wanted to meet a mentor to learn how in industry professionals achieve their goals.
Who is your mentor and how do your skills and interests align with their background?
My mentor is Claudia Nari from Inari Company. Our skills align because I work on plant genetics and the breeding, which is also her specialty. I want to use her expertise to be able to prepare myself for future careers.
What have you learned from your mentor so far this year?
Oh, it’s a lot. From how to plan your career to how to be a good team player and also how to understand that this field is changing very quickly. She taught me how best to adapt to different changes to stay ahead of the game.
What has been your favorite part of this program and experience?
Two, I mainly have two favorite pieces of this program. One is a monthly meeting with my mentor. Another one is how we meet here in Indianapolis as a whole team to interact not only with my mentor but also other professionals.
What is something you would tell any college student or young professional that might be thinking about applying for AMP 2026?
The AMP program is really very useful. One, because they match you with a professional who can help you not only think about your professional life, but also learn from them what they’ve accomplished as a way to inspire you towards what you want to achieve.
Field Atlas AMP is a guided year-long mentorship program that connects late college and early professionals to industry leaders excelling in their field. Fast track your professional journey through impactful mentorship and connection. Apply for a future AMP Cohort here!
This article was originally published by Field Atlas. Click here to read the original article.
Why did you initially decide to apply to the Agbioscience Mentorship Program (AMP)? What were you hoping to gain from this experience?
My name is Sophia Chaplin. When I applied in for the AMP program, I was a senior Ball State. One of the biggest reasons that I did it was because of all the amazing people that I would get to connect with and experiences that I would have, whether it was just a quick passive conversation or a formal one-on-one conversation. Needless to say, it fully lived up to my expectations.
You know, I went into it really open-minded. Obviously, it’s new program. So I was really excited to be the guinea pig on something that was launching off the ground. But one of the biggest takeaways that I wanted was genuinely just to have that person that I can lean on, whether it’s, hey, read my resume, or hey, I’m really having a bad week. It’s finals week, and I need somebody to lift me up. Robyn, my mentor, has been amazing throughout the entire process.
Who is your mentor and how do your skills and interests align with their background?
My mentor is Robyn Heine. Her and I work in completely different industries, but both of which are very people forward. So, you know, where she’s more on like the tech and startup side of things, I’m actually in real estate. We’re both in very people forward roles and she’s been an awesome asset to have, whether it was getting that job or, you know, finding those skills within myself and applying them in my career.
What have you learned from your mentor so far this year?
Be comfortable being uncomfortable. She’s really pushed me to lean into the things that might seem scary in the moment, but those are the biggest learning opportunities you’re going to have. And she’s just a phone call away, whether, like I said, if it’s just a quick conversation of, I’m having a bad day and I really need somebody to talk to, or, hey, I just got this really great job opportunity, what do you think? So yeah, I adore her, she’s been amazing.
What has been your favorite part of this program and experience?
Everything seems so cliche, but genuinely, I mean every step of the way, whether it was growing those relationships throughout these last couple of months to sitting down and having those dinners with all of the different people and their different trades and networking. I’ve met so many people and made so many connections on LinkedIn or Instagram that I’m able to see what they’re doing in their careers, and it’s been really inspiring.
What is something you would tell any college student or young professional that might be thinking about applying for AMP 2026?
Jump jump jump. I mean whether it’s this experience or you know just meeting those people do it because you’re going to make so many of these amazing networking opportunities and meet so many cool people within AMP or even you know connections with people who the AMP individuals might have connections to. Just write your own book and this is just one chapter that I think will be so impactful for many.
Field Atlas AMP is a guided year-long mentorship program that connects late college and early professionals to industry leaders excelling in their field. Fast track your professional journey through impactful mentorship and connection. Apply for a future AMP Cohort here!
From Carmel High School to Purdue University to Allison Transmission, Vincent Mai’s journey shows how curiosity and initiative can lead to a thriving career in Indiana’s advanced industries.
Vincent, what first got you interested in engineering?
In high school, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do. However, robotics was the turning point—it gave me the confidence to pursue a career in engineering.
What classes helped shape your career path?
Definitely the Project Lead the Way courses. Those intro engineering classes, digital electronics, and engineering principles showed me the basics. They provided me with a solid foundation for pursuing a STEM career in Indiana.
How did you land your first role with Allison Transmission?
Funny enough, Allison was a sponsor of my high school robotics team. Later, at Purdue’s Industrial Roundtable, I reconnected with them. That led to two internships—one in 2017 and one in 2018. After that second internship, I knew I wanted to be there full-time.
What do you do today as a Control Systems Engineer?
The easiest way to describe it is a software engineer with extra responsibilities. Some days I’m coding and designing; other days I’m out on test trucks or public roads testing the systems we’ve built. It’s a great mix of analysis, software development, and hands-on application.
What skills have been most valuable in your career?
Communication is huge. When I’m working with peers, they want technical detail. But leaders often just want the big picture. Knowing how to adapt your communication style is essential in advanced industries.
What lessons would you share with students or young professionals exploring STEM careers in Indiana?
I’d share three things:
Be open-minded. Don’t lock yourself into one idea too early.
Be flexible. Life will throw curveballs—be willing to adjust.
Take initiative. Speak up about your interests so people can help you grow.
Looking back, what stands out most about your journey?
That you don’t need to have it all figured out. I thought I’d go into aerospace or maybe medical technology. Instead, I found a career in advanced manufacturing and automotive right here in Indiana—and I love it.
If you love problem-solving, design, and teamwork, manufacturing and advanced industries in Indiana might be the perfect fit for you. Explore opportunities and discover your path through See Yourself IN!
This summer, six interns gained hand-on-experience across three of CICP’s initiatives; Ascend Indiana, TechPoint, and CICP itself. These opportunities offered enriching “foot in the door” opportunities for young professionals eager to explore Indiana’s advanced industries.
Among them was Kendall Troy, a second-year student at Indiana University Indianapolis, who participated in TechPoint’s Externship Program. Anastasia Cook, a soon-to-be junior at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Jackson Stone, an incoming senior at Purdue University, Dev Patel, who is pursuing his Master of Science in computer science at Indiana University and Ahmet Arslan, an incoming junior at Purdue University, interned across various departments and teams with Ascend Indiana, while Lucy Furqueron, a rising junior at Texas Christian University joined the CICP communications team as an intern.
Hands-on Experience:
Lucy Furqueron, CICP
Across all departments, interns were empowered to explore, create, and contribute in significant ways to their teams. These internships are designed to help young, aspiring professionals develop useful, real-world experience, aiming to build a foundation of success and begin shaping their professional lives. Many interns reflected on how applying classroom knowledge to their position brought clarity and greater direction to potential career goals.
“I have really enjoyed immersing myself within a communications department” said Lucy Furqueron (CICP). “You learn so much from being on the ground able to see and experience the realities of what the job looks like and what you might be doing in your own career eventually.”
Ahmet Arslan, Ascend Indiana
Ahmet Arslan (Ascend Indiana), said “There was a strong sense of shared ownership, and the focus was entirely on finding solutions together. It was during this time that I truly saw Ascend’s supportive and inclusive culture in action.”
Engage with Networking Opportunities:
Kendall Troy, TechPoint
Internships also provide students with valuable networking opportunities. Events offered throughout internship programs become an opportunity to help create connections and learn more about the industry.
“A highlight of my internship has been going to all of the events TechPoint has put on and being able to take events photos for them.” said Kendall Troy (TechPoint). “TechPoint has many community events that involve networking within the Indianapolis tech community. Through these events, I’ve been given the opportunity to meet many founders, CEO’s, and employees in the Indiana tech sector and I feel as if I’ve been able to grow my community and tech network in the Indianapolis area.”
Jackson Stone, Ascend Indiana
Jackson Stone (Ascend Indiana) said “Being in product and project management requires a lot of communication between multiple verticals, which excited me because I get to meet a lot of different people and work with them to improve our ideas.”
Growing your Skillset:
Anastasia Cook, Ascend Indiana
A notable aspect of an internship with CICP and its initiatives is the ability for interns to take on their own projects and work. Interns are entrusted with tasks and projects that encourage ownership and deeper learning, skills that are essential for any industry
Anastatia Cook (Ascend Indiana) said “I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, acting as a “Jack of all Trades”. I was involved in everything from research and competitor analysis to writing user stories and conducting QA testing.”
Dev Patel, Ascend Indiana
“A lesson I’ve learned during my internship is the power of taking ownership early and approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset.” Said Dev Patel (Ascend Indiana). “Success in fast-paced, technical environments doesn’t come from having all the answers, it comes from being curious, collaborative, and willing to own and solve hard problems.”
These stories and CICP’s continued commitment to providing internship experiences and programs is a testament to their investment in not only the individual, but the next generation of Indiana’s workforce. Through real-world experiences and professional and personal growth these students are taking steps towards meaningful, motivated careers.
If you want more information on Indiana’s advanced industries, as well as how you can get involved with Indiana’s next generation of leaders, be sure to click the link below.
From biology major to purpose-driven professional, Lucy Wehlage recently stopped by See Yourself IN to share how she built a career she loves in Indianapolis—and what advice she has for others looking to start strong.
Q: Tell us a little about your background. What did you study, and how did you get started in your career? Lucy: I grew up in a family surrounded by healthcare, so I thought I might follow in their footsteps. I studied biology in college and loved science, especially organic chemistry and physics. I loved the mindset of solving problems and thinking critically. However, by my junior year, I realized I didn’t want to attend graduate school. I wanted to go straight into the workforce.
That’s when I discovered the Orr Fellowship, and it felt like this starry, bright opportunity—perfect for someone who’s driven but still figuring out exactly what they want to do. It provided me with a community, a career, and opportunities for continued learning, all right here in Indianapolis. That’s how I got connected to The Heritage Group.
Q: What was it about science that always drew you in? Lucy: It always felt like solving a puzzle—sometimes complicated, sometimes unclear—but there was always a solution. I’ve carried that mindset into my work today.
Q: You’ve talked about your love of science and people. How do you blend those two in your current role? Lucy: In high school and college, I threw myself into clubs and organizations where teamwork and shared purpose created powerful, lasting connections. I’ve always really valued relationships and building community. Now, I’m able to use those people skills alongside the problem-solving skills I developed through science. That combination is what makes me successful and my work so fulfilling.
Q: What do you do now at The Heritage Group? Lucy: I’m the Strategic Partnerships and Experiences Lead. That means I drive our corporate philanthropy and social impact initiatives. At The Heritage Group, we think about philanthropy as more than just writing checks—we ask how we can use our time and our talent, not just our treasure, to benefit our community.
We focus on six main areas: food security, housing, workforce development, STEM education, families, and sustainability. My role is to establish purposeful partnerships that align with these pillars and to help engage our employees in meaningful community work.
Q: Can you give an example of a project that excites you? Lucy: Absolutely—Kids Science Camp is my favorite. It’s a three-day camp for our employees’ children, where we teach hands-on science tied to our work at The Heritage Group—everything from asphalt to chemicals to environmental sustainability.
We’re not just giving our employees something valuable for their families; we’re also helping kids connect what their parents do to the real world. It’s incredible to see a child realize, “Oh! That’s what Mom or Dad was talking about.” Science becomes something tangible, exciting, and essential.
Q: What makes STEM education so important to you—and to Indiana’s future? Lucy: We’re at a moment in Indiana where hard tech is booming, and we need strong STEM education to keep that momentum. It’s not just about awareness—it’s about building a talent pipeline for Indiana’s advanced industries. The more we can expose students to what STEM looks like in real life, the stronger our workforce and economy will be.
Q: Where does your passion for STEM come from? Lucy: STEM has always been part of my family. My parents worked in healthcare, and I grew up hearing about their work at the dinner table. They also sent me to science camps when I was young, and I remember feeling that spark—that aha moment when you realize science is everywhere. It’s creative, it’s grounded, and it’s powerful. And now I get to work at a company that lives and breathes STEM every day.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting in their career? Lucy: Three things have made a big difference for me:
Organization – I treat it like a superpower. I make to-do lists, plan backwards from deadlines, and always come to meetings with a clear agenda. Being organized helps me balance multiple projects without feeling overwhelmed.
Communication – That means asking good questions and explaining your ideas clearly, but it also means listening. Active, empathetic listening has helped me build stronger relationships and become a better teammate.
Time Management – I’m still working on this every day. When I have a long project, like Kids Science Camp, which takes about eight months, I break it into chunks. I also use project plans to track progress, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
Q: What’s one lesson that’s stuck with you? Lucy: Focus on what you can control. Early in my career, I spent a lot of energy worrying about things outside of my control—how others responded, long-term outcomes, and organizational shifts. Now I focus on my actions, my attitude, and my effort. That mindset shift made me more confident and resilient.
Q: What’s the culture like at The Heritage Group, and what’s kept you there? Lucy: I’ve been here since I joined through the Orr Fellowship, and I’ve stayed because it’s a place that bets on people. I’ve always felt trusted and supported, even when I was taking risks or learning something new. There’s a fundamental belief in personal growth and a culture of feedback that helps you get better.
Q: Final question—what would you say to someone trying to figure out where to begin? Lucy: Start with what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and where you want to make an impact. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to be open, ask questions, and say yes to opportunities that stretch you. That’s how I found a career I love—and I never saw it coming.
If you have a passion for science, math, or problem-solving, Indiana’s advanced industries may have a job for you. Discover tools, stories, and opportunities to help you take the next step at See Yourself IN.
Looking for careers in Indiana’s advanced industries? Want to learn more about building your future in Indiana’s advanced industries? Explore more career stories and resources at See Yourself IN.
When Lucy started college, she was surrounded by a family of healthcare professionals and planned to follow in their footsteps. She studied biology and loved her science classes—organic chemistry, physics, and problem-solving lit her up. But as graduation drew closer, she realized she wasn’t drawn to the clinical path she always thought she’d take.
Instead, she wanted to jump right into the workforce and find a career where she could apply her skills in a meaningful way.
“I knew I loved science, the mindset of figuring out a problem and solving it. But working in a lab didn’t excite me,” she says. “I wanted to make an impact, I just didn’t know exactly where that would be.”
That decision—choosing to explore rather than follow a predetermined path—led Lucy to the Orr Fellowship, a post-grad program in Indianapolis that gives early-career professionals opportunities to work, grow, and lead within Indiana’s innovation economy.
“It gave me a career, a community, and the confidence to figure out what I wanted to be. It also connected me to The Heritage Group, and that changed everything.”
Finding the Right Career Fit
Lucy joined The Heritage Group, first as an Orr Fellow and then was hired from her fellowship to a full-time role. Based in Indianapolis, the company spans several industries—from construction to sustainability to specialty chemicals—but it was their focus on people that drew her in.
Today, Lucy serves as the Strategic Partnerships and Experiences Lead at the company’s corporate level, where she leads philanthropy and social impact efforts. She spends her days creating partnerships that align with the company’s values and investing in the communities where their employees live and work.
“Doing the right thing is one of our core values, and in my role, I get to live that out every day,” she says. “We focus on areas like food security, housing, workforce development, and STEM education—and we don’t just give money. We use our time and our expertise to make a real difference.”
One of Lucy’s proudest accomplishments is Kids Science Camp, a three-day hands-on event for employees’ children. It teaches young learners about the industries in which their parents work, using fun experiments in asphalt, chemicals, and sustainability.
“It’s not only a way to invest in our employees’ families—it’s a chance to show kids that science can be creative, exciting, and relevant to their everyday lives,” Lucy says. “When you see that lightbulb go off for them, it’s extraordinary.”
Advice for Anyone Figuring Out What Comes Next
Looking back, Lucy never imagined that her love for science and her passion for people could come together so seamlessly in one role. But that’s precisely what happened.
“I never thought there’d be a career where I could combine purpose-driven work, relationship building, and science,” she says. “But now I wake up excited to go to work. I feel fortunate.”
For anyone just beginning their journey, wondering how to build a career they love, Lucy offers three pieces of practical advice:
Get organized.
“Organization is my superpower. I use to-do lists, pre-reads, agendas—anything to keep myself on track. If you can stay organized, you can manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines without feeling overwhelmed.”
Be an empathetic communicator.
“Asking questions, following up, and learning how to give and receive feedback are important skills. But equally important—if not more so—is listening. Some of the strongest relationships I’ve built at work have come from just being a good listener and being open to hearing others’ perspectives.”
Manage your time with intention.
“I’ve learned to break big projects down into smaller, doable steps. It makes things less intimidating and helps me stay consistent over time, especially when a project lasts months.”
She also stresses the importance of finding peer mentors.
“Connecting with someone at a similar stage in their career can be incredibly grounding. You learn together, support each other, and share insights from your different experiences.”
And above all else, Lucy says, focus on what you can control.
“Early on, I spent too much energy worrying about things outside my control—how others responded, big organizational changes, outcomes I couldn’t predict. But once I shifted my focus to my effort, attitude, and how I present myself every day, everything became clearer. It gave me confidence and made me more resilient.”
Why Indianapolis?
For Lucy, what’s kept her in Indianapolis isn’t just the job—it’s the community, the opportunity, and the support.
“There’s a real sense of trust and growth here. Heritage is the kind of place where I’ve always felt believed in, where I’ve had the freedom to try new things and the support to learn from them.”
Indianapolis gave Lucy the space to explore, connect, and contribute on her terms. It became a place where she could shape a career using her skills and values to what her company needed.
And it can be that place for you, too.
Want to build a career that reflects your passions and strengths? Explore opportunities in Indiana’s growing industries and discover the connections, programs, and possibilities that can help you See Yourself IN Indiana’s advanced industries. Get started today!
Juan Rodriguez is the Information Security Manager at Indiana Farmers Insurance. A lifelong Hoosier, he sat down with See Yourself IN to share how his love for technology evolved into a career in cybersecurity—and why Indiana continues to offer meaningful job opportunities and room to grow.
Q: Tell us about your background – are you from Indiana? Juan: I grew up in Indianapolis, attended school here, and stayed for college. What’s kept me in Indiana is primarily family. Everyone’s here, and it made sense to stay local, especially while I was studying and working simultaneously. It helped me manage tuition and stay close to home.
Q: Did you always know you wanted a career in tech? Juan: I knew early on that I liked tech. I built my first computer when I was around 12 or 13. Before that, I was just fascinated by our family computer. I’d take things apart and try to understand how they worked. That curiosity never left.
Q: Where did you go to college, and how did you choose your major? Juan: I went to IUPUI, which is now IU Indianapolis. I started in computer engineering, but after about a year and a half, I realized I wanted something more hands-on. I switched to Computer and Information Technology with a focus on cybersecurity. That’s where I found my path.
Q: How did you get your foot in the door in the industry? Juan: Internships were everything. During my junior year of college, I landed an internship on campus. I worked there for about two years. That hands-on experience made a huge difference. After that, I started applying for full-time roles and was hired by Indiana Farmers Insurance. I’ve been here ever since.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you as an Information Security Manager? Juan: It starts with checking logs and reports from the night before. We look for any unusual activity or events that require investigation. Beyond that, we’re working on company-wide cybersecurity initiatives and helping other departments assess third-party vendors to ensure their security standards match ours.
Q: You weren’t necessarily looking to work in insurance. What brought you to this job? Juan: I knew I wanted to work in IT, and honestly, every company needs an IT team. I wasn’t targeting insurance specifically, but the opportunity came up, and it’s been a great fit. Cybersecurity is growing, and I’ve learned so much on the job.
Q: What advice would you give someone pursuing tech or cybersecurity? Juan: First, learn how to communicate technical topics in a non-technical way. It’s a rare skill, and it builds trust and collaboration. Second, always keep learning. Tech changes fast, and you have to stay engaged to keep up. Finally, soft skills matter—communication, teamwork, and being proactive go a long way.
Q: What excites you about your work? Juan: Don’t underestimate the power of internships. Look for ways to get your hands on real-world tech. And stay connected with your interests—whether it’s cybersecurity, programming, or hardware, there’s a place for you. Indiana’s tech careers are growing, and you don’t have to leave the state to find your opportunity.
Want to explore more job opportunities in Indiana’s advanced industries? Visit the See Yourself IN Resources page to discover career stories like Juan’s and find ways to build your future right here in Indiana.
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