When you hear the term “advanced industries,” you might picture high-tech labs or sleek production lines filled with robotics. And, you wouldn’t be wrong! But, the advanced industries are more than just futuristic concepts. The advanced industries span fields like agbioscience, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology.

These industries are economic engines behind some of the most exciting, innovative, and essential work happening right here in Indiana – today.

From growing food in smarter, more sustainable ways to delivering life-saving medical breakthroughs, to building the tools and technology that shape our future, Indiana’s advanced industries touch many parts of our daily lives.

Let’s dive into what these advanced industries are, why they’re important, and why you should consider a career in one of these growing fields. Spoiler: these industries are not just about cool tech; it’s about building a better future (and a career that goes with it)!

What are the advanced industries?

The advanced industries refer to sectors that rely in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) as well as invest heavily in research and development.

Agbioscience

Agbioscience is the intersection of agriculture, science, and technology. Careers in agbioscience are using innovation to solve some of our world’s biggest challenges, like how we can grow more food for a growing population, protect the environment, and create new, sustainable projects. Agbioscience combines everything from biology and chemistry to engineering and computer science, making It an exciting field for people like you.
People working in agbioscience are doing exciting things like creating crops that can survive droughts, using data to help farmers make better decisions, and even designing new types of food. These careers are shaping the future of agriculture—not just in our state, but all over the world.

Life Sciences

Life sciences is a fast-moving field that explores how living things work—from tiny cells to the entire human body. The goal? To use that knowledge to improve health, fight diseases, and make life better for people everywhere. This industry brings together biology, medicine, technology, and innovation to solve real-world problems.
Whether it’s discovering new medicines, designing medical tools and devices, or studying DNA to help prevent illnesses, life sciences careers are making a big impact. People in this field are at the forefront of healthcare breakthroughs, using science to shape a healthier future for all of us.

Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics

Advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) is where high-tech tools, smart systems, and innovation come together to make and move products efficiently and sustainably. It’s a fast-evolving industry that relies on advanced machinery, robotics, automation, and real-time data to keep production and delivery running smoothly.
From operating computer-controlled machines to managing supply chains with AI and tracking systems, AML offers exciting careers for people who enjoy learning new technologies and solving problems. As the industry continues to modernize, workers in this field often have to learn how to use new software, tools, and equipment that keep them on the cutting edge. If you’re hands-on, tech-savvy, or curious about how things are made and delivered, AML is a growing field with lots of opportunity.

Technology

Technology is all around us—shaping how we live, work, and connect with the world. But it’s more than just apps and devices. It’s the engine driving progress across nearly every industry, from healthcare and agriculture to finance, education, and beyond.
In this field, innovation never stops. Whether you’re building software, analyzing data, developing AI, or protecting systems with cybersecurity, tech careers offer endless possibilities for problem-solvers and creative thinkers. You might design tools that help doctors save lives, create smart systems that power businesses, or even develop the next must-have game or platform. As technology continues to evolve, so do the jobs. It’s a field that rewards curiosity, adaptability, and a desire to keep learning. That makes it an exciting path for anyone who wants to help shape the future.

Why are the advanced industries important?

Indiana’s advanced industries don’t just offer exciting careers, they’re critical to the state’s economy and our future.
These fields are where big ideas turn into real-world impact. Whether it’s feeding communities, curing diseases, building cleaner factories, or inventing the next life-changing technology, the work happening in these industries matters—and so do the people doing it.
If you want a job where you can make a difference, solve problems, and be part of something bigger, the advanced industries are full of opportunity. They offer careers that are in high demand, with good pay and benefits, and room to grow. But even more than that, they offer the chance to wake up each day knowing your work is important.
These industries need all kinds of thinkers and doers—from creative minds to hands-on builders to curious problem-solvers. No matter your path, there’s a place for you in shaping what comes next.

What’s Next?

Now that you know what the advanced industries are and why they matter, the next step is simple: start exploring.
Think about what interests you. Do you like working with your hands? Solving puzzles? Helping people? Creating new things? No matter what your strengths or passions are, there’s likely a role for you in one of these industries. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now—but keeping your eyes open to the possibilities is a great place to begin.
See Yourself IN is a great resource to help you explore the careers, training paths, and opportunities available in Indiana. Whether you’re planning for college, considering a training program, or just curious about your future, learning more about careers in agbioscience, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and tech could open up paths you didn’t even know existed.
These are industries that are growing, hiring, and making a difference. And they’re looking for people like you..

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 math or 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.