Prefer to watch instead of listen? Here’s the video version of Emily Kitterman’s conversation on the See Yourself IN podcast! To explore the full conversation, including the podcast and a written recap, visit the original post here.
Prefer to watch instead of listen? Here’s the video version of Emily Kitterman’s conversation on the See Yourself IN podcast! To explore the full conversation, including the podcast and a written recap, visit the original post here.
In this episode of See Yourself IN host Casey Harrison sits down with Emily Kitterman, Director of Careers in Tech at TechPoint, to explore the burgeoning tech industry in Indiana and the opportunities it presents for students and early-career professionals. Emily shares her unique journey from a small town in Illinois to becoming a key player in Indiana’s tech ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of community, adaptability, and continuous learning. They delve into TechPoint’s role in fostering digital innovation, the evolution of Indiana’s tech economy, and practical ways to break into the tech field, even without a traditional coding background. Emily also highlights TechPoint’s Xtern program, a 10-week paid internship that offers valuable experience and community building.
Diverse Tech Opportunities: The tech industry is much broader than coding. Roles like project management, business development, and marketing are also integral and tech-enabled. Digital literacy is essential across all industries, making tech skills valuable in any career path.
Community and Connection: Indiana offers a unique blend of big-city opportunities with a small-town, community-focused feel. Programs like Xtern emphasize community building and networking, providing valuable support and connections.
Continuous Learning: The tech industry is constantly evolving, requiring a commitment to ongoing learning and adaptability. Resources like TechPoint’s Careers in Tech platform offer free, asynchronous learning modules to help individuals develop necessary skills.
Openness to Opportunities: Be open to unexpected career paths and opportunities, even if they seem outside your comfort zone. Embracing challenges and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
TechPoint’s Role in Indiana’s Tech Growth: TechPoint is instrumental in nurturing Indiana’s digital innovation economy by connecting talent with industry needs. They provide resources and programs that help individuals navigate and succeed in the tech industry.
For more resources on advanced industries, jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit www.cicpindiana.com/syi.
Prefer to watch instead of listen? Here’s the video version of our latest See Yourself IN podcast, featuring Olivia West, in-game host for the Indiana Fever and Indiana Pacers, and dynamic public speaker! To explore the full conversation, including the podcast and a written recap, visit the original post here.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison interviews Olivia West, the in-game host for the Indiana Fever and Indiana Pacers, and a dynamic public speaker. Olivia shares her journey from growing up in La Porte, Indiana, to her time at Purdue University, her career in the life sciences industry, and her current work inspiring others. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, finding and using your gifts to serve others, and running the race of life to win. Olivia also recounts her unique start in public speaking, standing on hay bales in a horse arena, and discusses her passion for empowering others and impacting lives.
1. Believe in Yourself: Self-belief is the foundation for success. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s difficult for others to believe in you.
2. Find Your Gift and Serve: Identify your unique skills and talents and use them to serve others. Greatness comes from service.
3. Run to Win: Approach life with a winning mindset. Don’t just participate; strive to excel and make a meaningful impact.
4. Embrace Opportunities: Be open to exploring different paths and industries. Even unexpected experiences can provide valuable skills and insights.
5. Leverage Your Experiences: Every experience, even those from childhood, can contribute to your success. Olivia’s experience with 4H and FFA, and public speaking on hay bales, helped her become a public speaker.
For more resources on advanced industries, jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit www.cicpindiana.com/syi.
Prefer to watch instead of listen? Here’s the video version of our latest See Yourself IN podcast, featuring Molly Zentz, VP of Communications at Conexus Indiana! To explore the full conversation, including the podcast and a written recap, visit the original post here.
Prefer to watch instead of listen? Here’s the video version of Nida Ansari’s conversation on the See Yourself IN podcast! To explore the full conversation, including the podcast and a written recap, visit the original post here.
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.
Find even more stories like Cameron’s on the See Yourself IN Resources Page!
Prefer to watch instead of listen? Here’s the video version of Kyle Krieger’s conversation on the See Yourself IN podcast! To explore the full conversation, including the podcast and a written recap, visit the original post here.
Jarod’s story was originally published by Conexus Indiana, check out the original article here.
After graduating from Adams Central High School in Monroe, Indiana, Jarod Bushroe faced a tough decision – what to do next.
While many of his classmates were heading off to college, he wasn’t sure that was right for him. He saw too many students go to college without a clear goal, only to return home feeling lost.
Instead of jumping into college just because it seemed like the expected thing to do, he took a different route. He went straight into the workforce.
Jarod spent two years working various jobs, gaining real-world experience and determining which career suited him best. Then, in 2022, he landed a job at Fort Wayne Metals, a company that produces high-quality materials used in medical devices. Starting as a wire drawer, Jarod quickly proved himself as a hard worker and a fast learner. His dedication and willingness to take on new challenges led to a promotion to team lead – a leadership position that gave him even more responsibility. Now, he leads a team, runs meetings, handles paperwork, and helps on the production floor when needed.
Jarod values the people at his job as much as the work itself. He describes his coworkers as a second family, a support system that has helped him to grow both personally and professionally. The sense of community has made all the difference in his career. Jarod believes the right workplace can be just as important as choosing the right job.
Looking back, Jarod believes his decision to skip college right after high school was the best choice for him. He chose to work first, exploring career options and building valuable skills without pursuing a degree he wasn’t sure he needed. Now that he has a clearer vision for his future, he’s considering going back to school to study manufacturing engineering. The added bonus? His company will help pay for it. Jarod’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight path. If you’re not sure what you want to do after high school, don’t be afraid to try different things and gain different experiences. The right opportunity might be waiting for you in an unexpected place.
Find even more stories like Jarod’s on the See Yourself IN Resources Page!
Jessica’s story was originally published by Conexus Indiana. Click here to read!
Because she came from a family of engineers, Jessica Sink’s future seemed clear while she was going to high school. Well, it was clear to everyone except her. While everyone thought she would become an engineer, figuring out what she wanted to do took some time.
At Norwell High School in Indiana, Jessica knew she wanted a career that involved people, creativity, and problem-solving. But, she wasn’t sure what that looked like. Instead of following a predetermined path, she explored her interests, eventually choosing to study event management and marketing at Grace College.
By the time she was a senior in college, she landed a summer internship in talent development at Fort Wayne Metals, a company near her hometown that specializes in manufacturing precision materials for medical devices. Jessica hadn’t imagined herself in the manufacturing industry, but she quickly realized that her skills in communication and problem-solving were valuable in a manufacturing setting.
That internship led to a full-time job after graduation. After 18 months, Jessica felt ready for something new. Instead of leaving the company, she took an unexpected step—moving into a role in continuous improvement.
Continuous improvement is all about finding ways to make systems more efficient, solving problems, and helping companies run more smoothly. Jessica didn’t have a technical background, but she learned on the job. This proves that soft skills like communication, creativity, and adaptability can be just as important as technical expertise.
Now, two years into her career, Jessica is thriving in an unexpected role. She wants students to know that the career path you start on isn’t always where you’ll end up — and that’s okay. Being open to new opportunities, asking questions, and exploring different industries can lead to exciting and fulfilling careers.
Jessica’s journey shows that manufacturing isn’t just about machines and assembly lines. It’s also about innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving. If you’re not sure what you want to do after high school, her story is proof that you don’t have to have it all figured out right away.
Find even more stories like Jessica’s on the See Yourself IN Resources Page!