Andrea Faberlle Diaz walked up to the Eli Lilly career fair booth expecting to talk about opportunities down the street from her college. As graduation approached at the University of Puerto Rico, she was exploring what came next. Eli Lilly had a facility on the island, and after spending months in a pharmaceutical manufacturing internship, it seemed like the natural place to start the conversation. Instead, the recruiter pointed her in a direction she hadn’t considered.
Indiana.
“I was interested in the Puerto Rico facility,” Andrea recalled. “But after talking about my experience, they told me I would actually be a much better fit in Indiana because the injectables side was expanding so much.”
That one conversation and that one unexpected suggestion led to a decision that would change the course of her career.
Today, Andrea works in Indiana’s life sciences industry, supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing at Eli Lilly, where she helps produce medicines that reach patients worldwide. Looking back, she realizes that opportunity wasn’t something she could have planned for. It was something she discovered by staying curious enough to explore what was in front of her.
She didn't have her whole plan mapped out - just the next step
Andrea is quick to admit she wasn’t one of those students who always knew exactly what they wanted to do.
"If you had asked me after high school, I really had no idea what I wanted to do career-wise. The next step was college. I figured I'd decide what I wanted to do once I got there."
She was clear on two things: she loved science, and she likely wouldn’t pursue an engineering path.
“Unfortunately, I’m not good at math,” she said with a laugh. “I wasn’t then, and I’m not now.”
Biology felt like the right fit, so she enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico and focused on what was immediately ahead rather than trying to map out the next decade. Ironically, it was one assignment she hadn’t been looking forward to that would give her the clarity she was searching for.
The internship that changed everything
Like many college programs, Andrea’s degree required students to complete industry experience before graduating – and finding that opportunity was entirely up to her. At the time, it felt intimidating: identifying a company, applying for a role, and immersing herself in the organization. Looking back, she describes that experience as a turning point.
"Finding my own industry experience forced me to think differently. Instead of just trying to get through classes, I started asking myself, 'What do I need to do to become the ideal candidate?' It made me more intentional about everything – from my biology and chemistry courses to gaining as much lab experience as I could."
She landed an internship in pharmaceutical manufacturing expecting it to be another step toward graduation. Instead, it became the experience that reshaped her career. What was supposed to be a two-month internship stretched into six.
“The internship was originally supposed to be from June to July, but I stayed until December,” she says. “Each day I found myself challenged by a new problem to solve. I remember how excited I was to be gaining new experiences so early in my career. I already knew I was passionate about working in manufacturing and working with operators; that experience just confirmed it.”
Until then, science had largely existed in textbooks, lectures, and labs. On the manufacturing floor, she saw something different. Every process, every quality check, and every person on the line contributed to something far bigger than a classroom assignment. She wasn’t just studying biology anymore; she was helping manufacture medicines that would one day reach patients around the world.
The resource that helped shape her career
That internship eventually led her back to the career fair and to the conversation that brought her to Indiana. The move meant leaving home, starting over, and joining one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies during a period of rapid expansion. It also meant stepping into an industry that refuses to stand still.
Today, Andrea works as an Operations Associate, supporting manufacturing operations that run around the clock. She helps troubleshoot production challenges, supports operators across the manufacturing floor, and helps teammates continue developing their own careers.
“I spend a lot of time supporting our operators,” she said. “Whether it’s helping someone work through a challenge or preparing them for new opportunities, it’s rewarding to see people grow in their careers.”
It’s a role that demands technical knowledge, collaboration, and a willingness to keep learning. Fortunately, that’s exactly what Andrea enjoys most.
"One of the things I love most is that the work never feels stagnant. The technology keeps evolving, the teams keep growing, and every day you're learning from someone or something new. There's really no limit to what you can learn."
A front-row seat to innovation
For Andrea, one of the biggest draws of the industry is that it never stands still.
“I think what excites me the most is just the rate at which discovery is happening,” she said. “There are so many incredible things happening and so many life-changing medicines being developed.”
That pace extends beyond the manufacturing floor. Advances in artificial intelligence are beginning to reshape how new medicines are discovered, opening possibilities that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.
“Now, with the application of AI in drug discovery, the potential just keeps growing,” she said. “This is such an exciting industry to be in because the possibilities really feel endless.”
For someone who enjoys learning, it’s exactly the kind of environment she was hoping to find.
Just take the next step
Looking back, Andrea doesn’t think the most important decision she made was choosing the right major or finding the perfect first job. It was staying open to opportunities she hadn’t expected.
“My number one piece of advice is don’t be afraid to try new things,” she said. “Always prepare. Always show up. But don’t be afraid if you’re not the most prepared or the most confident person in the room. Just give anything a try.”
She pauses before sharing the lesson that’s stayed with her throughout college, her internship, and the move to Indiana.
"Everyone talks about the bigger picture and planning out what you want to be in the end. Sometimes, in some stages, just knowing your next step is enough."
That’s exactly how Andrea’s career unfolded. She couldn’t have predicted where her curiosity would lead. A required internship became a career. A conversation at a recruiting booth became a move to Indiana. And a willingness to keep taking the next step led her to an industry where learning never stops. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
For many students, one question looms larger than almost any other: “What do I want to do after graduation?”
For Emily Britton, the answer didn’t arrive overnight.
Today, Britton works as a Business Development Representative for Cheneco, helping organizations across Indiana evaluate solar and battery storage solutions. She enjoys the work, loves meeting people, and has found a career that aligns with her strengths.
But getting there required something many students struggle to give themselves: time.
“I always knew I was going to college,” Britton said. “What I didn’t know was what I wanted my career to be.”
Looking back, Britton says some of the most valuable lessons she learned had little to do with choosing the perfect major and everything to do with learning about herself.
5 Pieces of Advice to Find a Career you Love
1. Take your time
Like many college students, Britton felt pressure to determine exactly what she wanted to do after graduation. But after receiving a job offer before graduation, she made a decision that surprised some people: she didn’t immediately accept it. Instead, she spent time exploring her options and working with Purdue University’s career services team to better understand her strengths, interests, and professional goals.
"I think it's so important to take your time when career searching because you want to find something that you're passionate about."
That patience ultimately led her to a role she genuinely enjoys.
2. Build relationships early
If there’s one piece of advice Britton gives students consistently, it’s simple: Network.
Whether through LinkedIn, industry events, career fairs, student organizations, or informational interviews, she believes relationships can open doors that applications alone often cannot.
“Your network is everything,” Britton said.
She encourages students to reach out to professionals whose careers interest them, ask questions, and learn about industries they may not have considered. Many professionals, she says, are more willing to help than students realize.
“I guarantee you there’s going to be someone willing to have a conversation with you,” she said.
3. Stay curious
One of Britton’s favorite parts of her job is learning about industries and careers she never knew existed. Through networking events, facility tours, conferences, and client meetings, she has discovered just how many opportunities exist beyond the careers students typically hear about in school.
"I've learned that there are so many jobs out there that I never knew existed."
That curiosity has become one of her greatest professional strengths. Instead of focusing only on job titles, she encourages students to learn about industries, ask questions, and remain open to unexpected opportunities.
4. Focus on your strengths
Britton’s career path also reinforced the importance of understanding what energizes you. For her, the answer was clear: She enjoys building relationships, communicating with others, and learning people’s stories.
Those strengths naturally aligned with business development, even though she didn’t initially plan to pursue a career in sales or business strategy.
“I love people,” Britton said. “I love talking to people. I love building relationships.”
Rather than searching for a job title first, she encourages students to identify the activities they genuinely enjoy and then explore careers that allow them to use those strengths every day.
5. Remember that career paths aren't linear
Britton began college studying kinesiology before eventually transitioning into marketing. Today, she works in Indiana’s energy sector. Her journey serves as a reminder that careers rarely follow a perfectly straight line.
The skills students develop in college—communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving—often prove just as valuable as the specific major listed on a diploma.
"A lot of people study one thing and end up taking a completely different career path."
For students who feel uncertain about their future, she hopes that realization provides reassurance. Not knowing exactly where you’re headed doesn’t mean you’re behind. Sometimes it simply means you’re still discovering the path that’s right for you.
The biggest lesson
If there’s one message Britton hopes students take away from her experience, it’s that everyone’s journey looks different. Some people find their dream career immediately. Others need time to explore, experiment, and adjust their plans along the way. Both paths are valid.
“Everyone’s journey is different,” Britton said. “It can look so many different ways.”
For Britton, that journey led to a career she loves, a growing professional network, and opportunities she never imagined when she first arrived on Purdue’s campus.
And it all started with being willing to keep exploring.
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 TechPoint. Click here to read the original article.
On June 26, Xterns gathered for their second programming weekend of the summer, this time at Republic Airways in Carmel, IN. IndyHackers and a group of former Xterns joined the cohort for a full day centered on AI and the ever-changing workforce.
Welcome Remarks
The morning began with remarks from Matt Belanger, Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Republic Airways, who welcomed Xterns into the space and spoke to the importance of interns and the work they contribute. He even gave a shout-out to Republic’s own Xtern, Samuel Ortner.
Today’s AI: We’ve Seen This All Before, and Will Again
Chris Vannoy, President of IndyHackers, delivered the morning’s keynote, built around one central idea: we’ve seen this before. He pointed to three previous technology cycles over the past 40 years: personal computing, the internet and mobile phones. He pointed out that each reshaped how we live and work by moving through the same three stages: boom, bust and absorption.
Chris Vannoy leads the Xtern AI Day keynote, “Tech Epochs of the Last 40 Years,” walking Xterns through four decades of major technology shifts ahead of a deeper look at artificial intelligence.
Vannoy defined the boom as the moment money starts flowing and experimentation runs wild, the bust as the point where that money comes due and clear winners and losers emerge, and absorption as the stage where the technology finally becomes mainstream and fades into the background of everyday life. In his view, AI is currently in its “boom baby” phase, with much of its potential still being discovered. “No one knows for certain where this is headed. I have theories, but only because I’ve lived through this before,” he told the group.
He also pointed to the opportunity AI presents for Gen Z specifically, noting that companies are already subsidizing employees’ use of AI tools. His advice: play around, experiment and have fun learning and growing alongside the technology.
AI & Skill Change Panel
Following the keynote, Sally Reasoner, VP of Talent Strategy, moderated a panel featuring Mike Hocherman (Trava Security), Tylor Garret (Sense), Alex Correa (Eli Lilly), and Daniel Shickell (Republic Airways). Notably, Tylor, Alex and Mike were all members of the very first Xtern cohort.
Mike Hockerman of Trava Security, Tylor Garret of Sense, Alex Correa of Eli Lilly, and Daniel Shickell of Republic Airways joined TechPoint’s Sally Reasoner (left to right) for a panel focused on AI and skill changes panel.
Reasoner asked the panelists about their use of AI tools day-to-day and how their expectations compared to reality. Across the board, the consensus was similar: AI is useful for a lot of things, but it can’t replicate the emotion and connection that only humans bring to the table.
Correa emphasized the importance of getting comfortable with AI now, since every career path will eventually intersect with it. Whether that means streamlining a workflow or getting help revising an email. When the conversation turned to job interviews, the panelists were unanimous: don’t let AI tell your story. Personal projects and experiences that don’t show up on a resume tend to generate real excitement in an interview, and that’s worth leaning into. Hocherman added that personal, human questions resonate far more than anything AI-generated ever could, so let your enthusiasm show.
While using AI early in your career is almost expected at this point, Correa encouraged Xterns to also seek out a mentor, someone who can teach the things AI simply can’t. Shickell agreed, adding that as AI continues to advance, human connection and the ability to have a real conversation will only become more valuable. Still, staying curious and continuing to experiment with AI matters. As one panelist put it, human skills won’t be replaced, because humans are intelligent and resilient – so don’t be afraid to use the tools available.
AI Workshops
Xterns then broke into one of three workshops: AI Safety, AI for Business and Marketing Professionals, or AI in CAD. Each session explored how AI is being applied within a specific field, introduced different AI tools, and underscored the importance of using AI safely and responsibly. Students left the workshops ready to share what they learned and put those tools into practice.
Xterns work through a hands-on 3D modeling exercise during an engineering workshop session at summer programming.
The AI Safety workshop dug into the rapid rise of agentic engineering in software development over the past six months. It covered both the advantages and pitfalls of AI-generated code – including cost – and how to strengthen an agentic toolchain with better guardrails and auditability. The session also walked through how Skills, Agents and Servers function within Claude Code and Codex, along with practical tips for setting AI on autopilot, and introduced Statewright.ai, an agentic harness designed to close some of the current gaps in agentic engineering software development lifecycles
The AI for Business and Marketing Professionals workshop looked at how generative AI has reshaped marketing and sales from the ground up. Content marketing has had to adapt to a landscape flooded with undifferentiated AI-generated content, all while search engine traffic has dropped significantly. At the same time, new startups are emerging daily with AI-driven bots and avatars aimed at replacing SDRs and BDRs. The session examined how the industry is adjusting to this new reality – which tools are rising to the top, how the day-to-day work is changing, and which skills matter now more than ever.
The AI in CAD workshop explored how AI is being built into PTC’s Creo Parametric software through three stages of maturity: Advise, Assist, and Automate. Creo Advise acts as a chatbot for engineering support, while Creo Assist works directly with a user’s model to validate designs, check compliance, and surface insights. Looking ahead, Creo Automate, expected in late 2026 or early 2027, will use historical CAD data and manufacturing standards to suggest and optimize designs automatically through multi-agent orchestration via the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
Closing Remarks
Sally Reasoner closed out the afternoon by looking ahead to upcoming events, including Community Connect on Friday, July 24, at the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis from 9 am to 1 pm.
Current Xterns who still need to register, or who want to register a project to present, can do so here. Community members interested in joining TechPoint at Community Connect can learn more and register at techpoint.org/communityconnect.
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 TechPoint. Click here to read the original article.
On June 5, TechPoint welcomed the 2026 Xtern cohort for its first programming weekend of the summer at the Dallara Experience Hub in Speedway. Throughout the day, Xterns participated in professional development workshops, peer networking activities, industry discussions and workplace readiness sessions designed to help them make the most of their summer internships.
Welcoming Remarks from TechPoint CEO and President
The morning began with remarks from TechPoint’s CEO and president, Eric Christopher, who shared his journey growing up in Richmond, IN as the son of a blue-collar worker to becoming a first-generation student at Indiana University, co-founding Zylo, and ultimately leading TechPoint.
Reflecting on his experiences as a builder and entrepreneur, Eric spoke about the value of creating opportunities through technology and the impact that innovation can have on Indiana’s economy. He emphasized that technology enables individuals to not only build successful businesses but also to create jobs and lasting value within their communities.
When asked about Gen Z’s greatest strengths and challenges, he pointed to artificial intelligence as both. While AI presents opportunities for innovation and growth, he noted that gaining meaningful work experience remains one of the biggest hurdles for recent graduates.
“Xtern is built to give you that,” he told attendees.
Understanding Indiana’s Industry Landscape
Sally Reasoner, vice president of talent strategy at TechPoint, provided an overview of Indiana’s evolving technology and innovation landscape while sharing the history of the Xtern program.
Launched in 2014 with just five participating companies, Xtern was created to help employers address recruitment challenges by showcasing not only career opportunities, but also the advantages of living and working in Indiana.
Over the past 13 years, the program has expanded far beyond its original focus on software development. Today Xtern opportunities span industries including engineering, marketing, healthcare, manufacturing, finance and aviation.
Industry Leaders Discuss the Future of AI
A panel featuring industry leaders Mike Cronin (SEP), Scott Sobczak (V2X), Kristi Steppe (IU Health), and Troy Kelley (E-gineering Inc.) explored the growing role of artificial intelligence within their respective industries.
The discussion addressed both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with AI adoption. Panelist shared perspectives on how AI is improving efficiency, supporting decision-making and helping organizations better serve customers and communities.
Cronin addressed concerns about AI replacing technical talent, noting that the demand for developers continues to remain strong. Steppe highlighted how AI is helping healthcare organizations reduce harm events through enhanced monitoring and support systems.
When discussing responsible AI use, panelists emphasized several key themes: protecting sensitive information, maintaining ethical accountability, and ensuring that technology enhances, not replaces, human creativity and judgement.
A recurring message throughout the discussion was the importance of continuous learning.
“Don’t be afraid to jump into the unknown as long as you’re willing to learn,” Sobczak advised.
Navigating the Human Side of Work
Andi Hines-Logemann of Elevate Ventures led a session focused on managing stress and micro-stress while transitioning into the workforce.
She encouraged Xterns to view confidence as a skill that can be developed over time rather than as a fixed trait. One of the sessions central messages was that curiosity is more valuable than perfection, especially early in a career.
As interns navigate new responsibilities and unfamiliar environments, Hines-Logemann reminded attendees that employers do not expect them to know everything. Instead, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating a willingness to learn are often the strongest indicators of future success.
Body Working – Listening with Your Eyes
Mitch Isaacs of Shafer Leadership Academy introduced Xterns to the role body language plays in professional interactions and networking.
Describing body language as “an outward reflection of inward reality,” Isaacs challenged participants to think about how their posture, presence, and nonverbal cues influence the way others perceive the. He encouraged attended to adopt a balance approach- confident and approachable without appearing overly closed or overly assertive.
The session concluded with hand-on practice ahead of the evening networking reception.
Putting Learning into Practice
The day concluded with a networking happy hour, where Xterns had the opportunity to connect with employers, tour the Dallara Factory, and experience the Racing SIM Garage.
By the end of the evening, many participants were already applying the lessons they had learned throughout the day: approaching conversations with greater confidence, asking thoughtful questions, and building meaningful professional connections.
As the summer continues, Xterns will participate in additional programming designed to support their professional growth while strengthening Indiana’s next generation of talent.
Follow TechPoint’s social channels to see what Xterns are accomplishing this summer, and stay tuned for the next programming weekend June 26-27.
This article was originally published by Field Atlas. Click here to read the original article.
Mallika Swaminathan, an IU Indianapolis student pursuing her master’s degree in analytical chemistry, has been taking full advantage of student opportunities and experiences in agbioscience as she rounds out the last semester of her MS program.
Until her experience at the Field Atlas Agbioscience Company Tours in May of 2025, Mallika hadn’t been exposed to the agbioscience industry or the role that chemistry plays in this field. After meeting with industry leaders during the networking portion of the program and then visiting Beck’s Hybrids and Eurofins, Mallika had a whole new understanding of agbioscience and a peaked interest in pursuing a career in the industry.
With an interest and motivation to learn more about the role chemistry plays in agriculture, Mallika continued seeking opportunities to learn more about the field and meet with professionals in the space. This ultimately led her to attending Grow Your Future Day at Corteva Agriscience – a dynamic, full-day experience designed to inspire and connect the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Mallika recently shared more about her experience at Corteva’s Grow Your Future Day:
“I learned so much about Corteva and the incredible role agricultural industries play today. The way they explained the company’s mission really stood out — with the population increasing day by day and land space reducing, it’s so important for AgBioScience companies like Corteva to address these global challenges effectively. And they’re definitely doing so, moving forward strongly by fostering new talent through events like Grow Your Future Day.
The event itself was exceptional — from the personalized resume and mock interview rounds to the opportunity to practice in a real corporate setting. No matter how much we prepare for interviews, the actual environment often brings a different kind of nervousness, so getting to experience that firsthand was invaluable.
I also had the chance to connect with professionals from my area of interest — the analytical labs — and realized how crucial networking truly is. I learned about various contract-based opportunities that are perfect for fresh graduates transitioning from school to industry, and which are not always listed publicly. Hearing this directly from an analytical scientist was a great insight and something that definitely motivates me further.
Overall, the hospitality, warm welcome, and inspiring closing remarks made the day memorable. The scale and diversity of the labs — from biotechnology and chemistry to plant pathology — were truly beyond imagination. It was amazing to see how professionals from so many disciplines come together to drive the agbiosciences industry forward.”
We love seeing students and young professionals take advantage of opportunities to engage with and learn more about the agbioscience industry. Join the Field Atlas mailing list to learn more about professional development opportunities for students interested in this industry!
Field Atlas Company Tours are a great way to explore the leading agbioscience companies throughout our state. If you are a college student interested in attending an upcoming company tour, click here to learn more and apply!
For Bryce Maxwell, ‘25, the decision to attend Indiana State University was rooted in family and practicality. Born and raised in Terre Haute, Maxwell chose to pursue a degree from Indiana State because of stories he had heard from family members.
“My mom, my dad, and my older brother all went to Indiana State,” he shares. “I had three great examples of success stories, so I thought I’d stay in my hometown. The tuition was great, and I knew Indiana State was a nice school. I could find my way and figure out what I wanted to do.”
Finding that way, however, took time. Maxwell entered college unsure of his future career plans, initially majoring in finance. “I knew I liked numbers, so I thought, ‘What do numbers go into? Finance,’” he says. It wasn’t until he discovered the business analytics minor—and the mentorship of Dr. Concetta DePaolo—that his path began to take shape.
“I was sitting in her class one day and realized I enjoyed it a lot more than my finance classes,” he recalls. “She showed me how analytics overlapped with supply chain, and that same day, I switched my major.”
Switching majors late could have been challenging, but Maxwell found the supply chain management program to be a welcoming, supportive environment. He quickly built connections with faculty and peers, and through collaborative projects, he gained confidence that he had made the right decision.
“I had no idea what supply chain management was,” he admits. “But supply chain management is in every business. It follows products through the whole production line, and there’s so much you can do.”
When asked what he enjoys most about his major, Maxwell struggles to pick just one thing. “I really enjoy all of it. There are so many parts to supply chain management that once you find a part you like, you can have a completely different experience than someone else. There are so many opportunities and routes you can go down.”
Mentorship played a pivotal role in Maxwell’s Sycamore journey. He credits Dr. DePaolo for her guidance and support, recalling how she spent an hour with him discussing career paths and helping him make the switch from finance to supply chain management. “My favorite class was solving with Excel sheets – taking real-world situations and optimizing them, saving companies money,” he says.
That academic preparation paid off during an internship at Cummins, Inc., in Columbus, Indiana. At Cummins, a global leader in power generation products, Maxwell worked in supply chain planning and analytics – helping set up a new engine line and ensuring all parts were brought in properly. That internship experience led to a full-time job offer after graduation in December.
Maxwell credits Indiana State’s curriculum for preparing him well, especially with its emphasis on analytics and real-world problem-solving. “I felt like from day one, I had a better grasp on what we were doing,” he says. “The real-world examples we worked on in class taught me to think quickly, problem-solve, and adapt – skills that are crucial in supply chain.”
Outside his major, Maxwell found community through club volleyball, playing all four years and forming friendships across the University. “Joining that club took up a lot of time, but it was definitely worth it. I made friends I never would have met otherwise,” he shares.
He describes Indiana State as a community that truly invests in its students’ success – both during college and beyond. His advice to future Sycamores is simple: take advantage of every opportunity.
“Attend networking events, career fairs, and speaker sessions,” he says. “Even if you never talk to someone again, you never know where a conversation might lead. Build your network, build your skills, and be open to learning.”
As Maxwell prepares to graduate and begin his career at Cummins, he reflects with gratitude for the mentors, friendships, and experiences that shaped his Sycamore journey at Indiana State.
“Indiana State cares a lot about its students. Professors give you countless opportunities to learn and grow. They want you to leave here ready to succeed.”
When Vincent Mai joined his high school robotics team in Carmel, Indiana, he didn’t know it would set him on the path to a career in one of Indiana’s most important advanced industries—automotive manufacturing.
“I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do in high school,” Vincent recalls. “I knew I liked engineering and technical work, but robotics gave me the confidence to pursue it as a career.”
That passion carried him to Purdue University, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering—a field he describes as the “jack of all trades” that opens doors to careers across industries.
A Career That Started in High School
Vincent’s favorite classes were the Project Lead the Way courses, where he learned the principles of digital electronics and engineering basics. “Those classes showed me what STEM careers in Indiana could look like,” he says.
Through robotics, he also met professionals from Allison Transmission, an Indianapolis-based leader in advanced manufacturing and automotive technology. That early connection turned into two internships during college—hands-on experiences that shaped his career.
“I interned at Allison in 2017 and 2018. By the end of that second summer, I knew it was where I wanted to be full-time,” Vincent says.
From Internships to Engineering
Today, Vincent works as a Control Systems Engineer at Allison Transmission, developing and testing software that powers vehicles worldwide.
“My role is like being a software engineer with extra responsibilities,” he explains. “Some weeks I’m coding and designing at my desk. Other weeks, I’m on the test track, putting that software into trucks and evaluating performance.”
For Vincent, this combination of design, implementation, and real-world testing makes his career dynamic—and deeply rewarding.
Lessons for the Next Generation
Vincent has three lessons for anyone exploring how to start a career in engineering or Indiana’s advanced industries:
Be open-minded. “Try new things—you never know what opportunities will open up.”
Stay flexible. “Plans change, and that’s okay. Sometimes you discover you like a different path.”
Take initiative. “If there’s something you’re passionate about, tell your managers and mentors. That’s how you create your own opportunities.”
Building a Future in Indiana
Although Vincent once considered aerospace or medical engineering, advanced manufacturing and automotive jobs in Indiana proved to be the right fit.
“Indiana has so many opportunities in advanced industries,” he says. “I started with robotics in high school, built skills at Purdue, and now I’m working on real-world solutions right here at home. You can absolutely build a career you love—right here in Indiana.”
Want to turn your interests into a meaningful, fulfilling career? 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!
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