In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison talks with Kinaya Hines, a Purdue University student who has leveraged the power of the Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) to jump start her career. Kinaya shares her journey from discovering MAP as a high school student to thriving as a business operations associate at Roche Diagnostics. We explore the benefits of the program, including mentorship, professional development, and transferable skills gained through hands-on work experience. Kinaya’s story is an inspiring example of how modern youth apprenticeships can empower young Hoosiers to take control of their futures.
5 Key Takeaways:
Modern youth apprenticeships provide valuable work experience: The MAP program connects high school students with paid apprenticeships at leading Indiana companies. This allows students to gain real-world experience in a variety of high-demand fields including life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics and tech, helping them discover their passions and build a strong foundation for their careers.
The MAP program goes beyond skills training: While internships equip students with job-specific skills, programs like MAP go much further. They offer bootcamps to develop professional soft skills, mentorship opportunities, and connections to industry professionals.
Modern youth apprenticeships can be transformative: Kinaya’s story exemplifies the transformative power of modern youth apprenticeships. The program has helped her overcome shyness, develop public speaking skills, and gain the confidence to excel in professional settings.
Modern youth apprenticeships open doors to future opportunities: Through the MAP program, Kinaya has gained valuable skills and connections that prepared her for an internship at John Deere. This experience will further enhance her resume and open doors to exciting career opportunities after graduation.
Modern youth apprenticeships are a win-win for students and employers: Companies gain access to a pool of talented and motivated young people. High school students receive practical real-world experience and mentorship, setting them up for success in the workforce, while creating a new pathway to success they may not have ever thought of.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison sits down with Al Carroll, President and CEO of IndyHub, to discuss Al’s journey from Florida to Indiana and how he navigated college and his career by seizing opportunities and building relationships. Al emphasizes the value of internships, mentorship, and being proactive about career development. He also outlines IndyHub’s mission to engage and empower young professionals in Indianapolis, encouraging listeners to get involved in their community, explore the city’s parks, and plug into IndyHub’s vast network for personal and professional growth.
5 Key Takeaways:
Relationships and Opportunities: Growing up near the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Al Carroll was immersed in an environment where space exploration was commonplace. His parents’ professional backgrounds at NASA instilled in him a sense of possibility and ambition, laying the foundation for his career journey.
Navigating College and Career: Graduating amidst the 2008 financial crisis, Al prioritized practicality, aiming to secure a job post-graduation. His internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) provided valuable insights but ultimately led him to pursue entrepreneurship and tech, leading to his role at TechPoint.
Owning Your Career: Al emphasizes the importance of proving oneself before expecting career advancements. Demonstrating consistency and delivering results laid the groundwork for Al to pursue leadership roles and shape his professional trajectory.
IndyHub’s Mission: As President and CEO of IndyHub, Al highlights the organization’s mission to engage and empower young adults in Indianapolis. IndyHub serves as a platform for newcomers to connect with the city, explore volunteer opportunities, and develop leadership skills.
Plugging into Indianapolis: Al encourages listeners to engage with IndyHub’s resources, subscribe to their newsletter, and participate in events to get involved in the vibrant community. Additionally, he suggests connecting with the Indiana Sports Corp for unique experiences and exploring Indianapolis’ abundant parks and outdoor spaces.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison sits down with Kristen Lampkin, Director of Business Equity for Indy. Lampkin shares her journey from her high school aspirations of being a news anchor to founding her own companies, HR Guru, and co-founder of Black HR in Indy. Kristen talks about her journey of discovery and evolution towards her passion for people and advocacy of equity in business. Through networking, exploration, and dedication to her values, Lampkin showcases the importance of personal branding, transferable skills, and creating opportunities in one’s career.
5 Key Takeaways:
Exploring Career Paths: Kristen emphasizes the significance of exploring different career paths and gaining diverse experiences to discover one’s true passions and strengths.
Transferable Skills: Kristen highlights the value of transferable skills acquired from various experiences, showing that skills learned in one role or industry can be applied effectively in others.
Creating Opportunities: Kristen’s journey underscores the importance of creating opportunities where they may not yet exist, whether through founding businesses or initiating community initiatives.
Personal Branding: Kristen discusses the concept of personal branding, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s values and presenting oneself authentically in professional settings.
Equity and Impact: Kristen’s work in HR and equity showcases the power of making a meaningful impact in one’s community and industry, advocating for diversity, inclusion, and economic opportunities for all.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison explores the inspiring journey of Rickie Crawley Jr., Operations Manager at IBC Materials and Technologies. Hailing from Gary, Indiana, Rickie shares his evolution from a chemistry-focused student to an influential figure in Indiana’s defense industry. The episode delves into the importance of networking, the transformative power of education, and the impact of diverse leadership in the defense sector.
5 Key Takeaways:
Diverse Leadership in Defense: Rickie highlights the diversity within his company, emphasizing that the defense industry welcomes individuals from various backgrounds, challenging common misconceptions.
The Power of Networking: From high school to college fraternity life, Rickie stresses the significance of networking in building relationships, fostering personal growth, and accessing opportunities.
Adaptability and Career Shifts: Rickie’s journey underscores the value of adaptability, as he navigated a shift from laboratory work to people and procedure development, eventually earning an MBA to enhance his leadership skills.
Innovation in Indiana: The episode showcases Indiana’s role in cutting-edge defense technologies, focusing on IBC’s work in creating corrosion-resistant missile rails for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy.
Legacy and Life Rules: Rickie shares his perspective on legacy, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal, professional, and spiritual goals. He encourages listeners to define their legacy and strive for excellence.
In this episode, host Casey Harrison talks with Ryan Henderson, the Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation at Conexus Indiana. They delve into the significance of Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries, shedding light on the diverse career opportunities within these sectors. From networking tips to the impact of these industries on the state’s economy, this conversation uncovers the untapped potential of advanced industries in Indiana.
5 Key Takeaways:
Indiana’s Economic Backbone: Indiana boasts a robust manufacturing and logistics sector, with one in five Hoosiers employed in advanced manufacturing and logistics, contributing significantly to the state’s GDP.
Diverse Career Pathways: While traditional roles in manufacturing and logistics are well-known, there are also opportunities in IT, data analytics, human resources, supply chain, and finance, making it a diverse field with various entry points.
Networking Matters: Building and maintaining a strong network is crucial for finding career opportunities in these industries. Platforms like LinkedIn can be valuable tools for networking.
Manufacturing Supports Innovation: Manufacturing plays a pivotal role in supporting innovation in sectors like life sciences, agbiosciences, and technology. New products often require advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Logistics Powerhouse: Indiana’s logistics sector is equally vital, with key players like the FedEx hub and third-party logistics providers ensuring efficient supply chains for manufacturers.
In this episode, host Casey Harrison sits down with Milan Ball, the Director of Development and Marketing at Be Nimble Foundation. Milan shares her fascinating journey, from her background in fashion design to her transition into the tech industry. She discusses the thriving tech ecosystem in Indiana, the support Be Nimble offers to underrepresented founders and offers valuable insights on networking and getting involved in the Indianapolis community.
5 Key Takeaways:
Diverse Opportunities in Indiana: Milan discusses how she found a thriving tech industry in Indiana that offers diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals.
The Role of Be Nimble Foundation: Milan explains how Be Nimble Foundation accelerates diversity and inclusion initiatives in technology and supports underrepresented founders.
Networking and Community Engagement: Milan encourages listeners to attend events, join organizations, and connect to the Indianapolis community.
Leveraging Resources: Milan highlights the abundance of resources, organizations, and support available for those looking to grow their careers in Indiana.
Building Lasting Relationships: Milan shares her personal experiences of building strong friendships and professional connections in the Midwest, emphasizing the welcoming and supportive nature of the community.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison talks with Bailey Rayford, CEO of Kendal Logan Logistics Inc. Bailey shares her journey from a farm kid in North Carolina to starting a successful logistics company in Indiana. The episode delves into the importance of agriculture and logistics in Indiana, the value of transferable skills across different sectors, and the role of networking and community in career development. Bailey’s story is a testament to the power of ambition, versatility, and the impact of women in ownership and leadership roles.
5 Key Takeaways:
Diverse Backgrounds Fuel Success: Bailey Rayford’s journey from a small rural town in North Carolina growing up on a farm, to starting her own logistics company in Indiana, highlights the importance of diverse experiences in shaping a successful career.
Agriculture’s Deep Roots: Bailey’s background in agriculture, a sector she describes as her first love, underscores the critical role of this industry in Indiana’s economy and the unique opportunities it presents, especially for women.
Transferable Skills Across Sectors: The discussion reveals how skills acquired in one sector, like agriculture, can be effectively transferred to another, such as logistics, demonstrating the value of a versatile skill set.
Women in Leadership: Bailey’s all-women leadership team at Kendal Logan Logistics emphasizes the significance of female representation in executive roles, particularly in industries traditionally dominated by men.
The Power of Networking and Community: Bailey’s story illustrates the importance of community involvement and networking in career development, showcasing how these connections can open doors to new opportunities.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison explores the non-traditional journey of Tyler Wysong, Program Manager of Digital Innovation at IU Health. Tyler shares his inspiring path from a small town in Indiana to becoming a passionate leader in life sciences, driven by the goal of achieving true health equity. The episode delves into the challenges Tyler faced, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way.
5 Key Takeaways:
Investment in Education: Tyler reflects on his counselor’s advice about education being an investment, sharing how it resonated during challenging times in college and ultimately led to his success in the healthcare industry.
Overcoming Learning Differences: Tyler’s journey as a dyslexic student underscores the importance of resilience and determination in pursuing education. His story challenges the notion that traditional learning paths are the only routes to success.
Finding Your Space: Tyler encourages individuals to be intentional about finding spaces where they fit and to recognize when a role or position is not the right fit. He emphasizes the importance of being part of the solution in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Listen Before You Speak: Emphasizing the importance of active listening, Tyler encourages curiosity and understanding by acknowledging everyone’s unique challenges and perspectives.
Never Grow Up: Tyler’s mantra is to maintain a childlike curiosity and authenticity, urging listeners to reflect on their actions and consider whether their younger selves would find them compassionate and inclusive.
