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.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison talks with Hayden Rowe, a Purdue University graduate and Senior Business Analyst at Calumet. Hayden shares his career journey, from growing up in a blue-collar family in Indiana to working in renewable jet fuel energy and using data intelligence to create opportunities across various industries. Hayden shares how his upbringing and education led him to a versatile career that constantly offers new challenges. He offers important advice about taking opportunities, continually learning, and the importance of asking questions.
5 Key Takeaways:
1.Embrace Opportunities: Be open to new roles and responsibilities even if they don’t align with your original career plans.
2. Transferable Skills Matter: Skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and data analysis can apply across multiple industries.
3. Continuous Learning: Whether leading training sessions or learning new tools, staying curious is key to professional growth
4. Building Relationships: Creating strong relationships with coworkers can accelerate learning and career success.
5. Indiana’s Career Potential: Advanced industries in Indiana offer diverse and exciting opportunities for growth and innovation.
For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit www.cicpindiana.com/SYI.
Telamon’s new cobots are programmed to label, weigh and palletize the kits for their telecommunications networks products, removing the need for manual intervention at the end of the process. Check out this case study from Conexus Indiana to learn more about how this project increases company revenues and improves customer satisfaction
Show Notes:
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison talks with Riana Dozier, a passionate engineer who has transformed her community through her work with Goodwill and Cook Medical. Riana shares her inspiring journey from a driven high school student in Indianapolis to a dedicated professional leading engineering projects that uplift her hometown. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep commitment to community service, Riana discusses how her roles have merged advanced manufacturing with meaningful community impact.
5 Key Takeaways:
1. Community Roots and Career Choices: Riana’s journey underscores the significance of community and family in shaping career decisions. Her commitment to returning to Indiana after college highlights how local ties can influence professional paths and inspire career fulfillment.
2. Networking and Opportunity: The importance of networking and building relationships is emphasized through Riana’s story of securing a role at Goodwill. Even during challenging times, maintaining connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.
3. The Intersection of Engineering and Social Impact: Riana’s work at Goodwill, particularly in collaboration with Cook Medical, demonstrates how engineering skills can be leveraged to address both industrial and social challenges, such as providing job opportunities and revitalizing underserved communities.
4. Embracing Flexibility and Self-Worth: Riana’s experiences highlight the value of embracing one’s career journey without a rigid plan. Her advice on recognizing personal worth and turning weaknesses into strengths offers practical wisdom for navigating career uncertainties.
5. Exploring Advanced Industries: For those interested in Indiana’s advanced industries, Riana’s insights suggest starting with research and engagement. Exploring opportunities through local events, tours, and organizational websites can provide valuable entry points into impactful careers.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison explores the dynamic world of Indiana’s advanced industries with Adam Gushwa-Williams, the manufacturing manager at Rolls-Royce. Adam shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Elkhart, Indiana, to overseeing $220 million of turbine machining output at Rolls-Royce. The conversation delves into Adam’s transition from college to career, the significance of mentorship, and his passion for supply chain management and advanced manufacturing.
5 Key Takeaways:
Value of Real-World Experience: Adam’s journey highlights how internships and real-world work experience can significantly shape career choices and confirm career paths, as seen from his roles at UPS and various internships.
Impact of Mentorship: Mentors played a crucial role in Adam’s career, from guiding him towards Rolls Royce to helping him navigate different roles within the company. Mentorship can provide valuable guidance and open doors to new opportunities.
Diverse Career Opportunities: Advanced manufacturing and supply chain roles offer a wide range of opportunities, from operations and logistics to planning and procurement. The variety within these fields can keep the work dynamic and fulfilling.
Embracing Failure and Reflection: Adam emphasizes that failure plus reflection equals progress. Learning from setbacks and continuously reflecting on experiences are essential for growth and success.
Passion and Purpose in Work: Adam’s enthusiasm for his work and commitment to mentorship underscore the importance of finding joy and purpose in one’s career, and how that passion can drive personal and professional success.
For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit: www.cicpindiana.com/SYI.
An Indiana automotive parts advanced manufacturer is helping a student find her true passion in engineering through the Regional Opportunity Initiative’s UpSkill Work & Learn apprenticeship programin the Indiana Uplands region.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison sits down with Jefrie Polanco, a quality automation engineer at Allegion, to uncover his inspiring journey into Indiana’s advanced manufacturing sector. Jefrie shares his story of resilience, from facing personal loss to seizing opportunities in the tech field, ultimately finding fulfillment and success in his career. Through perseverance and a passion for learning, Jefrie demonstrates how embracing challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.
5 Key Takeaways:
Seizing Opportunities: Jefrie’s decision to pursue an adult apprenticeship program, despite initial doubts, highlights the importance of taking chances and embracing new opportunities.
Resilience and Perseverance: Facing setbacks and personal loss, Jefrie’s journey underscores the power of resilience and determination in achieving career goals.
Passion for Learning and Adaptability: Jefrie’s early interest in coding, sparked by modifying his MySpace page, showcases the value of continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech industry.
Teamwork and Communication: Working as a quality automation engineer, Jefrie emphasizes the significance of effective teamwork and communication to deliver high-quality results.
Faith in the Journey: Jefrie’s story inspires listeners to have faith in their career journeys, trusting in themselves and embracing the process of growth and development to achieve their dreams.
