The path that brought Alex Goebel to her job as a lean digital data analyst at AstraZeneca was not a straight one, but it sure seems to have been the right one.

Alex (short for Alexandra) laughs as she describes the course that brought her to where she is today. Coming out of Mount Vernon High School, she considered medicine – helping patients appealed to her – but didn’t like science. She loved math but couldn’t imagine what she would do with a math degree. (Teach, maybe?) In college, she briefly leaned toward actuarial sciences, but an internship diverted her toward accounting.

When she got a scholarship from AstraZeneca, a conversation with Lean Digital Director Keith Rawley led to an internship working in the company’s warehouse. At first, this only muddied the water. “I had no idea how I would fit in there,” Alex says. “I thought, ‘What am I doing in the warehouse?’”

As it turns out, she was defining her path – a path that, in a way, had been there all along.

Growing up, Alex had always known the hometown pharmaceutical manufacturing operation as Bristol-Myers Squibb (it was acquired by AstraZeneca in 2014). She also knew it as the place where her dad worked. “Honestly, I’d hear my dad talk about it and I’d think, ‘That’s cool,’ she says with a chuckle. “But it doesn’t have anything to do with me.”

The internship changed that, shattering misperceptions she had about manufacturing and logistics as low-tech and dirty operations. She found a clean, exciting facility where even a math major could contribute.

Still, Alex wasn’t certain AstraZeneca was for her. But as she finished her bachelor’s degree in math and accounting at University of Southern Indiana (USI), she interned at a couple of other places, and soon realized that she liked the people, the culture and the work she found at AstraZeneca. She signed on full-time in 2020 and hasn’t looked back.

That’s not to say she settled into a job and stayed put. In her time with AstraZeneca, Alex has explored new opportunities and received promotions. Encouraged to continue learning, she’s taken advantage of classes and training supported by AstraZeneca and also earned her MBA from USI.  

Happy to find such a good job in her hometown, where she enjoys hanging out with familiar friends, boating and spending time with family, Alex likes that being with a pharmaceutical firm takes her back to her early passion (“I’ve still got a way to help patients,” she says), and concedes that it is fun to work where her dad works.

So, she plans to stay with AstraZeneca … but not necessarily on a clearly defined path. “I have a career path that I see myself going down, but it’s changed every couple of years,” she says. “One thing about AstraZeneca is, they just surprise me all the time.”

Find even more stories like Alex’s on the See Yourself IN Resources Page!

 

Mackenzie Mulherin went off to college planning to heal people. It turns out her destiny was to heal the planet.

A sustainability project manager in consumer packaging at Evansville’s Berry Global, Mackenzie spends her days working with teams seeking to increase the sustainability of things like plastic drink cups and lids, food packaging and beauty and personal care tubes. Recently, for example, she was excited to announce that her division had just introduced a Wendy’s drink cup made with 20% recycled material, a product that is a trendsetter in the industry.

Consumer packaging was not where Mackenzie saw her future when she entered the University of Southern Indiana. “I started out in nursing,” she says, “but learned that I love marketing. I really love to do that.”

Mackenzie wasn’t out of college long before she set her sights on a job at Berry Global. Growing up in Evansville, she was aware of the company and its reputation as a good employer, and she had some friends who worked there. So, after getting jobs in marketing for smaller firms in the area, she started connecting with people on LinkedIn and networking with colleagues who knew people at Berry Global. The approach worked. She got hired in 2021.

“I just did some things that stood out,” Mackenzie says. “I was able to build up work experience and relevant skills through my past roles, but my network of professional relationships and ability to follow up helped set me apart.”

Sustainability is a multifaceted career, Mackenzie says, that includes everything from the technical engineering of products to the kind of work she does, which often includes working with Berry customers to help them achieve their sustainability goals and provide products that are meaningful to their consumers.

With Berry Global, there are a lot of those customers of customers, Mackenzie points out, as the company makes such a wide range of products. In fact, it is estimated that the average consumer touches a Berry Global product as many as five times a day. It’s not uncommon, she adds, to see Berry Global employees in the grocery store looking at the bottom of yogurt cups and lotion bottles to check for the Berry Global logo.

Citing her career path as an example, Mackenzie encourages other young people to keep open minds, pursue their goals and take risks. She never imagined she would end up in sustainability when she was in college, and she’s delighted to have a job that allows her to help provide for her family and make a real difference in the world.

“I get to do both,” Mackenzie says. “I get to contribute to my family’s income and positively impact the environment.”

Find even more stories like Mackenzie’s on the See Yourself IN Resources Page!

 

If you don’t know what you want to do when you grow up, that’s okay. Many high school students don’t. Your future career doesn’t have to be decided right now. In fact, now is the perfect time to explore different options and opportunities that are out there. But, did you know the things you already enjoy doing every day can give you clues about careers you might thrive in?

Your hobbies and interests aren’t just activities. They’re signals about your strengths, your personality, and the environments where you might feel confident and excited. If you pay attention to what naturally interests you, you can start to See Yourself IN careers that fit.

Here are three questions to help you explore your interests and visualize how those connect to real-world opportunities across Indiana’s advanced industries.

 

1. What do I enjoy doing when no one is telling me what to do?

When you have free time, what do you choose to do? Those interests offer insight into what kinds of work might keep you motivated long-term.

If you enjoy…

Your free-time choices don’t define your career, but they do show where your natural interests live.

 

2. What kinds of problems do you like to solve?

Every job is basically a different type of problem-solving. Understanding the type you enjoy can point you toward fields where you’ll feel energized instead of drained.

If you like…

How you solve problems can be just as important as a specific major or job title.

3. What skills do I naturally use without thinking about it?

These are the strengths everyone else sees in you, the things you do well without trying. They are huge career clues.

If you naturally…

Strengths aren’t always academic.  Sometimes career clues come from your personality, so pay attention to what you are good at and what other people are affirming you for.

Ready to start exploring?

Your hobbies won’t tell you exactly what to become, but they will help you understand yourself better. And when you know yourself, it’s easier to see where you might fit in Indiana’s growing opportunities, whether it’s life sciences, agbiosciences, tech, advanced manufacturing and logistics, or beyond.

From Carmel High School to Purdue University to Allison Transmission, Vincent Mai’s journey shows how curiosity and initiative can lead to a thriving career in Indiana’s advanced industries. 

 

Vincent, what first got you interested in engineering? 

 In high school, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do. However, robotics was the turning point—it gave me the confidence to pursue a career in engineering. 

 

What classes helped shape your career path? 

 Definitely the Project Lead the Way courses. Those intro engineering classes, digital electronics, and engineering principles showed me the basics. They provided me with a solid foundation for pursuing a STEM career in Indiana. 

 

How did you land your first role with Allison Transmission? 

Funny enough, Allison was a sponsor of my high school robotics team. Later, at Purdue’s Industrial Roundtable, I reconnected with them. That led to two internships—one in 2017 and one in 2018. After that second internship, I knew I wanted to be there full-time. 

 

What do you do today as a Control Systems Engineer? 

The easiest way to describe it is a software engineer with extra responsibilities. Some days I’m coding and designing; other days I’m out on test trucks or public roads testing the systems we’ve built. It’s a great mix of analysis, software development, and hands-on application. 

 

What skills have been most valuable in your career? 

 Communication is huge. When I’m working with peers, they want technical detail. But leaders often just want the big picture. Knowing how to adapt your communication style is essential in advanced industries. 

 

What lessons would you share with students or young professionals exploring STEM careers in Indiana? 

I’d share three things: 

  1. Be open-minded. Don’t lock yourself into one idea too early. 
  1. Be flexible. Life will throw curveballs—be willing to adjust. 
  1. Take initiative. Speak up about your interests so people can help you grow. 

 

Looking back, what stands out most about your journey? 

That you don’t need to have it all figured out. I thought I’d go into aerospace or maybe medical technology. Instead, I found a career in advanced manufacturing and automotive right here in Indiana—and I love it. 

 

If you love problem-solving, design, and teamwork, manufacturing and advanced industries in Indiana might be the perfect fit for you. Explore opportunities and discover your path through See Yourself IN! 

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: 

  1. Be open-minded. “Try new things—you never know what opportunities will open up.” 
  2. Stay flexible. “Plans change, and that’s okay. Sometimes you discover you like a different path.” 
  3. 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!

This summer, six interns gained hand-on-experience across three of CICP’s initiatives; Ascend Indiana, TechPoint, and CICP itself. These opportunities offered enriching “foot in the door” opportunities for young professionals eager to explore Indiana’s advanced industries.

Among them was Kendall Troy, a second-year student at Indiana University Indianapolis, who participated in TechPoint’s Externship Program. Anastasia Cook, a soon-to-be junior at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Jackson Stone, an incoming senior at Purdue University, Dev Patel, who is pursuing his Master of Science in computer science at Indiana University and Ahmet Arslan, an incoming junior at Purdue University, interned across various departments and teams with Ascend Indiana, while Lucy Furqueron, a rising junior at Texas Christian University joined the CICP communications team as an intern.

Hands-on Experience:

Lucy Furqueron, CICP

Across all departments, interns were empowered to explore, create, and contribute in significant ways to their teams. These internships are designed to help young, aspiring professionals develop useful, real-world experience, aiming to build a foundation of success and begin shaping their professional lives. Many interns reflected on how applying classroom knowledge to their position brought clarity and greater direction to potential career goals.

“I have really enjoyed immersing myself within a communications department” said Lucy Furqueron (CICP). “You learn so much from being on the ground able to see and experience the realities of what the job looks like and what you might be doing in your own career eventually.”

Ahmet Arslan, Ascend Indiana

Ahmet Arslan (Ascend Indiana), said “There was a strong sense of shared ownership, and the focus was entirely on finding solutions together. It was during this time that I truly saw Ascend’s supportive and inclusive culture in action.”

 

 

 

Engage with Networking Opportunities:

Kendall Troy, TechPoint

Internships also provide students with valuable networking opportunities. Events offered throughout internship programs become an opportunity to help create connections and learn more about the industry. 

“A highlight of my internship has been going to all of the events TechPoint has put on and being able to take events photos for them.” said Kendall Troy (TechPoint). “TechPoint has many community events that involve networking within the Indianapolis tech community. Through these events, I’ve been given the opportunity to meet many founders, CEO’s, and employees in the Indiana tech sector and I feel as if I’ve been able to grow my community and tech network in the Indianapolis area.”

Jackson Stone, Ascend Indiana

Jackson Stone (Ascend Indiana) said “Being in product and project management requires a lot of communication between multiple verticals, which excited me because I get to meet a lot of different people and work with them to improve our ideas.”

Growing your Skillset:

Anastasia Cook, Ascend Indiana

A notable aspect of an internship with CICP and its initiatives is the ability for interns to take on their own projects and work.  Interns are entrusted with tasks and projects that encourage ownership and deeper learning, skills that are essential for any industry

Anastatia Cook (Ascend Indiana) said “I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, acting as a “Jack of all Trades”. I was involved in everything from research and competitor analysis to writing user stories and conducting QA testing.”

Dev Patel, Ascend Indiana

“A lesson I’ve learned during my internship is the power of taking ownership early and approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset.” Said Dev Patel (Ascend Indiana). “Success in fast-paced, technical environments doesn’t come from having all the answers, it comes from being curious, collaborative, and willing to own and solve hard problems.”

These stories and CICP’s continued commitment to providing internship experiences and programs is a testament to their investment in not only the individual, but the next generation of Indiana’s workforce. Through real-world experiences and professional and personal growth these students are taking steps towards meaningful, motivated careers.

If you want more information on Indiana’s advanced industries, as well as how you can get involved with Indiana’s next generation of leaders, be sure to click the link below.

See Yourself IN

From biology major to purpose-driven professional, Lucy Wehlage recently stopped by See Yourself IN to share how she built a career she loves in Indianapolis—and what advice she has for others looking to start strong. 

Q: Tell us a little about your background. What did you study, and how did you get started in your career?
Lucy: I grew up in a family surrounded by healthcare, so I thought I might follow in their footsteps. I studied biology in college and loved science, especially organic chemistry and physics. I loved the mindset of solving problems and thinking critically. However, by my junior year, I realized I didn’t want to attend graduate school. I wanted to go straight into the workforce. 

That’s when I discovered the Orr Fellowship, and it felt like this starry, bright opportunity—perfect for someone who’s driven but still figuring out exactly what they want to do. It provided me with a community, a career, and opportunities for continued learning, all right here in Indianapolis. That’s how I got connected to The Heritage Group. 

Q: What was it about science that always drew you in? 
Lucy: It always felt like solving a puzzle—sometimes complicated, sometimes unclear—but there was always a solution. I’ve carried that mindset into my work today.

Q: You’ve talked about your love of science and people. How do you blend those two in your current role?
Lucy: In high school and college, I threw myself into clubs and organizations where teamwork and shared purpose created powerful, lasting connections. I’ve always really valued relationships and building community. Now, I’m able to use those people skills alongside the problem-solving skills I developed through science. That combination is what makes me successful and my work so fulfilling.

Q: What do you do now at The Heritage Group?
Lucy: I’m the Strategic Partnerships and Experiences Lead. That means I drive our corporate philanthropy and social impact initiatives. At The Heritage Group, we think about philanthropy as more than just writing checks—we ask how we can use our time and our talent, not just our treasure, to benefit our community. 

We focus on six main areas: food security, housing, workforce development, STEM education, families, and sustainability. My role is to establish purposeful partnerships that align with these pillars and to help engage our employees in meaningful community work. 

Q: Can you give an example of a project that excites you?
Lucy: Absolutely—Kids Science Camp is my favorite. It’s a three-day camp for our employees’ children, where we teach hands-on science tied to our work at The Heritage Group—everything from asphalt to chemicals to environmental sustainability. 

We’re not just giving our employees something valuable for their families; we’re also helping kids connect what their parents do to the real world. It’s incredible to see a child realize, “Oh! That’s what Mom or Dad was talking about.” Science becomes something tangible, exciting, and essential. 

Q: What makes STEM education so important to you—and to Indiana’s future?
Lucy: We’re at a moment in Indiana where hard tech is booming, and we need strong STEM education to keep that momentum. It’s not just about awareness—it’s about building a talent pipeline for Indiana’s advanced industries. The more we can expose students to what STEM looks like in real life, the stronger our workforce and economy will be.

Q: Where does your passion for STEM come from?
Lucy: STEM has always been part of my family. My parents worked in healthcare, and I grew up hearing about their work at the dinner table. They also sent me to science camps when I was young, and I remember feeling that spark—that aha moment when you realize science is everywhere. It’s creative, it’s grounded, and it’s powerful. And now I get to work at a company that lives and breathes STEM every day.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting in their career?
Lucy: Three things have made a big difference for me: 

Organization – I treat it like a superpower. I make to-do lists, plan backwards from deadlines, and always come to meetings with a clear agenda. Being organized helps me balance multiple projects without feeling overwhelmed. 

Communication – That means asking good questions and explaining your ideas clearly, but it also means listening. Active, empathetic listening has helped me build stronger relationships and become a better teammate. 

Time Management – I’m still working on this every day. When I have a long project, like Kids Science Camp, which takes about eight months, I break it into chunks. I also use project plans to track progress, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. 

Q: What’s one lesson that’s stuck with you?
Lucy: Focus on what you can control. Early in my career, I spent a lot of energy worrying about things outside of my control—how others responded, long-term outcomes, and organizational shifts. Now I focus on my actions, my attitude, and my effort. That mindset shift made me more confident and resilient.

Q: What’s the culture like at The Heritage Group, and what’s kept you there?
Lucy: I’ve been here since I joined through the Orr Fellowship, and I’ve stayed because it’s a place that bets on people. I’ve always felt trusted and supported, even when I was taking risks or learning something new. There’s a fundamental belief in personal growth and a culture of feedback that helps you get better.

Q: Final question—what would you say to someone trying to figure out where to begin?
Lucy: Start with what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and where you want to make an impact. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to be open, ask questions, and say yes to opportunities that stretch you. That’s how I found a career I love—and I never saw it coming. 

If you have a passion for science, math, or problem-solving, Indiana’s advanced industries may have a job for you. Discover tools, stories, and opportunities to help you take the next step at See Yourself IN. 

Looking for careers in Indiana’s advanced industries?
Want to learn more about building your future in Indiana’s advanced industries? Explore more career stories and resources at See Yourself IN. 

When Lucy started college, she was surrounded by a family of healthcare professionals and planned to follow in their footsteps. She studied biology and loved her science classes—organic chemistry, physics, and problem-solving lit her up. But as graduation drew closer, she realized she wasn’t drawn to the clinical path she always thought she’d take.  

Instead, she wanted to jump right into the workforce and find a career where she could apply her skills in a meaningful way. 

“I knew I loved science, the mindset of figuring out a problem and solving it. But working in a lab didn’t excite me,” she says. “I wanted to make an impact, I just didn’t know exactly where that would be.”  

That decision—choosing to explore rather than follow a predetermined path—led Lucy to the Orr Fellowship, a post-grad program in Indianapolis that gives early-career professionals opportunities to work, grow, and lead within Indiana’s innovation economy. 

“It gave me a career, a community, and the confidence to figure out what I wanted to be. It also connected me to The Heritage Group, and that changed everything.” 

Finding the Right Career Fit 

Lucy joined The Heritage Group, first as an Orr Fellow and then was hired from her fellowship to a full-time role. Based in Indianapolis, the company spans several industries—from construction to sustainability to specialty chemicals—but it was their focus on people that drew her in. 

Today, Lucy serves as the Strategic Partnerships and Experiences Lead at the company’s corporate level, where she leads philanthropy and social impact efforts. She spends her days creating partnerships that align with the company’s values and investing in the communities where their employees live and work. 

“Doing the right thing is one of our core values, and in my role, I get to live that out every day,” she says. “We focus on areas like food security, housing, workforce development, and STEM education—and we don’t just give money. We use our time and our expertise to make a real difference.” 

One of Lucy’s proudest accomplishments is Kids Science Camp, a three-day hands-on event for employees’ children. It teaches young learners about the industries in which their parents work, using fun experiments in asphalt, chemicals, and sustainability. 

“It’s not only a way to invest in our employees’ families—it’s a chance to show kids that science can be creative, exciting, and relevant to their everyday lives,” Lucy says. “When you see that lightbulb go off for them, it’s extraordinary.”  

Advice for Anyone Figuring Out What Comes Next 

Looking back, Lucy never imagined that her love for science and her passion for people could come together so seamlessly in one role. But that’s precisely what happened. 

“I never thought there’d be a career where I could combine purpose-driven work, relationship building, and science,” she says. “But now I wake up excited to go to work. I feel fortunate.” 

For anyone just beginning their journey, wondering how to build a career they love, Lucy offers three pieces of practical advice: 

  1. Get organized. 

“Organization is my superpower. I use to-do lists, pre-reads, agendas—anything to keep myself on track. If you can stay organized, you can manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines without feeling overwhelmed.” 

  1. Be an empathetic communicator. 

“Asking questions, following up, and learning how to give and receive feedback are important skills. But equally important—if not more so—is listening. Some of the strongest relationships I’ve built at work have come from just being a good listener and being open to hearing others’ perspectives.” 

  1. Manage your time with intention. 

“I’ve learned to break big projects down into smaller, doable steps. It makes things less intimidating and helps me stay consistent over time, especially when a project lasts months.” 

  1. She also stresses the importance of finding peer mentors.  

“Connecting with someone at a similar stage in their career can be incredibly grounding. You learn together, support each other, and share insights from your different experiences.” 

  1. And above all else, Lucy says, focus on what you can control. 

“Early on, I spent too much energy worrying about things outside my control—how others responded, big organizational changes, outcomes I couldn’t predict. But once I shifted my focus to my effort, attitude, and how I present myself every day, everything became clearer. It gave me confidence and made me more resilient.”

Why Indianapolis?  

For Lucy, what’s kept her in Indianapolis isn’t just the job—it’s the community, the opportunity, and the support. 

“There’s a real sense of trust and growth here. Heritage is the kind of place where I’ve always felt believed in, where I’ve had the freedom to try new things and the support to learn from them.” 

Indianapolis gave Lucy the space to explore, connect, and contribute on her terms. It became a place where she could shape a career using her skills and values to what her company needed.   

And it can be that place for you, too. 

Want to build a career that reflects your passions and strengths? 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!

From small-town beginnings to global impact, Cara McCauley shares how curiosity, connection, and courage led her to a career she didn’t know existed—in a state she never planned to leave. 

Q: Cara, let’s start from the beginning. Why are you in Indiana today?
Cara: I’m in Indiana today because of my career, but it started long before that. I was born and raised near Crawfordsville, in a small rural town in West Central Indiana. I left for undergrad, came back for graduate school, and I haven’t left since. And to be honest, I have no plans to.

Q: When you were in high school, what were your favorite subjects?
Cara: Anything math or science. I was a total nerd. I loved the logical structure of it—how you could build knowledge to arrive at an answer. That shaped how I thought about what to do next

Q: Did you always know what career path you wanted to take?
Cara: Not at all. I knew I liked math and science, and back then, the only careers I was aware of that aligned with those interests were engineering and medicine. So, I applied to colleges that had both options. I actually started college as a biological engineering major on the pre-med track, thinking I’d become a doctor.

Q: But things changed. What happened?
Cara: I did a short internship at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, and I quickly realized medicine wasn’t the right path for me. It was emotionally intense, and I just knew I couldn’t do that every day. I had this moment of, “Okay… now what?”

Q: So, what did you do next?
Cara: I started exploring. I spoke with professors and explored various departments. And I remember seeing a herbicide interaction in one of my engineering classes—that was the first time I realized I could apply my skills to agriculture. Growing up, I never saw myself in ag. I wasn’t in FFA. I didn’t drive a tractor to school. But I realized agriculture needs people who love math and science, and I found my place there. 

Q: Where did that path lead you?
Cara: It led me right here—to Corteva Agriscience. I interned with them between my junior and senior year of college. Fun fact: I got rejected the first time I applied. But I applied again, got in, and by the end of the summer, I told my supervisor, “I want to be you when I grow up. What do I need to do?” He told me to get a PhD—so that’s what I did.

Q: Tell us about your role today. What do you do at Corteva?
Cara: I’m a Herbicide Biologist. Essentially, I help discover and develop new herbicide products that enable farmers to control weeds, allowing them to grow healthier crops. I perform lab work and greenhouse work, and I collaborate with teams worldwide. Some days I’m in a meeting with researchers in Indonesia; other days I’m troubleshooting weed issues just 30 minutes down the road. 

Q: And all of this is happening right here in Indiana?
Cara: Yes! Corteva’s global headquarters are in Indianapolis, and it’s incredible to know that the work we’re doing here is impacting farmers all over the world. We even have greenhouses that replicate environments across continents—from cool European climates to hot and humid rice-growing conditions like in Asia.

Q: What excites you most about your job?
Cara: It’s the chance to make a difference—globally and locally. I’m married to a central Indiana farmer, and the idea that my work might help him do his job better keeps me going. Even if I only play a small part, that impact matters. 

Q: What are some of the soft skills that have helped you succeed?
Cara: I’d say: 

  1. Passion: People can feel it when you care about the work and the people you work with. 
  2. Relationship-building: It’s less about formal networking events and more about genuine curiosity. Ask questions. Get to know people. You never know where a conversation might lead. 
  3. Being willing to do the hard stuff: If you see a problem, fix it—even if it’s the annoying part of the project. People notice when you make things easier for others. 

Q: You’ve lived all over, but you’ve stayed connected to Indiana. Why?
Cara: I love representing Indiana. When I was at Cornell, people didn’t even know where Indiana was. But I found myself constantly advocating for how great this state is. Now, leading a team where most members aren’t from Indiana, I still do the same – pointing them to state parks, kayaking spots, and local concert venues. There’s so much here, and I want people to see it.

Q: What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out what’s next?
Cara: Be okay with not knowing. There were so many points in my journey where I didn’t have it figured out—and that’s normal. Learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. That’s where growth happens. 

Also, don’t be afraid to do the research. Reach out to people. Listen to podcasts. Google career paths. One tip I like? Flip a coin when you’re making a tough decision—your gut reaction to the result usually tells you what you want. 

Q: Any final words for those trying to build a career they love?
Cara: You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to explore, ask questions, and take the next step. I never imagined this would be my path, but by staying curious, being intentional, and trusting the process, I found a career I truly love. 

Looking for careers in Indiana’s advanced industries?
Want to learn more about building your future in Indiana’s advanced industries? Explore more career stories and resources at See Yourself IN. 

When Cara McCauley was growing up in rural Crawfordsville, Indiana, she had a passion for math and science. Still, she never imagined she’d build a global research career helping farmers all over the world—from a greenhouse in Indianapolis. 

“I was a total nerd,” she laughs. “I loved anything with logic—math, science, problem-solving. I just didn’t know what careers were out there beyond becoming a doctor or engineer.” 

Today, she’s a Herbicide Biologist at Corteva Agriscience, a global agricultural company headquartered on the northwest side of Indianapolis. In her role, she works in high-tech labs and programmable greenhouses that replicate growing conditions worldwide, from Indiana cornfields to Southeast Asian rice farms. 

But her path wasn’t always clear—and that’s precisely what makes her story so valuable to anyone trying to figure out what’s next. 

From Pre-Med to Crop Science: How Curiosity Changed the Plan

Cara started college studying biological engineering and preparing for medical school. But a hospital internship changed everything. 

“I realized that being a doctor wasn’t for me. It was emotionally heavy, and I just didn’t see myself doing that every day,” she says. “It was scary to walk away from the plan I had built.” 

That pivot led her to explore other options, and one classroom moment sparked a new idea. 

“In one of my engineering courses, we looked at how a herbicide interacted at a target site,” she says. “I grew up around agriculture, but that was the first time I realized I could apply science and problem-solving to agriculture in a meaningful way.” 

She began networking with professors, exploring plant science, and eventually landed an internship with Corteva. The first time she applied, she was rejected—but she applied again, got in, and was hooked. 

“I told my supervisor, ‘I want to be you when I grow up. What do I need to do?’” she recalls. “He said, ‘Get a PhD,’ so that’s what I did.” 

A Career of Real-World Impact, Right in Indiana

Now, Cara works with a team of researchers to develop new herbicides, products that help farmers protect their crops from weeds and environmental stress. 

“I work on agriculture’s top problems today—and try to anticipate what they’ll be ten years from now,” she says. “If I can be a small part of making it easier for someone like my husband, who’s a central Indiana farmer—that means a lot.” 

Her office spans laboratories, greenhouse facilities, and occasionally, fields just 30 minutes up the road. One day, she’s troubleshooting soybean weed control for Indiana farmers. Next, she’s on an early morning call with a team in Indonesia. 

“Corteva is headquartered here, but the work we do is global,” she says. “And it all starts right here in Indiana.”

What Makes a Career Work? Cara’s Top Advice

For people looking to start—or jumpstart—their careers, especially in science, innovation, or agriculture, Cara shares three powerful lessons: 

  1. Be willing to do the complex work others avoid. 

“Find the task no one wants to do—and do it really well,” she says. “People notice when you make their lives easier. That’s where trust and opportunity come from.” 

  1. Learn to be comfortable with discomfort. 

“There were many nights I cried, not knowing what to do next,” she admits. “But growth happens in that space. If you don’t know the answer, that’s okay—just stay curious and keep exploring.” 

  1. Invest in relationships, not just resumes. 

“Networking doesn’t have to mean awkward events and name tags. It’s about genuine relationship-building,” she says. “Ask questions. Be curious. My first internship came through my mom’s boss’s cousin. You never know where the right connection might come from.” 

Indiana Roots 

Though she left the state for undergrad, Cara always found her way back to Indiana—and now she’s one of its biggest champions. 

“When I was at Cornell, people didn’t even know where Indiana was. I was always advocating for it—talking about our state parks, the amazing people, the industry opportunities,” she says. “Now I lead a team of 14 researchers, and only two are from Indiana. I still find myself encouraging them to explore the state.” 

Whether she’s sharing kayaking tips, hidden concert venues, or job opportunities in ag-tech, Cara believes Indiana is the kind of place where you can build both a life and a legacy. 

“You don’t have to have it all figured out,” she says. “But if you’re passionate, willing to do the work, and open to possibility, you can build a career you love—right here in Indiana.”

Ready to explore your future in science, innovation, or agriculture? Find the tools and inspiration to get started at See Yourself IN.