Cameron Weber has always wanted to make a difference in the world. As a senior at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology studying biology, they hadn’t considered a career in agriculture. However, their perspective changed when they realized they could combine their passion for helping people with a career in agbiosciences—a field that impacts everyone, but is often overlooked.
Cameron’s journey began when they first entered college as a biomathematics major. Soon, they realized that biology better matched their interests and goals. This shift set them on a new path that would eventually lead them to discover the world of agriculture.
Like many high school students, Cameron was searching for a career that would be both fulfilling and purposeful. They wanted to help people and make a meaningful impact on the world. It wasn’t until an on-campus career fair and conversations with AgriNovus Indiana’s Field Atlas program that Cameron began to see agriculture as an exciting option. The Field Atlas program connects students with careers in the agbiosciences field and encourages them to think outside the box.
“Erica, the Field Atlas representative, really encouraged me to see myself in agriculture,” Cameron explains. They learned that agriculture wasn’t just about farming—it also includes technology, innovation, and science. Cameron quickly saw how agbiosciences could be just as impactful as other fields, like medicine or technology.
“Agriculture touches every single person on the planet,” says Cameron. “It affects our lives in ways many people don’t realize.” Whether it’s through plant science, technology, or sustainable practices, agriculture is the foundation for advancements in many industries.
Cameron became an ambassador for the Field Atlas program, helping other students discover how they could make a difference in agriculture. They explain how careers in agriculture are often tied to technology and innovation, using tools like drones to help feed people and improve global sustainability.
Cameron advises high school students to stay open-minded about their career options. “Don’t be afraid to explore something you’ve never considered,” they suggest. “Take risks, ask questions, and reach out to people who work in the field. The right career may be one you never expected.”
Through their story, Cameron shows that career paths are not always clear right away. It’s about exploring what excites you and discovering how you can contribute to the world in your own unique way. To learn more about how agriculture can make a difference, read Cameron’s full story here.
Prefer to watch instead of listen? Here’s the video version of Kyle Krieger’s conversation on the See Yourself IN podcast! To explore the full conversation, including the podcast and a written recap, visit the original post here.
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison sits down with Kyle Krieger, Manager of Strategy and Operations at LDI, Inc. Kyle, a born-and-raised Hoosier, shares his journey from his early interest in business to his current role in a dynamic family office. He discusses his experiences with the Orr Fellowship, the importance of community involvement, and the diverse nature of his work at LDI, Inc., which includes supporting companies in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and other industries. Kyle also provides valuable insights for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs.
5 Key Takeaways:
1.Explore Diverse Career Paths: A strong foundation in a field like finance can provide a versatile skillset applicable across various industries. Don’t be afraid to explore different roles and industries early in your career.
2.Tap into Indiana’s Network: Organizations like the Orr Fellowship and Conexus Indiana offer valuable resources and connections for young professionals in Indiana. Attend events and engage with these organizations to expand your network and explore opportunities.
3. Seek Hands-On Experience: Look for roles that allow you to work on diverse projects and collaborate with people from different backgrounds. Practical experience is crucial for developing skills and identifying your passions.
4. The Power of Mentorship: Cultivate both formal and informal mentoring relationships. Seek guidance from experienced professionals and also find opportunities to mentor others, sharing your knowledge and expertise.
5.Embrace Continuous Learning: Prioritize roles that challenge you and provide opportunities to learn new skills. Adaptability and a thirst for knowledge are essential in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.
For more resources on advanced industries, jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit www.cicpindiana.com/syi.
After graduating from Adams Central High School in Monroe, Indiana, Jarod Bushroe faced a tough decision – what to do next.
While many of his classmates were heading off to college, he wasn’t sure that was right for him. He saw too many students go to college without a clear goal, only to return home feeling lost.
Instead of jumping into college just because it seemed like the expected thing to do, he took a different route. He went straight into the workforce.
Jarod spent two years working various jobs, gaining real-world experience and determining which career suited him best. Then, in 2022, he landed a job at Fort Wayne Metals, a company that produces high-quality materials used in medical devices. Starting as a wire drawer, Jarod quickly proved himself as a hard worker and a fast learner. His dedication and willingness to take on new challenges led to a promotion to team lead – a leadership position that gave him even more responsibility. Now, he leads a team, runs meetings, handles paperwork, and helps on the production floor when needed.
Jarod values the people at his job as much as the work itself. He describes his coworkers as a second family, a support system that has helped him to grow both personally and professionally. The sense of community has made all the difference in his career. Jarod believes the right workplace can be just as important as choosing the right job.
Looking back, Jarod believes his decision to skip college right after high school was the best choice for him. He chose to work first, exploring career options and building valuable skills without pursuing a degree he wasn’t sure he needed. Now that he has a clearer vision for his future, he’s considering going back to school to study manufacturing engineering. The added bonus? His company will help pay for it. Jarod’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight path. If you’re not sure what you want to do after high school, don’t be afraid to try different things and gain different experiences. The right opportunity might be waiting for you in an unexpected place.
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.
Jalen Vaughn, a senior at IU Indianapolis, is proud to share his love and interest in technology with other people. When Jalen heard about TechPoint’s Xtern program from his brother, he knew he had to apply to fulfill his tech crave. Learn more about Jalen’s experience with Xtern here.
Show Notes:
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison interviews Sam Huser, an Indiana University student deeply passionate about technology and innovation. Sam recounts his journey from contemplating self-learning coding post-high school to embracing college life at IU. He shares insights from his involvement in the Luddy Learning Community and the TechPoint Xtern program, working with companies like HC1. Along the way, he discusses overcoming academic and personal obstacles, the rigorous process of securing internships, and the value of networking and continuous learning in career growth. Sam also touches on persistence, adaptability, and the importance of having a supportive community in navigating the tech industry.
5 Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace continuous learning: Never stop exploring new knowledge and skills, even outside of your chosen field.
2. Persevere through challenges: Difficult times can lead to growth and unexpected opportunities.
3. Build a supportive network: Surround yourself with people who encourage and motivate you.
4. Explore different paths: College and internships can expose you to new passions and career options.
5. Find your place: You can build a fulfilling career and life in Indiana’s thriving tech industry.
See Yourself IN, a new podcast brought to you by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, will give you insights into the jobs, people, and innovations of the future. For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit cicpindiana.com/SYI.
Show Notes:
In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison interviews Emil Ekiyor, founder and CEO of InnoPower. Emil shares his inspiring journey from a professional football player to a driving force in Indiana’s innovation economy. We dive into the importance of regional competitiveness, the power of inclusive communities, and practical steps individuals can take to get involved. Emil’s passion for creating opportunities and empowering others is contagious as he shares valuable insights and actionable advice with listeners.
5Key Takeaways:
1.The power of purpose: Finding a purpose beyond personal gain is essential for a fulfilling life and career. Emil emphasizes the importance of being part of something bigger than oneself.
2. The importance of inclusive communities: Creating spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can come together and share ideas is crucial for innovation and progress.
3. The role of energy and passion: Bringing positive energy and enthusiasm to your work is essential for success and attracting others to your vision.
4.The value of lifelong learning: Continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.
5.Building social capital: Invest time in building relationships with people from different backgrounds and industries to expand your network and opportunities.
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 sits down with Moe Simmons, Program Manager at Purdue Innovates. Moe shares his unexpected journey to Indiana, starting with his studies in video broadcasting at Butler University, through his diverse career in sales, property management, and eventually into tech and higher education. Emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing a non-linear career path, Moe discusses how his experiences and failures have shaped his professional growth and dedication to fostering inclusion and community support within the tech industry.
5 Key Takeaways:
1.Embrace Non-Linear Paths: Moe’s career journey, which took him from broadcasting to property management, and eventually to tech and education, highlights the value of embracing diverse experiences and being open to change.
2. Importance of Mental Health: Prioritizing mental health is crucial for personal and professional growth. Moe underscores the impact of mental well-being on achieving career success and maintaining healthy relationships.
3. Taking Risks: Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things can lead to significant growth and unexpected opportunities. Moe’s willingness to take risks played a key role in his career advancement.
4. Advocacy for Inclusion: Moe is passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech and higher education. He emphasizes the importance of diversity and the need for more inclusive practices in the workplace.
5. Talk Your Stuff: Be confident in your abilities and experiences. Moe advises that effectively communicating your skills and achievements is essential and encourages companies to recognize and take chances on diverse talent.
For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit www.cicpindiana.com/SYI.
