See Yourself IN

Decoding Ag Bioscience with Cayla Chiddister

In this episode of See Yourself In, host Casey Harrison discusses career pathways in Indiana with Cayla Chiddister, Senior Manager of Communications at Agrinovus Indiana. Cayla shares her journey from growing up in a rural town to working at the intersection of innovation, storytelling, and ag biosciences. They delve into the state's advanced industries, including Agrinovus' mission to grow Indiana's ag bioscience economy, and highlight various career opportunities, programs, and the innovative work happening in this sector. Cayla also provides valuable career advice, emphasizing the importance of asking for opportunities, following the leader, and being present in one's career journey. 5 Key Takeaways: Unexpected Paths Lead to Exciting Careers: Cayla’s journey highlights that your initial career aspirations might evolve, and saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities can lead to fulfilling and impactful roles. Ag Bioscience is More Than Farming: This industry encompasses a vast array of fields, from animal health and food science to technology and sustainable packaging, offering diverse career paths for individuals with various skills and interests.   Indiana is a Hub of Ag Bioscience Innovation: AgriNovus is actively fostering growth and innovation in this sector, creating exciting opportunities within the state.   Resources Exist to Help You Get Involved: Programs like Field Atlas provide valuable tools and connections for students and those looking to enter or advance their careers in ag bioscience.   Community and Collaboration are Key: The ag bioscience community in Indiana is supportive and eager to connect with new talent, offering a welcoming environment for career growth. For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visithttps://www.cicpindiana.com/syi/ [https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi/]

Bridging Talent and Opportunity with Emily Kitterman

In this episode of See Yourself IN host Casey Harrison sits down with Emily Kitterman, Senior Manager of Careers in Tech at TechPoint, to explore the burgeoning tech industry in Indiana and the opportunities it presents for students and early-career professionals. Emily shares her unique journey from a small town in Illinois to becoming a key player in Indiana's tech ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of community, adaptability, and continuous learning. They delve into TechPoint's role in fostering digital innovation, the evolution of Indiana's tech economy, and practical ways to break into the tech field, even without a traditional coding background. Emily also highlights TechPoint's Xtern program, a 10-week paid internship that offers valuable experience and community building. Key Takeaways: Diverse Tech Opportunities: The tech industry is much broader than coding. Roles like project management, business development, and marketing are also integral and tech-enabled. Digital literacy is essential across all industries, making tech skills valuable in any career path.    Community and Connection: Indiana offers a unique blend of big-city opportunities with a small-town, community-focused feel. Programs like Xtern emphasize community building and networking, providing valuable support and connections. Continuous Learning: The tech industry is constantly evolving, requiring a commitment to ongoing learning and adaptability. Resources like TechPoint's Careers in Tech platform offer free, asynchronous learning modules to help individuals develop necessary skills. Openness to Opportunities: Be open to unexpected career paths and opportunities, even if they seem outside your comfort zone. Embracing challenges and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to significant personal and professional growth. TechPoint's Role in Indiana's Tech Growth: TechPoint is instrumental in nurturing Indiana's digital innovation economy by connecting talent with industry needs. They provide resources and programs that help individuals navigate and succeed in the tech industry.    For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi/ [https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi/]

Finding Your Gift with Olivia West

In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison interviews Olivia West, the in-game host for the Indiana Fever and Indiana Pacers, and a dynamic public speaker. Olivia shares her journey from growing up in La Porte, Indiana, to her time at Purdue University, her career in the life sciences industry, and her current work inspiring others. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, finding and using your gifts to serve others, and running the race of life to win. Olivia also recounts her unique start in public speaking, standing on hay bales in a horse arena, and discusses her passion for empowering others and impacting lives. 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Believe in Yourself: Self-belief is the foundation for success. If you don't believe in yourself, it's difficult for others to believe in you. 2. Find Your Gift and Serve: Identify your unique skills and talents and use them to serve others. Greatness comes from service. 3. Run to Win: Approach life with a winning mindset. Don't just participate; strive to excel and make a meaningful impact. 4. Embrace Opportunities: Be open to exploring different paths and industries. Even unexpected experiences can provide valuable skills and insights. 5. Leverage Your Experiences: Every experience, even those from childhood, can contribute to your success. Olivia's experience with 4H and FFA, and public speaking on hay bales, helped her become a public speaker. For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi/ [https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi/]

Engaging the Next Generation with Molly Zentz

In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison talks with Molly Zentz, Senior Director of Communications at Connexus Indiana. Molly shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Peru, Indiana, to shaping a successful career in communications. She discusses her educational path, the decision to stay in Indiana, and valuable real-world experience. Molly highlights Indiana's leadership in manufacturing and logistics, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like collaborative robots, and the efforts to tackle workforce challenges. She also emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, the role of communication in industry growth, and the impact of programs like Rising 30 and Make and Move. Additionally, she shares advice on career exploration, leveraging personal connections, and maintaining work-life balance. 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Advanced manufacturing and logistics are high-tech, innovative industries. Forget outdated images of factories – these fields are driven by robotics, sensor technology, and data analysis. 2. Diverse career paths exist within these industries. While engineering is key, there are also opportunities in marketing, communications, HR, and more. 3. Early hands-on experience is invaluable. Internships, job shadowing, and volunteering can help you discover your passion and build your skills. 4. Leverage your network for career exploration. Talk to family, friends, and mentors about their jobs and industries. 5. Setting boundaries demonstrates leadership. Prioritizing work-life balance shows self-respect and can enhance your career prospects. For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi/ [https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi/]

The Power of Pivoting with Nida Ansari

Show Notes In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison sits down with Nida Ansari, Chief Innovation Officer at 16 Tech Innovation District. Nida shares her unique journey, transitioning from a chemistry background to a career focused on fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs. She discusses the challenges of navigating unexpected career changes, the importance of adaptability, and the power of leveraging personal strengths. Nida provides an inside look at 16 Tech, highlighting its diverse offerings, including coworking spaces, makerspaces, and community events. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the role of 16 Tech in supporting underrepresented founders, and the impact of hard tech and advanced manufacturing in Indiana. 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Flexibility is Key: Career paths are rarely linear. Be open to unexpected opportunities and adapt your plans as needed, using your strengths as a guide. 2. Community Fuels Innovation: Coworking spaces provide more than just a place to work. They foster a sense of community, offer access to resources, and encourage collaboration, which are vital for entrepreneurial success. 3. Hard Tech is Cool: Advanced manufacturing offers exciting and rewarding career paths. Explore the world of hard tech and consider its potential for innovation and impact. 4. Inclusion Drives Progress: Intentionally supporting underrepresented founders and communities leads to a more vibrant and equitable innovation ecosystem. 5. Find Your Adventure: Explore the resources available at 16 Tech, from makerspaces and coworking options to community events, and discover how you can get involved. For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi/ [https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi/]