Bridging Talent and Opportunity with Emily Kitterman

In this episode of See Yourself IN host Casey Harrison sits down with Emily Kitterman, Director 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 advanced industries, jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit www.cicpindiana.com/syi.