Q&A with Juan Rodriguez: Cybersecurity Careers and Staying Rooted in Indiana
Juan Rodriguez is the Information Security Manager at Indiana Farmers Insurance. A lifelong Hoosier, he sat down with See Yourself IN to share how his love for technology evolved into a career in cybersecurity—and why Indiana continues to offer meaningful job opportunities and room to grow.
Q: Tell us about your background - are you from Indiana?
Juan: I grew up in Indianapolis, attended school here, and stayed for college. What’s kept me in Indiana is primarily family. Everyone’s here, and it made sense to stay local, especially while I was studying and working simultaneously. It helped me manage tuition and stay close to home.
Q: Did you always know you wanted a career in tech?
Juan: I knew early on that I liked tech. I built my first computer when I was around 12 or 13. Before that, I was just fascinated by our family computer. I’d take things apart and try to understand how they worked. That curiosity never left.
Q: Where did you go to college, and how did you choose your major?
Juan: I went to IUPUI, which is now IU Indianapolis. I started in computer engineering, but after about a year and a half, I realized I wanted something more hands-on. I switched to Computer and Information Technology with a focus on cybersecurity. That's where I found my path.
Q: How did you get your foot in the door in the industry?
Juan: Internships were everything. During my junior year of college, I landed an internship on campus. I worked there for about two years. That hands-on experience made a huge difference. After that, I started applying for full-time roles and was hired by Indiana Farmers Insurance. I’ve been here ever since.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you as an Information Security Manager?
Juan: It starts with checking logs and reports from the night before. We look for any unusual activity or events that require investigation. Beyond that, we’re working on company-wide cybersecurity initiatives and helping other departments assess third-party vendors to ensure their security standards match ours.
Q: You weren't necessarily looking to work in insurance. What brought you to this job?
Juan: I knew I wanted to work in IT, and honestly, every company needs an IT team. I wasn’t targeting insurance specifically, but the opportunity came up, and it’s been a great fit. Cybersecurity is growing, and I’ve learned so much on the job.
Q: What advice would you give someone pursuing tech or cybersecurity?
Juan: First, learn how to communicate technical topics in a non-technical way. It’s a rare skill, and it builds trust and collaboration. Second, always keep learning. Tech changes fast, and you have to stay engaged to keep up. Finally, soft skills matter—communication, teamwork, and being proactive go a long way.
Q: What excites you about your work?
Juan: Don’t underestimate the power of internships. Look for ways to get your hands on real-world tech. And stay connected with your interests—whether it’s cybersecurity, programming, or hardware, there’s a place for you. Indiana's tech careers are growing, and you don’t have to leave the state to find your opportunity.
Want to explore more job opportunities in Indiana's advanced industries?
Visit the See Yourself IN Resources page to discover career stories like Juan's and find ways to build your future right here in Indiana.