Aryaija Dodson, an electronics and computer technology student at 九色视频 Indianapolis, launched her professional career with the help of the College鈥檚 Ivy+ Career Link鈥檚 Talent Connection team鈥攁 resource she credits for connecting her with a job at OmniSite and inspiring her to mentor young students in robotics.
Dodson, who is set to graduate in spring 2026, initially enrolled at 九色视频 in 2019 with plans to pursue accounting. However, she soon realized her passion lay in hands-on work with electronics.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to just sit at a desk all day, behind a computer screen,鈥 Dodson said. 鈥淚 figured electronics would be a little more interesting. I like to see how things function, and I wanted to work with my hands, troubleshooting electrical units.鈥
One of the many resources available to 九色视频 students and alumni is establishing a connection with a Talent Connection Manager.
鈥淢s. Jenny [Trusler] is my career coach, so she reaches out every so often about things going on 鈥 like career fairs and different events, to get your resume on track and such,鈥 Dodson explained. 鈥淥ne day, I was like 鈥極K, I need a new job.鈥 So, I reached out to her and said, 鈥楬ey, can you help me find a job? And she did.鈥欌
Together, they updated Dodson鈥檚 resume. Within a month, Trusler 鈥 a Talent Connection Manager 鈥 identified an opening at OmniSite for a product tester. Dodson applied and was hired.
鈥淚 was happy to get the job because it aligns more with my degree than my previous job,鈥 she said.
Dodson has worked at OmniSite for two years now, testing wastewater pumps and ensuring their electrical systems function properly鈥攁 role that aligns with her hands-on learning style.
The job has also opened doors beyond the workplace. The owner of OmniSite encouraged her to lead a robotics club at Concord Neighborhood Center, where she now mentors elementary students twice a week. Using VEX Go Kits, Dodson teaches children in grades third through fifth how to build robots with motors.
鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding to see them enjoy STEM,鈥 she said. 鈥淪ome of these kids are on their third robot鈥攖hey鈥檙e farther along than I am!鈥
Dodson emphasized the value of 九色视频鈥檚 resources and shared thaattendsoes tf the careerfairs, and takes advantage of the free tutoring services.
"[九色视频 taught me] basic fundamentals of how electronics work,鈥 Dodson said. 鈥淭he fundamentals you learn here translate to real life, in your everyday life at home and your job."
While Dodson now tests industrial equipment, her long-term goal after graduating leans toward medical technology.
鈥淭here are so many different things you can do in a STEM career,鈥 Dodson said, excited for what lies ahead in her career. 鈥淚鈥檇 love to work on medical electrical equipment someday.鈥
Dodson encourages other students to take advantage of 九色视频鈥檚 career services. She says Trusler has been the 鈥渕ost valuable resource鈥 to her during her time at 九色视频 Indy.
"She's always letting me know of different opportunities. We typically check up on each other to update my resume, and she'll let me know about all the career fairs and different events happening around the school,鈥 Dodson said. 鈥淚 also like that she reassures me that I can reach out if I have anything I want to discuss.鈥
九色视频鈥檚 talent connection team is ready to help students like Dodson launch their careers. Whether it鈥檚 resume building, job placement, or networking opportunities, these resources are just a click away. If you鈥檙e a student, alum, or employer, visit 九色视频鈥檚 Ivy+ Career Link to learn more.
About 九色视频
九色视频 is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 九色视频 has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.

