Purdue to Host “Build Your Boilermaker Pipeline Event” in Indianapolis: Tackling Indiana’s Brain Drain with Emerging Talent

Indianapolis, IN — On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Purdue University’s Office of Engagement will convene Indiana employers and campus partners for Build Your Boilermaker Pipeline in Indianapolis, a one-day event designed to strengthen the state's workforce by connecting companies with avenues to recruit the university’s top talent. The event, taking place at 16 Tech / Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, aims to help Indiana businesses compete in a global talent marketplace by leveraging Purdue’s talent pipeline.

The event is part of Purdue’s ongoing efforts to address the talent gap facing Indiana.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
• Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Doors open at 9:00 AM with continental breakfast.)
• Location: 16 Tech, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute
• Networking Reception: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Registration: Complimentary with meals included. Seating is limited, and registration is required here: purdue.edu/engagement/bybp/

A Solution to Indiana’s Talent Needs

Purdue’s Build Your Boilermaker Pipeline provides Indiana employers with crucial access to Purdue’s renowned programs and student talent. Attendees will learn how to create competitive recruitment strategies through initiatives such as:

• Co-ops: Purdue’s highly ranked co-op programs can help companies secure top engineering talent early on.
• Internships: Engage Purdue students already residing in Indianapolis to build a local talent pipeline.
• EPICS and VIP Programs: Partner with students on real-world projects that address community needs or support long-term industry research.
• The Data Mine: Work with data-driven Purdue students to address the growing importance of data analytics in business.

Who Should Attend?

Ideal for business owners, executives, recruiters, hiring managers, and internship/co-op coordinators, the event provides valuable insights into how to build lasting relationships with Purdue students and tap into a steady stream of highly qualified graduates in STEM and business disciplines.

Building Indiana’s Talent Pipeline

In 2022, Build Your Boilermaker Pipeline helped 27 Indiana-based companies from 18 communities collaborate with Purdue to tackle the state’s workforce challenges. By connecting businesses with university resources and recruiting strategies, the event created pathways for companies to leverage their local advantage, positioning Indiana employers as key players in the recruitment of in-demand Purdue graduates.

“We recognize that Indiana’s small and mid-sized businesses face unique challenges when competing with larger, out-of-state firms for top talent,” said Robert Gallardo, Vice President for Engagement at Purdue. “This event provides companies with direct access to Purdue’s key campus partners in recruiting and student engagement, ensuring employers can build meaningful, long-term relationships that will ultimately benefit Indiana’s economy.”

Leveraging the Local Advantage

Purdue’s regional engagement offices, led by Julie Rigrish and Virginia Vought, emphasize that Indiana companies have a unique advantage: proximity. “Indiana companies have the ability to frequently visit campus, build brand awareness, and establish relationships with students year-round,” said Vought. “This local advantage significantly increases their chances of success in recruiting Purdue talent compared to employers who only visit once or twice a year for career fairs.”

About Purdue’s Office of Engagement

The Purdue Office of Engagement partners with Indiana communities and businesses to foster reciprocal relationships that address the state’s most pressing challenges. By leveraging university resources, Purdue helps strengthen Indiana’s economy, ensuring that top talent remains in the state and contributes to its growth.

“Our mission is to leverage Purdue resources to help build a thriving workforce right here in Indiana,” said Julie Rigrish, Central Indiana Office of Engagement. “Events like Build Your Boilermaker Pipeline allow us to create impactful partnerships to keep Indiana’s best and brightest students in the state.”

Indiana companies interested in attending the event or providing feedback for future iterations can contact the Purdue Office of Engagement at [email protected].