In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 17-23), Regional Opportunity Initiatives is thrilled to highlight the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, offering valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path to career success.
Introducing Sophie McDuffee, a standout former UpSkill apprentice whose journey has taken her from high school to pursuing a degree in industrial engineering at Purdue University. Growing up in Springville, Indiana, Sophie’s apprenticeship at SAIC in Bedford sparked her passion for engineering and introduced her to the world of defense contracting. Through UpSkill, she gained hands-on experience in 3D modeling, drafting, and working alongside professionals in a dynamic field. In the Q&A below, Sophie reflects on how the program shaped her career path, boosted her confidence, and prepared her for success in both her studies and future career. Keep reading to discover how UpSkill helped Sophie turn her interests into a meaningful career trajectory!
This week—and every week—ROI is proud of Sophie and all of our former and current UpSkill apprentices, who continue to demonstrate hard work, dedication, and a commitment to success in the Indiana Uplands, contributing to both their personal growth and the region’s thriving economy.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining the UpSkill program?
My name is Sophia McDuffee, I am a sophomore at Purdue University studying industrial engineering. Some of my hobbies include photography, cooking, and watching Purdue basketball. I grew up in Springville, Indiana. I graduated from Bedford North Lawrence High School.
What are your interests or passions, and how do they align with the skills you learned in the UpSkill program?
I have always had an interest in creative hobbies, such as painting, photography, crocheting, etc. I overall just love to create. During my apprenticeship, I learned how this passion could translate towards the production of what we were creating at SAIC. Creativity was essential to adjusting our designs and making quick fixes.
Can you share your journey in the UpSkill program? What motivated you to join, and what were your initial expectations?
I started with the UpSkill program towards the end of my junior year and officially began my apprenticeship with SAIC my senior year. Once I heard about the program, I was really excited. I had never considered this opportunity of working for SAIC as a possibility as a high schooler. At the time, I was working a food service job, and the opportunity to grow my professional experience with SAIC at such a young age was incredibly motivating.
What was your UpSkill position and where did/do you work? Share a few sentences about what work you did in this position.
I worked as an engineering technician at SAIC. In this role, I worked on a defense contracting project with a small team. I worked with many types of engineers, and I developed many different skills including 3D modeling, drafting, technician work, and overall seeing a project from start to finish.
What are the top five skills/abilities that helped you be successful in your UpSkill position? How have these skills helped you in your career or education?
- Respecting coworkers and supervisors.
- Paying attention to detail.
- Knowing when to ask questions.
- Focusing on self-improvement by approaching each workday with the mindset of learning and growing.
- Always work hard and give each task my best effort.
These skills are what I would focus on daily while working at SAIC. I think practicing these skills helped me gain respect from my coworkers, allowing me to learn as much as I could from them. I take the lessons I learned from working at SAIC and apply them to my everyday life.
How has participating in UpSkill influenced your post-high school education or training decisions? In other words, how has your UpSkill experience prepared you for your next steps after high school?
I already knew I wanted to be an engineer before participating in the UpSkill program, but working at SAIC solidified my decision. Studying engineering at Purdue, I face academic pressure, but remembering my work experience helps remind me that even though I might not get all A’s in school, I still have what it takes to excel in my future career.
Have your career aspirations changed since you first started the UpSkill program? If so, how? What long-term career goals are you aiming to achieve in the next few years?
Before this opportunity, I hadn’t considered working in the defense industry as a future career path. Through UpSkill, I discovered I really enjoy the field. As a result, I am taking an internship position at Crane this summer.
How has UpSkill helped you build connections with industry professionals or peers that have been beneficial in your career journey?
UpSkill has given me opportunities to connect with my supervisors at work, attend conferences, and network with professionals. These experiences have allowed me to expand my network and establish a stronger presence in the community.
Did you have a mentor during your time in UpSkill? If so, how did they influence your experience and development?
I would consider my supervisor to be my mentor. He studied manufacturing engineering, which closely relates to what I’m pursuing. He intentionally assigned me and the other apprentices special projects tailored to help us develop our skills. He consistently offered valuable advice, and I learned a great deal from observing his leadership and how he guided the team.
Can you describe any real-world experiences or projects from your time with your employer that were particularly impactful for you?
One impactful experience during my time at SAIC was learning the basics of using tools. This wasn’t something I initially expected to gain from the role, but it has proven incredibly useful for school projects, home projects, and developing a more hands-on understanding of creation. It also taught me to better consider the needs of technicians when working on designs.
Looking back, how do you think participating in UpSkill has changed you personally and professionally? How have you changed or grown as a person since starting the UpSkill program?
Participating in UpSkill gave me a sense of confidence toward my career goals. By having this experience, I am able to stand out against my peers at Purdue, I have a growing network, and I have a better sense of what being an engineer is like.
What are your personal aspirations for the future, both in your career and in your life?
My goal someday is to be able to graduate college, buy a house, raise a family, pay for my future children’s college, and retire. If I am thinking big goals, career-wise, I hope to have a job lucrative enough to support all of this and to be able to work a job I enjoy.
What accomplishment during your time in the UpSkill program are you most proud of?
I am incredibly proud of everything I have learned. Looking back, I faced challenges and had moments where I felt I wasn’t as helpful due to my lack of experience. However, I’m proud of myself for consistently putting in my best effort to learn. It’s rewarding to reflect and realize just how much I’ve grown and how many new skills I’ve gained along the way.
What advice would you give to young people considering joining the UpSkill program?
My advice is to go for it! This experience has opened up so many opportunities for me, and it’s all thanks to the program. If you’re planning to study engineering at Purdue, I can tell you that not many students complete an apprenticeship before their freshman year, so it definitely helps me stand out.