Lily Renke
Organizational Leadership
Business Analyst / Orr Fellow at OPENLANE
Describe your potential job duties
As an Orr Fellow, I will work as a Business Analyst in a high-growth company in Indianapolis, focusing on data-driven decision-making, process optimization, and strategic problem-solving. In this role, I will analyze business operations, identify efficiencies, and provide insights to support organizational growth. Through the Orr Fellowship, I will also receive executive mentorship, leadership training, and professional development opportunities, allowing me to refine my analytical skills while building a strong network of business leaders and entrepreneurs.
In what ways did the Polytechnic and/or Purdue help make you uniquely qualified for your new job?
Purdue’s Polytechnic Institute provided me with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, equipping me with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for a dynamic business environment. The Polytechnic’s emphasis on experiential learning and real-world application helped me develop adaptability, collaboration, and leadership—skills that align with Orr Fellowship’s focus on professional growth and impact-driven work.
How has the college or someone in the college helped you achieve your goals?
Dr. Andrea DeMaria and Dr. Kathryn LaRoche played a pivotal role in shaping my research skills and understanding of public health and gender equity. Their mentorship guided me through complex projects, including research on reproductive rights and policy.
What specific classes helped prepare you for your new job?
Design Thinking in Technology helped me develop problem-solving frameworks and innovation strategies that will be valuable in business operations, while Project Management in Technology provided hands-on experience with project coordination, budgeting, and leadership in team settings. Together, these courses equipped me with the ability to approach challenges creatively and manage projects effectively in dynamic business environments.
If you had a favorite class, project, experience, or professor, what/who was it, and why?
One of my most impactful experiences was serving as a Research Assistant in the Pregnancy, Abortion, and Reproductive Rights Research Collective under Dr. LaRoche. This role allowed me to explore qualitative research methodologies and policy analysis while contributing to meaningful work on miscarriage experiences and reproductive healthcare access. The interdisciplinary nature of the research strengthened my ability to analyze complex problems. As an Orr Fellow, I will work as a Business Analyst in a high-growth company in Indianapolis, focusing on data-driven decision-making, process optimization, and strategic problem-solving. In this role, I will analyze business operations, identify efficiencies, and provide insights to support organizational growth. Through the Orr Fellowship, I will also receive executive mentorship, leadership training, and professional development opportunities, allowing me to refine my analytical skills while building a strong network of business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Purdue Polytechnic provided me with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, equipping me with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for a dynamic business environment. The Polytechnic’s emphasis on experiential learning and real-world application helped me develop adaptability, collaboration, and leadership—skills that align with the Orr Fellowship’s focus on professional growth and impact-driven work."