Jarod Bushroe: Finding your Direction, and a Family

Jarod’s story was originally published by Conexus Indiana, check out the original article here.

After graduating from Adams Central High School in Monroe, Indiana, Jarod Bushroe faced a tough decision – what to do next.

While many of his classmates were heading off to college, he wasn’t sure that was right for him. He saw too many students go to college without a clear goal, only to return home feeling lost.

Instead of jumping into college just because it seemed like the expected thing to do, he took a different route. He went straight into the workforce.

Jarod spent two years working various jobs, gaining real-world experience and determining which career suited him best. Then, in 2022, he landed a job at Fort Wayne Metals, a company that produces high-quality materials used in medical devices. Starting as a wire drawer, Jarod quickly proved himself as a hard worker and a fast learner. His dedication and willingness to take on new challenges led to a promotion to team lead – a leadership position that gave him even more responsibility. Now, he leads a team, runs meetings, handles paperwork, and helps on the production floor when needed.

Jarod values the people at his job as much as the work itself. He describes his coworkers as a second family, a support system that has helped him to grow both personally and professionally. The sense of community has made all the difference in his career. Jarod believes the right workplace can be just as important as choosing the right job.

Looking back, Jarod believes his decision to skip college right after high school was the best choice for him. He chose to work first, exploring career options and building valuable skills without pursuing a degree he wasn’t sure he needed. Now that he has a clearer vision for his future, he’s considering going back to school to study manufacturing engineering. The added bonus? His company will help pay for it. Jarod’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight path. If you’re not sure what you want to do after high school, don’t be afraid to try different things and gain different experiences. The right opportunity might be waiting for you in an unexpected place.

Find even more stories like Jarod's on the See Yourself IN Resources Page!