Jessica Sink: Finding Balance in an Unexpected Role

Jessica's story was originally published by Conexus Indiana. Click here to read!

Because she came from a family of engineers, Jessica Sink’s future seemed clear while she was going to high school. Well, it was clear to everyone except her. While everyone thought she would become an engineer, figuring out what she wanted to do took some time.

At Norwell High School in Indiana, Jessica knew she wanted a career that involved people, creativity, and problem-solving. But, she wasn’t sure what that looked like. Instead of following a predetermined path, she explored her interests, eventually choosing to study event management and marketing at Grace College.

By the time she was a senior in college, she landed a summer internship in talent development at Fort Wayne Metals, a company near her hometown that specializes in manufacturing precision materials for medical devices. Jessica hadn't imagined herself in the manufacturing industry, but she quickly realized that her skills in communication and problem-solving were valuable in a manufacturing setting.

That internship led to a full-time job after graduation. After 18 months, Jessica felt ready for something new. Instead of leaving the company, she took an unexpected step—moving into a role in continuous improvement.

Continuous improvement is all about finding ways to make systems more efficient, solving problems, and helping companies run more smoothly. Jessica didn’t have a technical background, but she learned on the job. This proves that soft skills like communication, creativity, and adaptability can be just as important as technical expertise.

Now, two years into her career, Jessica is thriving in an unexpected role. She wants students to know that the career path you start on isn’t always where you’ll end up — and that’s okay. Being open to new opportunities, asking questions, and exploring different industries can lead to exciting and fulfilling careers.

Jessica’s journey shows that manufacturing isn’t just about machines and assembly lines. It’s also about innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving. If you’re not sure what you want to do after high school, her story is proof that you don’t have to have it all figured out right away.

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