Trine’s Wrachford selected for Orr Fellowship

INDIANAPOLIS — John Wrachford wasn’t entirely sure what he wanted to do after graduation.

Now he has a plan for at least the next two years.

The Trine University senior from Fairborn, Ohio, has been selected to join the 2026 cohort of the Orr Fellowship.

An early career development program for versatile high achievers and future-focused businesses in Indianapolis and Evansville, the Fellowship, founded in 2001, matched more than 90 college seniors and recent graduates with partner companies this year.

Together, Orr Fellowship and the companies give graduates the professional development resources and support network they need to accelerate their careers.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this new group of highly motivated up-and-coming talent to Orr Fellowship,” said Steven Emch, president of Orr Fellowship. “With these vetted, high-potential graduates, Orr partner companies gain dedicated, skilled employees who contribute significantly to their success and are more likely than their non-Orr peers to remain with the organization long-term.”

Judged by a resume

Wrachford, who will graduate in May with his Bachelor of Science in computer science and information technology and Master of Science in Information Systems, learned about the Fellowship from close friends Aubrey Larner, Leah Mallon and Michael Pacer, who applied to be in the 2025 cohort.

He applied in September because he saw it as a growth opportunity and because he hadn’t decided what he wanted to do after graduation.

He was most nervous after initially submitting his resume.

“I have always felt comfortable and confident in my interviewing and networking skills, so being judged solely off a piece a paper without the opportunity to make an impression was a little limiting,” he said.

Ranking the companies

He made it to the next step, which was a 30-minute interview.

“I went into it making sure that I left an impression,” he said.

Next the candidates participated in networking events, held in October. They could choose an event in Indianapolis or Evansville, or both. Wrachford did both.

The Fellowship then sent his resume out to their partner companies. Four companies selected Wrachford to interview on Finalist Day.

“You are also interviewing them,” he commented. “After interviewing with all your selected companies, you must rank the companies. The Fellowship will work with the companies based on their preferences to match you with a company.”

Data analysis and extracurriculars

Wrachford was paired with Mission Critical Group, a company that provides electrical systems for industries including data centers, healthcare, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.

“My role at the company is mainly as a data analyst,” he explained. “The company has recently acquired many other electrical companies around the United States. One of my main duties will be traveling to these locations and determining how to link each of the locations to one another.”

In addition to working for Mission Critical, he’s excited to be part of activities such as leadership training, networking opportunities, mentorship and community building.

“I found these types of extracurricular activities were very important at Trine,” he said. “You develop skills that you would never get if you only focused on your curricular path.”

He’s excited to see where the Fellowship takes him.

“I try to put myself in places that give me the best opportunity for growth and the Fellowship experience will help me grow,” he said.