In December 2025, Tyler Bushnell graduated from the Barton School of Business, attaining a
bachelor’s degree in information technology and management information systems. As
an adult learner, he resumed his education after more than a decade as an airborne
combat engineer for the U.S. Army. Since graduation, Bushnell has been a full-time
software developer at POET. He began as a summer 2024 intern at POET, was later promoted to
junior software developer, before earning his current full-time role. Reflecting on
his career journey, Bushnell shares his return to education, finding new passions
and changing careers.
“Being an adult learner has allowed me to pursue a career change and tackle college
with a unique perspective compared to when I graduated high school,” Bushnell said.
After serving over a decade in the U.S. Army as an airborne combat engineer, Bushnell
returned to his hometown, Wichita, Kansas. Back in Wichita, he discovered a passion
for IT while troubleshooting his home network and discovered a new career path. He
entered the IT industry as an intern without formal training after teaching himself
to code online.
“I think the best part of being a software developer is that we’re not just coders—we're
problem solvers; we implement solutions through code,” Bushnell said.
Bushnell entered the IT industry in January 2023 at HM Dunn AeroSystems Inc. as an
IT intern. At HM Dunn AeroSystems Inc., Bushnell was tasked with network administration,
cybersecurity auditing, help desk troubleshooting and setting up new workstations
on the network.
In May 2024, after a year at HM Dunn AeroSystems Inc., he moved to his next internship
at POET. What began as a summer internship transformed into a part-time role and in December
2025 he became a full-time software developer. As a full-time professional, Bushnell
has a clearer understanding of his industry.
“I've learned that the only thing that stays the same each day is the desk I work
at,” Bushnell said. “Technology is constantly changing, and we have to stay up to
date at a macro level.”
At POET, his career ambitions have become clearer.
“I find great satisfaction, pride, accomplishment and gratitude when I see something
I've been working on for months being used across the company,” Bushnell said. “The
experience of knowing customers want a product you've helped build is surreal, and
I'm grateful to be part of the team at POET.”
Bushnell’s success in his career is also reflected in his work as a student. He was
highly involved as a Shocker, participating in many student activities and societies,
including Beta Gamma Sigma, MIS Club and Cummings Student Managed Investment Fund.
Bushnell was recognized with Summa Cum Laude honors, the highest honors an undergraduate
student can achieve. His time at Shocker Nation has been an amalgamation of ambition
and application.
“WSU has enabled me to get to where I am through connections with people throughout
the Wichita community and departments like the Shocker Career Accelerator,” Bushnell
said. “Building connections on campus has been the catalyst for meeting new people,
engaging with companies and staying connected to community events.”
Welcoming the new year, Bushnell also welcomes new opportunities as an alumnus.
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience
with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact theShocker Career Acceleratorat (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visitwichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita
State campus.
