Edgerton native Jillian Schue served three years in the U.S. Army, during which time she was involved in some IT work. This experience piqued her interest in pursuing a career, and she is now a student in the IT Technical Support program at Blackhawk.
This spring, Jillian will begin an internship at Scot Forge in Clinton that will run through the summer. It will give her some hands-on experience in the IT field, working under the head of the company’s IT department.
Scot Forge, already a strong partner of Blackhawk, reached out last semester to get assistance with populating their Clinton location with IT staff to monitor and maintain their IT infrastructure. Jillian will join another student from the program who is currently interning there.
Jillian was a shoo-in for the position, owing in part to her military experience, said Tim Nobling, IT instructor.
“Jillian’s military experience allows her to find success in our self-paced program, as she has strong organizational skills and scheduling discipline to work through all challenges presented to her,” he said. “She works incredibly hard to make sure she has a strong grasp on the competencies being presented to her.”
Jillian will also return to the Talons Clay Target Shooting team this spring. The season, which runs for five weeks from April 20 through the week of May 18, will be her second with the team. In the fall, the Talons finished in sixth place out of seven teams and Jillian finished ninth in the conference for females. She also plans to play on the Talons Women’s Basketball team this fall.
Clay Target Shooting Coach Tim Rockhold said Jillian brings a positive and welcoming attitude to the team.
“Not only is she accomplished and capable in competition and classes, but she possesses a humility and peaceful affect that is not only comforting, but also supportive to her peers,” he said.
Read more about Jillian below.
What is your name? Where did you grow up and what high school did you attend?
My name is Jillian Schue. I was born in Aurora, Illinois, but I grew up in Edgerton and attended Edgerton High School.
Why did you choose to attend Blackhawk Technical College?
I initially chose Blackhawk for the Radiography program because in high school, I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. During my time in the Army working in Field Artillery, I was introduced to the IT/technological career. In the year I worked through my general courses at Blackhawk, I decided to earn my degree in IT Technical Support.
What is your area of study? Is there something that drew you to the program?
I am in the IT Technical Support Specialist program. My previous technology experience in the Army, the program’s curriculum, learning style, and the instructors’ welcoming hospitality drew me to it.
How has Blackhawk helped you to pursue or complete your goals?
The IT program’s curriculum offers an introduction to many IT career fields, helping me decide what I may want in life. My instructors, coaches, and many Blackhawk staff have given me tons of support while I learn new things and take on new challenges.
Have you had to overcome any obstacles or challenges on your educational journey?
While I try to pursue extracurriculars on top of earning my associate degree, time management can be a challenge.
Are you involved in any student organizations or extracurricular activities at Blackhawk?
I am on the Talons Women’s Basketball Team and the Clay Target Shooting Team, and I am involved in the Veteran’s Club.
Are there any academic achievements that you’ve been proud to accomplish in your time at Blackhawk?
My personal academic achievement was earning a 3.8 GPA in my first semester in the program.
When do you plan to graduate and what are your plans for life after Blackhawk?
I plan to graduate in May 2026 and hope to continue working at Scot Forge, where I will be starting an internship at the end of March.
What advice do you have for other individuals who are considering Blackhawk?
My advice would be to talk to the students and instructors at Blackhawk to get a real feel for the school environment, especially in the program they wish to pursue.
Tell us something about yourself that you think people would be surprised to know.
I think people would be surprised to know that I have jumped out of three different aircraft 17 times, both night and day, while serving in the U.S. Army. One of my favorite jumps was in Indonesia.
If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?
My brother. He is alive and well and there is never a dull moment when the two of us get together.
Who is your biggest influence?
My mom. She is in her last semester of the nursing program here at Blackhawk. She’s the most hardworking person I have ever met and I could not be more proud of her.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Go backpacking across Europe! I’ve always liked to travel. I’ve already visited 28 states and two foreign countries!
For more information on our IT - Technical Support Specialist program, visit blackhawk.edu/TechSupport.