Jenna Horrall's passion for technology sparked in high school, though she wasn’t sure which path to pursue. Drawn to programming and data but lacking experience, she saw Vincennes University’s Computer Science program as the perfect launchpad. The program’s hands-on approach and affordability gave the 2022 VU graduate the chance to explore a wide range of information technology disciplines. Jenna’s job as a student worker for the VU IT Help Desk became a turning point—her first tech job that offered real-world experience and boosted her confidence. The supportive environment and mentorship within the IT Department played a huge role in shaping her professional growth.

In this Alumni Spotlight Q&A, Jenna shares how VU helped her find her focus and build a solid foundation for a successful career as an IT ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Business Analyst for Berry Global.

Q: Why did you choose VU?

“I chose to attend Vincennes University for several reasons. VU was close to home and very affordable. VU also gave me a lot of freedom when I was considering getting my bachelor’s degree since I was able to either continue my education at VU or easily transfer to another school.”

Q: Why did you choose to study Computer Science at VU?

“I became interested in working in technology in high school. However, I was very unsure about what I wanted to pursue specifically. I enjoyed programming and working with data, but I did not have much experience with either. The Vincennes University Computer Science program seemed like the perfect place to start, as I was able to experience so many different facets of information technology without breaking the bank. This greatly helped me narrow my focus by the time I was ready to graduate.”

Q: Describe your VU journey.

“My time at Vincennes University was excellent. The small class sizes made the adjustment from high school to college very easy, and I was able to form great relationships with my peers and professors. One of my key experiences was whenever the VU IT Department hosted a Capture the Flag event. The event required students to break into teams and complete several different tasks. We got to explore campus, test our cybersecurity skills, and collaborate with other students we may not have known previously.”

Q: What had the most significant impact on your VU education?

“The IT Department at VU has had a huge impact on my educational and professional journey. As a student at VU, I was able to work at the IT Help Desk. This was my first tech job and provided me with a ton of experience that helped me build my resume. Furthermore, the members of the IT department were (and still are) incredibly supportive of my development. I am still so grateful for their support!”

Q: How did VU prepare you for your career?

“VU helped prepare me for my career by giving me real work experience and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications in some of the classes that I took. This helped me break into a very competitive job market after graduation. A lot of entry-level jobs today, especially tech jobs, require some amount of experience or additional education outside of a college degree. Vincennes University helped prepare me for this and enabled me to enter the workforce with ease.”

Q: What advice would you give to current VU students?

“I would recommend attending events, even if you do not have the time to commit to joining a club. There are always a ton of social and professional events that are worth your time. Attending workshops and job fairs are also great ways to work on building resumes or practicing social skills!”

Q: Looking back, what are you most grateful for from your time at VU

“I am most grateful for the connections that I have made from my time at Vincennes University. I still have contact with some of my classmates, professors, and coworkers from my time at VU, and a lot of these individuals are still actively supporting my professional growth. I do not believe I would have made the same connections at a different school.”

Q: Why is VU a special place to you?

“Even after I transferred to Indiana University, I would very frequently talk to others about how much I miss VU. Vincennes University gave me an excellent start to my academic and professional career that I do not believe I would have gotten elsewhere, and I am very thankful for that.”

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