Jake Schoeck
Graduation year: 2019
Hometown: Rock Island, Ill.
Majors: Accounting, business administration-finance
Minor: Chinese
Activities: Business Club, Political Interest Club, Mortar Board Honors Society, National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy
Internships: Honkamp Krueger & Co, P.C. tax intern; part-time student at Deere & Company; FBI student workforce trainee
Post-grad plans: Attend William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Va., in the fall
Why Augustana?
I chose to attend Augustana to play baseball, but an injury prevented me from doing so. I was also drawn to Augustana by its small class sizes and exceptional academics.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
No. When I arrived on campus, I had no intentions of going to law school, majoring in accounting or minoring in Chinese. Initially, I envisioned myself majoring in business and working in the Quad Cities upon graduating. It’s hard to believe in a few months I will be moving to Virginia to attend law school and continue working for the FBI.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Throughout my time at Augustana, I have had the privilege working alongside and learning from incredible people both in the classroom and through my work experiences. My professors and advisors have had a profound impact on my personal and professional development. Specifically, Dr. Delaney and Dr. Tapis played major roles in my success through convincing me to major in accounting and challenging me to ensure I reach my full potential.
However, I would not be where I am today without the help of my brother, Austin, a 2016 Augustana graduate. Austin paved the way for me at Augustana and helped me extensively in navigating the law school application process.
Peak experience?
I have had a multitude of tremendous experiences from internships and a part-time student position to full-time job offers. However, each of those opportunities culminated in my peak experience of acceptance at William & Mary Law school with a generous scholarship.
What surprised you?
I learned that I am extremely disciplined when it comes to setting goals and accomplishing them.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I used Augie Choice to offset internship expenses.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the tremendous amount of support and sense of community among students and faculty at Augustana.
Advice for the Class of 2023?
Take advantage of Augustana’s expansive and diverse alumni network, and develop relationships with professors. The professors are truly invested in each student’s success. Augustana offers an environment in which you will be challenged, but you will also be supported to meet those challenges.
"Jake has had an amazing run at Augustana—including multiple internships (FBI, Deere & Company) and job offers. He will graduate this coming May as our Outstanding Senior Accounting Major and then heads off to grad school. Jake is one of the brightest students I have had the good fortune to teach. Yet, considering his many accomplishments, he is also one of the most humble students I have worked with. No doubt Jake will be a star at grad school and beyond. I look forward to following his career path knowing he is an outstanding representative of Augustana College."