Jake Weitkamp ’22, who completed undergraduate and MBA degrees at Berry, capitalized on opportunities to pursue academic excellence while growing leadership skills on campus and through work opportunities. His efforts paid off. WestRock Company, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, tapped him to join their finance leadership program upon completion of his MBA. “I believe that earning degrees from Berry has been extremely valuable for my career, but my experiences and the relationships I have gained are priceless,” Weitkamp says.
Psychology major and registered behavior technician Mackenzie Fowler says Berry experiences beyond the classroom and academic advising helped her reach professional goals and apply textbook knowledge in the real world.
MJ Shaffer always loved technology but discovered the true impact it could have through hands-on coursework, in-depth internships and community engagement at Berry College. Emphasizing solution-driven work and collaboration, she encourages computer science students to embrace challenges and try new things.
Alex Rooks ’24 wants to supply the world with safe, plentiful food. Berry prepared her to conduct genetic research that could produce healthier livestock and prevent human disease.
Prepared by courses and work experiences at Berry, senior Annabelle Norton took a bite out of the Big Apple during her summer internship with IEX and returned to with a knowledge of fintech and real-world experience in social media and branding.
Chauncey Brown ’12 didn’t draw a straight line to her future career. Instead, she explored education and people groups, sparking the pursuit of an education policy and analysis master's degree at Harvard as an Equity and Inclusion Fellow.
Khanaja Scott came to Berry to study creative writing. Along the way, she discovered her talent as an editor and writing coach.
HR professional Gabby Sanders applies what she learned about human nature, management and professionalism at Berry.
Rette Solomon ’24 took advantage of Berry’s individually designed major that combined her love of visual storytelling and equestrianism, which helped her land an internship with an international equestrian center and resort.
Genny Castillo ’08 was named one of the top five Latinas reshaping U.S. politics in 2020 and listed in Georgia Trend’s 40 under 40. Her secret to success? The commitment to service instilled at Berry.
From sampling streams to reintroducing fish populations to rivers, students majoring in environmental science and studies get their hands wet by engaging in real-world research through community engagement courses, internships and post-graduate experiences.
Berry’s ESL program — run by students who teach adult English language learners in the Rome community — is going strong. They are eager to serve all who are willing to learn.
Wesley Romero ’24 accepted a position with Georgia-Pacific following his summer internship. He shares why internships give college students important perspective and a foot in the door.
Corina Coulter ’25 ended her sophomore year with study abroad in Peru, where she observed and worked with clients in two clinics and a school as a part of Berry’s applied behavior analysis (ABA) program.
Almost three years into his practice, this alum says Berry’s nursing program offered the clinical and paid job experiences that positioned him for the job market and the realities of a demanding yet rewarding career.
After a brief transfer to a state university, this business management major returned to Berry with a signature scholarship and support from mentors that bolstered his confidence and facilitated life-changing opportunities.
From an early age, political science major Brandin Carter ’25 knew he wanted to practice law and dreamed of one day holding public office. Now a junior preparing for the LSAT, he says formative Berry experiences and his summer internship with a district attorney are steppingstones to achieving his goals.
Physics major Brenden Smothers built a cloud-computing system during his internship and was then hired as the company’s webmaster. He reflects on how Berry encouraged him to pursue his interests and credits his support network for much of his success.
Jamie Jang started college on a different degree path, but with the guidance of faculty, she charted a course to physician assistant school. Now she’s thriving in her major, volunteer work and on-campus jobs related to health care.
Abby Hilliard, a marketing and management double major, encourages students not to wait until junior or senior year for an internship. After working as a Harbin Clinic marketing intern, she has new direction and drive to start her junior year.
As an ambitious student with a variety of interests, Makhia Williams says an internship at Mohawk Industries, an international leader in flooring, is helping her focus career goals.
Hunter Perez ’23 transferred to Berry and quickly became a leader: research and teaching assistant, dairy shift supervisor and student director of orientation. Now he’s enrolled in graduate school with eyes firmly set on teaching animal science.
Mathewson Parks ’23 relocated to LA after graduation when he secured a highly sought after internship with the Television Academy Foundation. After a summer in Hollywood, he is now an active producer on two documentaries with the Emmy-nominated studio Elysium Media.
Kylie Hamilton-Lord has made a name for herself teaching students to love music. Tripling the middle school band size where she was recently employed, she sees the impact her Berry education plays in how she builds community and teaches music.
Ryan Segall ’23 had a software developer job in hand when he walked across the stage at graduation. Reflecting on his college experience, he expresses the value of small classes, individualized learning and practical application of computer science skills in his on-campus work and internship.
Lirio Morales Ibarra ’23, who majored in sociology and anthropology, capped off her senior year with an acceptance to Harvard’s Educational Leadership, Organizations and Entrepreneurship Program housed in the Graduate School of Education. She says Berry experiences — especially the opportunity to serve — played a crucial part in her success.
Initially struggling to find a major that catered to her career aspirations, Dasha Schaaf ’23 decided to pursue an individually designed major in organizational leadership development.
Bronson Pierce '22 is trading the business world for medical school at Mercer University. Although he had a stable job, he felt unfulfilled. Now, after a degree from Berry, he credits his medical school acceptance to his support team.
With a desire to live and work abroad, Claire Rowan ’22 gave her teaching credentials a competitive edge, thanks to training at Berry.
The combination of academics and practical training in Berry’s nursing program paired with a four-year service scholarship prepared this nurse to deliver care with compassion and empathy.
Trejohn Skinner ’23 found a way to bridge his love of performing with knowledge acquired on the business side of the industry — and tailored his music major to his interests and career goals.
Majoring in economics and Spanish plus minoring in mathematics and physics, this business student embraced activities at Berry with energy and determination — including her position as technical director of Berry Outdoor Leadership Development (BOLD).
Carly Robinson Warbington ’23 came to Berry specifically for the applied behavior analysis (ABA) minor housed in the psychology department. ABA classes and relevant internships prepared her for graduate studies at Augusta University.
Alex Ruble ’23, a communication major and business minor, shares how he started a successful photography and videography business during his time at Berry.
Amy Solana ’23 plans a career in recreational therapy. To achieve her goal, she personalized her major with a combination of work, academic and research experiences — and even won the admiration of some honorary grandparents along the way.
Future veterinarian Brooke Appelbaum ’23 accumulated meaningful hours caring for animals, from the cattle and sheep on Berry’s campus farm to beloved pets at a specialty veterinary clinic. She also conducted research that could lead to new ways of protecting livestock from disease. Accepted to four veterinary schools, she chose the University of Georgia.
Entering college undecided about your major can open you to new possibilities and career options, as Kate Gray ’23 learned at Berry. Taking Spanish enriched her life and set her on a path to use her language skills in service to others.