Berkeley College National Security Graduate and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Sets on Career with Federal Agency
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
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KME@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Photo Caption: Carlos Figueroa Hercules, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, received a Bachelor of Science in National Security with a concentration in Intelligence from Berkeley College in 2024.
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As a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, Carlos Figueroa Hercules thought he had faced some of the greatest challenges of his life. But when the student-veteran enrolled at Berkeley College in 2021, he felt lost outside of the structure provided in the military.
“College is challenging. If it were easy, everyone would do it,” said Figueroa Hercules, a resident of Englewood, NJ. “The biggest challenge of my college career was adjusting from the military to civilian life. My advice is don’t give up. The feeling you get when they call your name on graduation day is worth every effort.”
Figueroa Hercules received a Bachelor of Science in National Security with a concentration in Intelligence from Berkeley College in 2024. He said his military career was instrumental in providing the discipline needed to advance his education.
“The Marine Corps taught me that it is possible to achieve our goals as long as we are willing to put in the work and make the necessary sacrifices to get the job done,” Figueroa Hercules said. During his time in the military, he received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and a meritorious promotion to the rank of Corporal.
He added that a degree in National Security, which prepares graduates to address safety threats in the public and private sectors, is aligned with his career goals to work for a federal agency.
“From a young age, I’ve always liked to help others and I knew I wanted a career in law enforcement,” said Figueroa Hercules. “This degree gives me the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in these fields and helps me take a significant step toward achieving my career objectives.”
Figueroa Hercules is employed as a Canine Explosive Detection Handler with MSA Security, an Allied Universal Company, in New York City. He has completed applications with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, taking his first steps toward his lifelong career goals.
During his time at Berkeley College, Figueroa Hercules also valued support from the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, Academic Advisement, Financial Aid, and other student services departments that provided “exceptional support” to veterans seeking a degree through benefits provided under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ G.I. Bill.
Allen Sondej, JD, DSc, Professor, Justice Studies, Berkeley College School of Professional Studies, first met Figueroa Hercules in the classroom in 2022.
“Carlos demonstrated a high degree of intellectual curiosity and brought a welcome maturity to the course discussions,” Sondej said. “I find this kind of worldly insight and self-confidence common among our many military veterans at Berkeley College. I am proud to have played a part in his academic journey and know he will be successful in his future career endeavors.”
Figueroa Hercules encouraged anyone considering college to take the leap.
“There will be hard days and great days, but most importantly, always believe in yourself because you can achieve greatness,” he said.
Photo Caption: Carlos Figueroa Hercules said his military career with the U.S. Marine Corps was instrumental in providing the discipline needed to advance his education.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,500 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for 11 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2023-2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
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