Berkeley students and grads share their experiences with staff

Open communication and ongoing training and education are important parts of the way Berkeley College works. Each week all Berkeley College associates are invited to join Berkeley Insights: Unleashing the Power of Knowledge, a series of web-based events that cover a wide range of topics led by subject matter experts.

Recently, it was time for current students (and some Berkeley College alumni) to take the stage to share their journeys and student experiences in a segment titled, “A Day in the Life of Students and Alumni.” The presentation featured current students of varying ages and backgrounds from several of the Berkeley College campuses in New York City and New Jersey.

Advancing through the legal system

Illiana Maistri spoke of beginning through the Continuing Education division of Berkeley College. She was hired as a legal assistant at a law firm after completing two certificate programs and then able to transfer her credits toward a BS in Legal Studies, which she earned in 2026.

“I don’t know where I would be today without Berkeley College,” said Maistri, who has since accepted a position as a Litigation Paralegal at a New Jersey law firm. “The faculty made my experience truly amazing.”

Making the most of her Marketing degree

A 2005 Berkeley College Marketing graduate from the Woodland Park, New Jersey campus, Katherine Guirales is now Marketing Director at CNBC. Her Berkeley College journey began in high school through a dual enrollment program in which she earned college credits. While studying at Berkeley, she landed an internship at CNBC, which she claimed was critical.

Now at CNBC for 21 years, Guirales made the most of that internship—working her way up from intern to Marketing Coordinator and through the ranks to her current role as Marketing Director.

“My Marketing program aligned with my professional goals,” she explained. “My professors had so much professional experience and expertise. I learned things I wouldn’t have at other schools, which definitely gave me an edge.”

From Denmark to the Big Apple

Coming all the way from Copenhagen, Denmark, Barbara Hammer arrived at the Berkeley College New York City campus alone and unaccustomed to the culture of the United States.

“I was looking for a college that was international friendly. I wanted to learn real life skills,” the Management student noted. “It was a very different culture here, but I adjusted quickly. Berkeley has become a great support system.”

“I’ve also learned a lot about time management,” said Hammer, who balanced an internship with a New York City marketing firm with her roles as President of the International Club and working as a student aide at the campus.

“I’ve grown here at Berkeley College,” she pointed out. “I’ve learned to speak up and advocate for myself. And the internship allowed me to put my skills to work.”

Putting his skills to work

A first-generation college student, Shannon Scott is also applying what he’s learning in his courses to his role working in the office of the Campus Operating Officer at the New York City campus through the Federal Work Study program.

“I’m utilizing skills from my Computer Applications and Principles of Management classes,” Scott said. “Each day is challenging but rewarding. I’ve also noticed a tremendous boost in my confidence. I’m honored to be here.”

It’s never too late

With 20 years of experience as an executive legal assistant, Melissa Richardson came to the Berkeley College Management program as an adult learner through Berkeley College Online®. “I wanted to expand on my years of legal expertise with a solid business foundation,” said Richardson, whose two daughters also attended Berkeley College.

“It’s been challenging, but Berkeley College was very supportive through my health issues,” she added while noting the above and beyond support of several of the Berkeley staff members. “It’s never too late to go back to school.”

Out of her shell and into the spotlight

Entering the Justice Studies - Criminal Justice program at Berkeley College, Taylor Coleman admitted she was very shy. “But I met great people at Berkeley College. Everyone was very welcoming. It felt great to walk across the stage and earn my Associate’s degree and I’m working toward my Bachelor’s. I can’t wait to graduate again!”

Coleman also offered some advice for prospective students: “Don’t compare yourself to others. Keep going and strive for greatness!”

Turning a love for technology into a career

Marc Louis arrived from Haiti at age 12. After graduating high school, he hadn’t given much thought to attending college, but his sister insisted. After seeing Berkeley College ads on the bus, he investigated and soon enrolled in the Information Technology Management program. “It’s been a great experience pursuing my love of computers and technology. I plan to continue from the Associate’s degree program on to earn my Bachelor’s degree,” he said.

Passion for her profession

Another Justice Studies - Criminal Justice student, Sherlyn Martinez also plans to continue from the Associate’s degree program to the Bachelor’s degree, an example of the benefits of stackable credentials at Berkeley College—the ability to seamlessly continue your education, adding credentials (from certificates to Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees) to expand your career possibilities and increase your earning potential.

“I attended a summer career workshop at the Woodland Park campus,” explained Martinez. “I always had an interest in Criminal Justice, but I saw the crime scene investigation lab and fell more in love with the field. I know it’s what I want and I have a passion for it. My professors have been a great resource for me, learning from their experience. And the field trips have exposed me to so many things I will be a part of.”

“I love the energy of the campus, and the staff is so open, honest, and loving,” said Martinez, who studies at the Berkeley College Woodbridge, New Jersey campus.

Persevering and prospering

As a father of five, Joshua Perry initially visited Berkeley College with his daughter, but found himself also enrolling at the Newark, New Jersey campus in the Information Technology Management program. Having worked as a Family & Youth Development Specialist, he now balances family, work, and school obligations, but is proud to say that he and his daughter expect to graduate in December 2026.

“Berkeley College showed up for me when I needed it most,” he shared. “I immersed myself in the Berkeley culture and it’s been very encouraging. Family challenges have gotten in the way, but I’ve persevered.

They live up to what they promise

“Berkeley isn’t like other colleges,” Perry said to the group on Berkeley Insights. “They say, ‘Your potential is our promise” and they live up to what they say.”

The views and/or opinions in this article are those of the individuals interviewed. The academic achievements and/or employment outcomes described in this article are specific to each individual and are not a guarantee of similar results for past or current students. For up-to-date and detailed information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu and view our catalogs at BerkeleyCollege.edu/publications.