The Higher Education Review

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I will learn” Benjamin Franklin was correct when he made the above statement; it’s often through ‘involvement’ that we truly learn. From student engagement to closing the gap between what is taught in the classrooms and the real-life experiences, the new methods of teaching have long been on the rise. Often referred to as Learning by Doing, ‘Experiential Learning’ or ‘Career focused Learning’ gives students the opportunity to use or gain knowledge in a different way than solely reading textbooks or listening to lectures. Today, most students often arrive at the university level with some idea of their future employment direction and it is important for the educators to seize their student’s career enthusiasm and foster a connection between the curriculum and potential future career applications. Constantly working towards this objective is Berkeley College – an educational institute that offers career-focused programs, supportive professors with real-world industry knowledge, hands-on learning through its internship programs, and a variety of supplemental programs and activities.

Since its establishment in 1931, Berkeley College has been preparing students to achieve professional and personal success. While times have changed, the institute’s ‘students first’ approach still remains intact. “At Berkeley College, we provide students with career-focused learning experiences. Our professors have worked, or are still working in the industry of the major that they teach. It is their passion to teach and share their knowledge and experience in the classroom. Plus, we make it mandatory for students to get first-hand work experience by requiring them to complete an internship or work-related assignment in their final semester in order to graduate. Preparing students for professional and personal success is what Berkeley College is all about. From career-focused degree programs offered in some of today’s most in-demand professions to extensive support resources, we at Berkeley College ensure that the students are at the center of everything we do,” says Ryan Hemmesch, Director of International Marketing, Berkeley College.

Offering Unique Educational Experiences
Berkeley College's degree programs are a mix of both, the academic as well as the career-focused training, with hands-on learning, providing students the competitive edge which would help them begin or advance their careers. The Bachelor's and Associate's degree programs at Berkeley's have faculty-monitored internships or job-related assignments as part of its curriculum, providing students an opportunity to practice what they have learned in the classroom, while Berkeley’s M.B.A. in Management program allows working students to incorporate concepts from the classroom into relevant projects related to their current position. All the degree programs at Berkeley’s are developed with input from industry experts and are updated regularly to remain relevant to current market standards.

“Berkeley College's degree programs are a mix of both, the academic as well as the career-focused training, with hands-on learning, providing students the competitive edge which would help them begin or advance their careers”

While Berkeley College vests its focus on business and management related programs, the most popular courses preferred by the Indian students are Management, International Business, Information Technology Management, and there is also a growing interest for Fashion Merchandising & Management programs. “Indian students that come to study with us are very keen about the work experience they can gain both during their studies as well as afterward. Our Career Services Department works very closely with all of our students to help them land internships, Optional Practical Training (OPT), and jobs after they graduate. Indian students add great value to our already very international student body. Most students come with substantial knowledge and willingness to share their thoughts about the subject matter, particularly to business, in the classroom. Berkeley College is currently pursuing relationships with higher education institutes across India. Every year we travel to India multiple times to meet with students and to maintain our relationships with high schools and their counselors,” shares Ryan Hemmesch.

Today, over 7,000 students study at Berkeley College campuses in New York and New Jersey as well as Berkeley College Online, of which more than 350 international students are representing over 50 countries.

International students choose Berkeley College for its location in New York City - at the footsteps of major companies, the knowledge, and skills they learn in the classroom, and the hands-on work experience they acquire through their internships. “At Berkeley College, we offer our international students close proximity to almost every major fortune 500 company, Wall Street, the fashion capital of the United States, and the second largest technology hub in the United States by being located in New York City. We say – ‘Our campus is New York City’, as we feel there are many great opportunities, especially for our international students to learn outside the classroom. The energy and entrepreneurial spirit of New York City teaches our students that anything is possible if they are determined and willing to put in the work,” mentions Ryan Hemmesch.

With its academic training with practical, on-the-job experience, Berkley College has been successfully helping students graduate to a better future since its inception. Whether it is helping students prepare for their first jobs or guiding them towards changing their professional directions or advancing their career goals, Berkeley College has left no stone unturned when it comes to making a difference in the lives of thousands of Berkeley College alumni and in the communities where they live and work. When asked about his advice to future students looking to pursue their higher education in the US, Ryan Hemmesch says, “Take advantage of everything! Get to know as many people as possible both on campus and off. Take advantage of the services offered, from tutoring, counseling, to student associations and activities. Explore the city and various neighborhoods, New York City is very open to people from other countries and cultures. One can find a representation of almost every culture in New York City, some experts believe over 800 languages are spoken throughout the city. And if time allows, explore the state of New York, the region, and other parts of the United States while you are here. There is actually more to the U.S. than New York City.”

Ryan Hemmesch, Director of International Marketing and Outreach
Ryan Hemmesch is the Director of International Marketing and Outreach for Berkeley College. He works directly with the Indian market for in-country recruitment eff orts, including school and agent relations. Ryan has worked in International Education for over 12 years and holds an MBA from Baruch College – City University of New York.