Student Profile: Jennifer Bernier ’08

Applied psychology major to work at Butler Hospital after graduation.

Some day, Jennifer Bernier ’08 (Rehoboth, MA), an applied psychology major, would like to have her own clinical practice. She is confident that Bryant is providing her with the balanced education and hands-on experience that will help make her goal a reality.

“I love studying psychology here at Bryant,” she says. She has been able to explore a variety of topics through courses like “Counseling Theory and Practice” (PSY480), “Forensic Psychology” (PSY482), and “Abnormal Psychology” (PSY355).

“Bryant really has a breadth of psychology courses,” she says. “I feel I have received one of the best psychology educations that I could get.”

Bernier praises the dedication of the faculty in the Psychology Department, who go above and beyond to help their students.

“They are very willing to help their students learn and ensure that we have an amazing education,” she says.

In addition to her top-notch education in psychology, Bernier’s minor in business administration helps her understand how psychology principles are used in the business world.

“It is really important to know how you need to operate in the business world, interact with a boss, or present yourself during an interview,” says Bernier. “Having both the liberal arts and business education prepares students that much more for the ‘real world’.”

Bernier’s second minor in sociology and service learning allowed her to apply the concepts she learned to examine issues affecting the community. Through the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership, she worked with children ages 10-12 at a local elementary school to encourage them to stay away from drugs and to do well in school. Bernier then had the chance to talk to her fellow students and professor about the experience.

“It helps you reflect upon what is happening in the community we live in, and what one person can do to make a difference in the world,” says Bernier.

Through the Amica Center for Career Education, Bernier secured an internship with the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, where she was able to host a television show to educate people about obstacles faced by people with disabilities.

“It was an absolutely wonderful experience,” she says.

Outside of the classroom, Bernier is a resident assistant and a member of the Bryant Outdoor Adventure Club. For her first two-and-a half years at Bryant, she played on the softball team and learned that all of her coaches emphasized that the players were students first, athletes second.

“I like the fact that although we practice hard and play hard on the field, we also work equally hard – if not harder – in the classroom as well,” says Bernier.

Currently, Bernier is a research assistant at Butler Hospital in Providence, working in conjunction with Brown University on studies about obsessive-compulsive disorder. She will start working full-time after graduation in May.

“I feel that I will be successful in whatever I do after graduation because of my education here at Bryant,” she says.