Two Psychology majors, Kerline Bernard ’27 and Niyah Black ’28, have kick-started their careers with positions as Registered Behavior Technicians with PITT, LLC. In this role, they will provide one-on-one therapy with children in various home, school, or community environments under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst or Licensed Behavior Specialist.

“[This opportunity] means a lot to me since it offers other job avenues, a great resume builder, along with much-needed connections,” Bernard said. “It brings me closer to working with children and puts me in the realm of my major, as I want to become a child psychiatrist. I was also told they have a child psychiatrist on staff that I could get in contact with to further my career goals by networking with them.”

“Since my goal is to eventually become a psychologist, working with children, especially those who need more attention, will help build more experience within my resume and within my major,” Black said. “I can see firsthand how the brain works, and also how to deal with certain behaviors I wouldn’t normally deal with on a regular basis.”

Bernard and Black were both offered positions after speaking with representatives from PITT, LLC at the Office of Career Education (OCE) Career Fest in the fall. After their successful endeavor, they offered the following advice to fellow students:

“Go to the career fairs,” said Black. “Talk! I know how hard it is to communicate sometimes, especially when you’re drained from life, classes, or even extracurricular activities; I understand you, I have been there. But we are in college to create a bright future for ourselves. These opportunities are so rare but so beneficial. Take advantage!”

“Just go to these events even if you feel like you won’t find anything,” Bernard added. “If you are encouraged to talk to five employers, try to talk to more.”

As a Student Experience Leader, a member of the women’s tennis team, an Honors Program Mentor, and a part of the Black Awareness Society and the Art Club, Bernard stays busy at Arcadia. The Northern Philadelphian came to Arcadia for its “beautiful green campus and homey feel,” and is currently studying abroad in Florence, Italy.

Black spends a lot of her time on campus, where she works with the OCE and is a member of the TKC Stomp and Shake team. From Chester, Pa., she chose Arcadia for its sense of belonging. In the future, she hopes to work to destigmatize mental health within the Black community.