Jack Bernacki '24
Jack Bernacki '24
- Hometown: Mentor, Ohio
- Class: 2024
- Majors: Data Analytics, Political Science
- Minors: Finance
- Out-of-Classroom Experiences/Interests:
- Miami Business Consulting
- Intramural Curling
- Government Relations Network
Why Miami?
I chose Miami for its academic programs, beautiful college-town environment, focus on the undergraduate experience, and gracious scholarships.
How did you choose your major?
I was actually neither of my majors when I began at Miami. I began as an International Studies major, however, after realizing my disinterest in foreign languages and the major's deep foreign language requirement, I knew I needed to adjust. I held on to my love for policy and government through political science but found my new interest in coding, statistics, and data visualization through data analytics.
Key Moment at Miami
During my first semester, the fall of 2020, I experienced an all-online schedule and a delayed move-in. I believed that I belonged in higher education and at Miami, but I had never really had an experience that fully solidified that thought, given online classes and a quiet campus life. However, my first in-person class was one of the most impactful and interesting courses I ever took, Global Jihadism with Dr. Nathan French. His course showed me the dynamic academic offerings of Miami, rejuvenated my passion for national security, and made an engaging return to in-person classes.
Favorite Miami Memory
First Miami Student Alumni Credit Union gives students real-world experience by hands-on work running an actual financial institution. It also began my interest in business, ultimately starting my minor in finance. The Government Relations Network has allowed me to become familiar with advocacy and meet a range of alumni and professionals, through conferences like Alternative Spring Break, to grow my network. Miami Business Consulting is also a great organization that has expanded my skills and interests through real-world consulting projects. Intramural Curling is a fantastic outlet and the best way to spend Sunday nights with friends. In November, the political science department sponsored me to attend the Academy Assembly, a premier national security studies conference at the United States Air Force Academy where I am thrilled to represent Miami and learn from a variety of workshops and lectures. I have also had two amazing internships, one at Wright-Patterson AFB working as an administrative support for the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, and at Fannie Mae working as a forecasting intern in Washington DC.
Advice to Prospective Students
The world is truly yours at Miami. Your experience here will develop you into a well-rounded professional through engaging coursework and robust opportunities outside the classroom.
What are your career goals?
I hope to enter the workforce, applying to a range of positions focused on national security, international relations, and data analytics.
