Do you ever think about your plans for after college? Meet Brandon Wiley, a successful graduate of undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology at Gannon University. He has a message for you:

“Determining which degree you want to pursue can be a daunting task. Is there going to be enough jobs for me? Am I going to be financially stable? What if I get the degree and regret it?

All questions that at some point you may ask yourself.

I know I sure did. However, from the moment that I came to Gannon, I knew that this journey was going to be an exciting one.

Choosing to be a psychology major was not my initial major upon entering college. In fact, I had absolutely no interest in any type of psychology degree. However, after I took a class called Psychology of Human Development, it changed my perceptions about the psychology world and optimized a fascination about the understanding of the mind and how it works.

After I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2010, I decided to take it further and obtain a Master’s degree.

In 2013 I completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and just recently, I became a Licensed Professional Counselor.

My degrees have opened my mind up to so many things.

Upon graduation, I wanted to use my knowledge for psychology and understanding people to create my own non-profit organization, which is called OpenedEyes.

OpenedEyes is a diversity awareness program. My program focuses on cultural related issues as well as one’s own personal identity. My team and I have done workshops and programming for schools, universities, and businesses.

Obtaining degrees in both psychology and counseling has fostered my understanding in human dynamics. I believe that the knowledge I have obtained has been beneficial in my interest of educating people about diversity and identity related issues.

Currently, I am not only managing a nonprofit, but I also work at the Erie Veterans Medical Center in Behavioral Health. Working with our veterans is a privilege and an honor and I am very thankful to be a part of the VA team.

Truth of the matter is, is that psychology has opened so many doors for me. The possibilities are endless in this field. If you remain driven, just with anything, you will indeed find your success whatever that may look like. Peace and love everyone and positive vibes on your journey!”

Learn more about GU’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling here.