Brian Bergheger's journey from military service to professional success is a testament to the power of resilience, determination and the unwavering support of institutions like Belmont University. As he continues to make his mark in the world of talent acquisition, his story reminds us that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
Bergheger's story begins with his decision to pursue higher education after completing his service. "Originally, when I was looking for a school to attend, I wanted to attend a high-tier business school," Brian shares. It was this ambition that led him to Belmont, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2021.
One of the pivotal factors in Brian's decision to choose Belmont was the University's Yellow Ribbon Program, a beacon of support for veterans like him. "The Yellow Ribbon Program matches what the GI Bill puts in, allowing me to attend Belmont at no cost," he said. This support not only eased the financial burden but also provided a welcoming environment for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Transitioning from the structured environment of the military to the more fluid civilian world can be challenging, but Bergheger found solace and camaraderie at Belmont's Bruin Vet Center. "Most of us go through very similar transition problems," he said. "Having a place like the Bruin Vet Center, where you can study and hang out with fellow vets, was invaluable."
The sense of community and shared experiences among veterans at Belmont helped Bergheger navigate his transition and discover his passion for talent acquisition. "I did not know that I wanted to pursue talent acquisition before I came to Belmont," Bergheger said. However, through networking and learning from peers with different perspectives, he found his calling in recruiting.
"Being at Belmont with my peers and learning from people with different perspectives taught me a lot more about soft skills that I didn't have coming out of the military," Bergheger said. This exposure to diverse viewpoints and collaborative learning environment enriched his skill set and prepared him for success in the corporate world.
Reflecting on his journey, Bergheger offered advice to fellow veterans and aspiring professionals alike. "Network, be a team player and work hard," he emphasized. "Life is built on making touchpoints with other people, and most of the jobs I've had since getting out of the military have been through networking."
For Brian, being a Bruin and a veteran means more than just academic credentials; it signifies a connection to business leaders and the vibrant Nashville community. "I'm connected to business leaders and different really cool people in the Nashville community," he said. "That's what I really value out of my time at Belmont."