Jennifer Berresford: In the pharmaceutical industry, pet foster-mom-to-be

Jennifer (Dowling) Berresford

Cedar Crest College, chemistry major, concentration forensic science, minor psychology, graduated May 2009

Current hometown: Northampton, Pa.

Age: 26

Live at home/rent/buy your own home? In the market for own home, living with family currently.

Current job? Clinical pharmaceutical packaging room leader (since January 2013).

Enjoy what you do? Yes — we package medications that are in clinical trials.

Major milestones the last four years: Graduated with a master of science degree in forensic science (May 2011); married July 13, 2013.

If you’re comfortable sharing, how much college debt are you still carrying? Undergraduate: $25,000; graduate: $32,000.

So, the big question: Was it worth it? Yes.

Is your job now related to your major? Currently, it is not directly related to my major, however it is in the pharmaceutical field, which creates plenty of opportunities.

What are you hoping for as you look out over the next 10 years? Over the next 10 years, personally I am hoping to develop into a home with a few children running around, becoming a volunteer foster parent with a local animal shelter and enjoying life with my husband. Professionally, I would be hoping to continue growth within the pharmaceutical industry and moving into a lab position.

Do you feel your college experience plays any role in those goals? I feel that my college experience plays a role in those goals as I have always enjoyed chemistry and would like to continue development in that area. Also in the important role of helping others, I feel that there are so many pets in need of a better start and am looking forward to helping as many as possible.

Grads face a new world: Maine college freshmen are trying to spend less, learn more and think jobs.

‘Explore careers.’ ‘Engage in classes.’ ‘Show up.’ ‘Go for it!’: Older, wiser: Our former freshmen offer advice to the class of 2017

Following the Freshmen: Where are they now?

Since the Sun Journal stopped following the original 15 students in our “Following the Freshmen” series in 2009, bringing to a close our four-year college project, they’ve established interesting lives, careers and pursuits. And gained a lot of perspective on the value of their educations. We were able to catch up with 11 former freshmen and quiz them about life, college and future goals, and how school played into all of it.