Famous film director George Lucas says, “Everybody has talent, it's just a matter of moving around until you've discovered what it is.” Brandan Beerli, BYU McKay School Advisement Center Supervisor and Advisor for Elementary Education A-C and Physical Education, says that this quote changed his life and motivates him to help others as well.
Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, Brandan never pictured being at BYU. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in high school and ended up coming to Provo, Utah to attend UVSC (now UVU). After moving to Utah, he met his wife who he has now been married to for 25 years and he has 3 children with. He has never regretted his decision to come to Provo and now we are the beneficiaries of having him with us in the Advisement Center.
Before becoming a supervisor and advisor, Brandan worked in the education field. He taught for a total of eight years in a high school in Chicago. He also has 15 years of experience coaching sports such as football, track, girl's basketball, and volleyball. After teaching, he pursued a Master's degree in School Counseling. He then returned to BYU with the desire to help future educators. In addition to being a supervisor and advisor in the McKay School, he is a student in our very own IP&T graduate program. When Brandan is not doing school or work, he loves to travel to Disneyland and national parks with his wife. He is also a musician, playing bass guitar in a rock band!
Speaking of his job as an advisor, Brandan says, "I feel like it was a gift that was placed in my lap. It has been a fantastic job and I love what I do for a living."
He goes on to say that his favorite part of the help is "helping people [and] paying it forward." He feels he has had many wonderful influences in his life and he wants to be that for those he advises. When it comes to choosing a career, Brandan suggests that you consider your personality, interests, skills, and career values. He says, "Where you work, who you work with, and who you are in the workforce has way more impact on your career satisfaction than what you are doing... To be certain a career path is right for you, you need to walk down that path, get to know others who have also taken that path, and the belief that you belong on that path yourself."
Elementary Education majors with last names A-C and PETE majors... get to know Brandan! He can help you make a graduation plan, learn more about your future career field, and much more. You can schedule an appointment here!
Is Brandan not your advisor? Keep an eye out for more information on the other advisors coming soon!