Finding Confidence and Community Through Summer Start: Patrick Bernius’ MSBA Journey

Beginning with Purpose

When Patrick Bernius arrived at the University of Notre Dame, he was ready for a change of pace — and perspective.

Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Patrick earned his undergraduate degree in Business and Accounting at William Woods University in Missouri, where he also played on the tennis team. His love for numbers and systems led him toward business, but as technology began transforming the field, Patrick found himself drawn to a new intersection: where data meets decision-making.

“I was originally planning to pursue a traditional MBA,”  he explained. “But as I got deeper into business and accounting, I became more interested in the math and tech side of things. Around that time, AI was really starting to take off, and one of my professors introduced me to the MSBA degree. It just clicked — it was the perfect blend of business, analytics, and technology.”

That mix of analytical rigor and real-world application was what ultimately drew him to Notre Dame’s Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. “Notre Dame stood out because it’s not just about the technical skills,”  Patrick said. “The program also focuses on developing you as a person and a professional. That balance really appealed to me.”

A Head Start on Campus Life

Patrick decided to begin his journey through Notre Dame’s Summer Start option — a decision that he says shaped his entire experience in the program.

“I wanted to spend as much time at Notre Dame as possible and really immerse myself in everything the campus has to offer,”  he said. “Starting in the summer meant I could get comfortable with the community, make friends early, and spread out my coursework so I could focus more deeply on each subject.”

The smaller summer cohort made a big impact. With fewer students on campus, Patrick found it easier to build strong relationships and adjust to the academic pace. “Everyone in the cohort bonded really quickly,”  he recalled. “We spent a lot of time studying together and hanging out outside of class. It made the transition into the fall semester much smoother.”

During the summer session, students took three foundational courses — Python, SQL, and Tableau — each taught in a two-week intensive block. “The structure was great,” Patrick said. “You could give 100% of your attention to one class at a time, which really helped the material stick. Those classes became the backbone for everything we learned later.”

Professors Seth Berry, Sharif Nijim, and Brandon Erlacher each played a role in setting the tone for the program. “They made me even more excited to keep learning,”  he said. “They challenged us but also made the material come alive.”

Building Momentum for the 11-Month Journey

By the time the fall semester began, Patrick already felt confident and connected — both academically and socially. “The summer start helped me build great study habits early on,”  he said. “It also gave me the confidence to dive into group projects and network with classmates and faculty. I knew how to manage the workload, and that made a huge difference.”

The experience not only eased the transition but also influenced how Patrick thought about his future. “I came in not really knowing what kind of career I wanted,”  he shared. “Now, I’m really interested in the technology and biotechnology fields. There’s so much innovation happening in those spaces, and analytics plays a huge role in making sense of all the data that drives discovery.”

Lessons in Learning and Leadership

Patrick credits the program — and Notre Dame’s culture — with helping him grow far beyond technical skills. “This program has helped me become a better communicator and teammate,”  he said. “The professors are incredible. They care deeply about our success, and that pushes you to be your best. The same goes for my classmates — everyone here supports and motivates each other.”

That sense of community and shared purpose has been one of the most rewarding parts of his MSBA journey. “Notre Dame is a place that really lives up to its reputation,” Patrick said. “You feel it in the people — the professors, your peers, and the alumni. It’s an environment that encourages you to keep learning, to stay curious, and to aim higher.”

Advice for Future Students

Looking back, Patrick says Summer Start was one of the best decisions he made. “It was valuable, challenging, and fun,”  he said. “It gave me a head start on everything — academics, friendships, and just feeling at home at Notre Dame.”

His advice for future MSBA students? “Absorb as much as you can. You’re surrounded by so many brilliant and driven people. Use that time to learn from them, ask questions, and build connections. Once the fall semester starts, you’ll be so glad you did.”

As for what’s next, Patrick hopes to apply his skills in technology or biotechnology research — fields where analytics can drive meaningful change. “There’s so much opportunity to use data to improve lives,”  he said. “If I can take what I’ve learned here at Notre Dame and use it to make the world a little better, that would be a dream come true.”