BereaCorps Experience

OCI offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where BereaCorps members take on meaningful projects that impact campus operations. The dual-role structure (Marketing Associate and Data Analyst) allows members to specialize while also contributing to shared responsibilities, such as client support and student staff mentorship.

Yes. All OCI BereaCorps members are required to complete the LeanBP Green Belt certification through the University of Tennessee. The cost of the certificate is fully covered. As part of this process, each BereaCorps member partners with a Berea College staff member to improve an existing operational or administrative process on campus. This hands-on project allows members to apply continuous improvement tools in a real-world setting.

This credential provides a strong foundation in continuous improvement principles and tools, which are directly applied in OCI projects. Earning the Green Belt not only enhances the member’s effectiveness in their role but also adds a valuable, industry-recognized certification to their resume, beneficial for careers in higher education, nonprofit work, business, and beyond.

While the Office of Continuous Improvement Director has final decision-making authority, BereaCorps members are given a meaningful level of autonomy in their day-to-day work. Depending on the assignment, their skill set, and comfort level, the Director actively encourages team members to take ownership of projects, especially in areas where they bring unique strengths or expertise. This trust-based approach enables BereaCorps members to lead initiatives, make creative decisions, and advance professionally, all while receiving guidance and support as needed. It also prepares BereaCorps members for leadership roles after the program.

Autonomy at OCI means:

• Taking initiative on projects and proposing new ideas
• Managing your own time and priorities within assigned responsibilities
• Making design, communication, or analytical decisions with support when needed
• Learning how to balance independence with collaboration and accountability

The Office of Continuous Improvement leads a wide range of initiatives focused on enhancing efficiency and supporting campus operations. Both BereaCorps members, in collaboration with the director, work on all Yellow and Green Belt certification projects, which include facilitating meetings, taking notes, documenting progress, and following up with clients.

Beyond certification projects, the team tackles diverse efforts each fiscal year. Our work evolves over time, always aiming to help the campus community in any way we can. Here are some examples:

• Partnering with staff and faculty on strategic planning
• Mapping processes to improve workflows
• Completing 5S projects to optimize campus spaces
• Creating visual management systems and standard work
• Assisting with retirement documentation

Working with the Office of Continuous Improvement provides BereaCorps members with highly transferable skills and real-world experience that employers value. Members gain hands-on expertise in project management, process improvement methodologies (such as Lean and Six Sigma), and strategic planning, while also developing strong communication and facilitation skills through leading meetings and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

This experience builds confidence in problem-solving and equips members to work effectively in dynamic environments—skills that apply across industries like business, nonprofit, computer science, and education.

At the bottom of this page, you’ll find academic and professional testimonials from previous BereaCorps members, showcasing how their OCI experience helped them succeed in graduate programs and diverse career paths.