�¼������ϲʿ���

The road to success is different for everyone. Kasey Lavallee’s path started at �¼������ϲʿ��� and eventually led to a career as an analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Initially, the 2009 alumnus came to �¼������ϲʿ��� to study organic chemistry, with the goal of becoming a teacher. But…

“Let’s just say, I failed organic chemistry,” he jokes.

That first semester he also took a criminal justice class with Professor Mitch Librett and fell in love with the field.

“The way he taught his classes it was a good portion of book work and real-world practicability and how it translates,” Lavallee said.

After some self-examination, Lavallee knew he wanted a career where he could help people and switched gears.

 After graduating from �¼������ϲʿ���, Lavallee moved to Arizona State University, where he earned his master’s degree in criminal justice. 

It was in Arizona when he sent out 87 resumes without getting one call back.

“It was demoralizing,” he said. “But there are going to be failures and bumps in the road, you might not see everything for how it’s going to work out…You learn to face adversity and how to power through it and come out stronger for it on the other side.”

With no job prospects, the Massachusetts native decided to come home.

He found work as a dispatcher for Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he stayed for more than a year when a new opportunity came knocking.

While at WPI he came across an intelligence analyst position with the FBI. He applied and got the job.

These days, he primarily works on investigations related to national security for the agency’s Providence Resident Agency/Boston Division.

“I came into my own at Bridgewater State and would encourage students here to get involved, there is so much that is offered here,” Lavallee said. “College provides you with a good opportunity to see what you’re made of. You might have a goal in mind, but that goal might not be achievable. That doesn’t mean you won’t excel at something else.”

He should know. From failing organic chemistry and dealing with 87 rejections from possible employers, to landing a successful career as an FBI analyst, Lavallee has found his calling.

“Knowing that I make a difference, knowing there are actions I take every day that help people in the world that I’ll never meet, it’s a great feeling,” he said.

Do you have a �¼������ϲʿ��� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu