Karin and the rest of the BHGAP students smiling and posing for a picture in front of Doe Memorial Library, holding 2019 balloons in their hands.

That's a Wrap, BHGAP

BHGAP student Karin reflects on her fulfilling experience during her past year at Berkeley

BHGAP Berkeley Haas Global Access Program International international students
By Rebecca Lubitz-Marchena - October 4, 2019

Share

Karin Szu is a business administration and computer science student from the Technical University of Munich, and a graduate of the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP), which brings international students from diverse backgrounds to study business and entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley. Her post originally appeared on her blog and has been edited for clarity and length.

 

I can’t believe Spring 2019 is already over. It’s been a mind-enriching semester full of new experiences, new friendships, and of course, challenges.

Thoughts on the Berkeley Curriculum

An image of students listening intently to the professor during one of the BHGAP classes.

The Berkeley Haas Global Access Program is unique in a lot of ways. The courses at Haas offer you new insights into emerging technologies, fintech, high-tech marketing and managerial decision-making, all within the context of Silicon Valley. Most of the time, you will be busy writing essays, reports and reflections. 

I recommend you get into the habit of writing, as you will be doing lots of it, but rest assured, BHGAP professors are always more than willing to help you.

The best part of classes are the guest lectures. It’s a great way to get a deeper understanding of the current technology landscape. Also, the guest speaker series are a great way to network with industry experts who bring knowledge and years of work experience in Silicon Valley.

"I recommend you get into the habit of writing, as you will be doing lots of it, but rest assured, professors are always more than willing to help you."

 

Silicon Valley Highlights 

Next, the Silicon Valley company visits!

A picture of the Google headquarters in Silicon Valley.

 

We visited quite a lot of different businesses, from well-recognized tech giants like Google and Facebook, to new firms like Ripple. Other companies include LinkedIn, Bloomberg Beta and PayPal. Site visits are a great opportunity to directly connect with industry experts from Silicon Valley. I highly recommend you talk to them and learn about their background. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Curiosity sparks the most interesting conversations.

Finding a Community 

Karin and some friends posing for a picture in front of a Berkeley Haas backdrop, with some holding their diplomas from the program.

Lastly, the people!

BHGAP is not just about academics and the Bay Area culture. To me BHGAP is also about the wonderful people you’ll meet from across the globe who are passionate about leaving a legacy in this world. I have met some of the kindest, smartest and funniest people. We grew closer through weekend getaways, dinners, late night study sessions and deep conversations.

"To me BHGAP is also about the wonderful people you’ll meet from across the globe who are passionate about leaving a legacy in this world."

Karin and some of her friends taking a selfie at a restaurant in honor of Chinese New Year.

We might be different in a lot of ways, but we all bonded over our common interest to learn more about the innovative culture here in the Bay Area and our desire to expand our cultural horizons. It was hard saying goodbye to them at the closing ceremony…

"Thinking back to how the past few months unfolded, I can say that I’ve become more open, more proactive, more comfortable in the unknown and more curious about the world around me."

Looking Back 

BHGAP was truly a transformative experience, just as our program coordinators mentioned at orientation. Thinking back to how the past few months unfolded, I can say that I’ve become more open, more proactive, more comfortable in the unknown and more curious about the world around me. I will miss Berkeley, the people, the food, the challenges and the daily dose of happiness.

Karin and some of her friends laughing while taking a pic on the football field, in business professional attire.

GO BEARS!

Learn More

The Berkeley Haas Global Access Program brings international students to UC Berkeley to study business and entrepreneurship. It also offers plenty to do and see outside of class.

Want to hear more student perspectives? Read more BHGAP blogs or visit our website.