Luisa Naranjo Azcarate works at Google, continually voted one of the best companies to work for in the U.S. But her path to Silicon Valley isn't your typical one—she's a psychology major from Bogota, Colombia.

Luisa earned her bachelor’s in psychology from Universidad Externado de Colombia but was always interested in marketing and sales. When she decided to further her education and enhance her knowledge of the field, she knew it had to be a program that was taught in English so she could continue practicing her language skills. She later realized the UC Berkeley Extension program would also qualify her to apply for OPT work authorization, a year-long visa available to international students that allows for paid work in the U.S.

In one year, Luisa completed two UC Berkeley Extension professional certificates—Business Administration and Marketing—and an internship working in sales and marketing development at software company Gigwell in San Francisco. Her studies and internship placement through Berkeley qualified her for OPT and helped her land a Sales Representative job at Google.

We wanted to find out what motivated Luisa to pursue a job at one of the world’s most well-known companies, and how her UC Berkeley Extension experience got her there.

Why did you choose UC Berkeley Extension?

Berkeley is a big university with a great reputation. Also, I loved the fact that it is in California and offers programs for international students so I’d make connections with people from around the world. I felt that was the most valuable thing I could bring back with me when I return to Colombia—to have a global network. I also chose Berkeley because of my interest in marketing and sales. The U.S. in general is the Mecca of all these happenings.

I loved the fact that it is in California and offers programs for international students so I’d make connections with people from around the world. I felt that was the most valuable thing I could bring back with me when I return to Colombia—to have a global network.

I found the International Diploma Programs (now called Immersives and Professional Diploma Programs) online after Googling “short programs marketing.” I liked that to be eligible to complete these certificates you didn't have to have a lot of prior experience in the field, so I decided to apply. It was the only program I applied for—I really wanted to attend!

I originally applied to complete a professional certificate in marketing, then an internship and stay for just part of the year. After I got here, I liked the experience so much that I decided to stay for the full-year program and earn the Marketing and Business Administration certificates, followed by an internship. The year-long program was appealing because I would be eligible for OPT work authorization.

It was my first time ever in California. I fell in love with this place.

What were classes like? How were they different from your home country?

When I was studying in Colombia, 90 percent of the people were Colombian; it wasn’t as rich as far as getting the opportunity to study with people from all over the world.

In Berkeley, I made a lot of very good friends from Asia. It’s something that is unique to the San Francisco Bay Area: the opportunity to be so close to people from such a different culture and learn more about their way of thinking. It opens your mind in so many ways; it makes you aware of how culture affects not only business matters, but also personal ones.

The instructors also encouraged us to express our opinions without any judgment. That was very powerful and sparked a lot of conversations. It allowed us to evaluate ideas from a different perspective and in a way you would have never thought of before.

The instructors were very encouraging: they wanted us to explore and respect the differences between cultures. What is normal for one person can seem rude to another. We had a lot of teamwork so you learn to listen to everyone and their different points of view.

The instructors also encouraged us to express our opinions without any judgment. That was very powerful and sparked a lot of conversations. It allowed us to evaluate ideas from a different perspective and in a way you would have never thought of before.

How did you get the job at Google for your OPT?

I started looking for jobs related to sales. I am on contract as a Sales Development Representative for Google Cloud and got the job through a recruitment agency. I have another friend who works at Google who also went to UC Berkeley Extension.

He told me that Google is always looking for people from different countries who are Spanish speakers or Portuguese speakers. He let me know about this position and the agency sent my résumé  to Google. They called me for an interview and I started. They were aware of my OPT visa situation and worked with me to figure it all out. 

It’s been amazing working here. I really like the people I’m working with; everyone is extremely friendly and the environment is so nice. I come to work happy every day and I really enjoy it! They really care about the employees.

What are your main responsibilities now at Google?

My main functions are following up on leads assigned from marketing, so I am the first contact for the company. We have a conversation to see if Google Cloud will be a good match for their company. If it’s a good match for Google, I route the contact to an inside sales representative to close the sale. I talk to people from around the world and am responsible for Latin America, the U.S. and Canada.

My main functions are following up on leads assigned from marketing, so I am the first contact for the company.  I talk to people from around the world and am responsible for Latin America, the U.S. and Canada.

My preparation, background and education matters in terms of what I’m doing now. When you’re working, you realize and more fully understand the skills and knowledge you learned in the classroom. I didn't take any sales classes, but the environment and knowledge of business of marketing and my background in psychology I apply every day to what I’m doing now.

What advice do you have for other international students who come to Berkeley to study?

Interact with people who are completely different from you. I was the only Colombian.

Of course, it’s easier to get along with people from your own culture, but take advantage of all the other people you can meet. Step out of your comfort zone and learn and experience as much as you can from new people and new cultures.

What does your Berkeley experience mean to you?

It’s a big and important university, and in the competitive job market it’s important to say I went to UC Berkeley Extension. When I go back to my country, this experience and having the diploma will help me.

Making the decision to come to the U.S. was a big step in my life. I would recommend the Berkeley experience to anyone to get a professional certificate (or two!). It’s worth it.

It’s a big and important university, and in the competitive job market it’s important to say I went to UC Berkeley Extension. When I go back to my country, this experience and having the diploma will help me.

Even just living abroad is a win, and coming to California has helped me to grow so much. Gaining knowledge and a background in the field is a great opportunity that I fully recommend. It will add a lot of value to your life and your career. You have to dream big and you will get it! Trust in yourself! Put love in everything you do!!

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