Berkeley Opens Up Finance Career
Hello, I’m Alejandro Bravo and I recently graduated with a business administration degree and minor in banking at CUNEF University in Madrid. When I first started my studies, I was mainly driven by a strong curiosity about the world of business: How companies grow, how decisions are made and how value is created. I was especially drawn to investments, but at that stage I was still exploring what truly interested me the most.
As I progressed through my studies, that curiosity started to take a clearer direction. Little by little, I realized that what genuinely excited me was the world of finance, economics and business strategy. I was passionate about understanding markets, analyzing opportunities and thinking about how decisions at a financial level can shape companies and even entire economies.
I had always dreamed of studying in the United States. Years ago, I had the chance to do an exchange program with an American family, and that experience completely changed my perspective. It wasn’t just about living abroad; it was about seeing a different way of thinking, learning and approaching opportunities. It made me realize that I wanted to come back and truly experience studying at university in the U.S.
At the same time, my mom always spoke so highly about California—its energy, its openness and the incredible universities. She had the opportunity to spend a year there when she was younger. Hearing her talk about it made me even more curious, and that idea turned into a personal goal: I wanted to live or study there.
When my home university offered me the opportunity to study at UC Berkeley, I saw my chance! Being able to go to the best public university in the United States—and one of the best universities in the world—was something I simply couldn't pass up. But I also knew it wasn’t something that would just happen. I had to earn it, as not everyone could get a spot.
With that goal clearly in mind, I pushed myself, stayed focused and gave my best to make it happen. It required effort, discipline and consistency, but I was fully committed to it because I knew what it meant to me.
My favorite places were not the famous spots; they were the places where I was happy, surrounded by people who made the experience what it was.
The BHGAP Vibe
I had the opportunity to be part of the Fall 2024 cohort of the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP). Arriving at Berkeley felt like seeing a dream take shape in real life. Walking through campus, sharing moments with incredible people and realizing that I had actually made it is something difficult to put into words. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and it’s an experience I will treasure forever.
When I began to choose my courses at Berkeley, I remember taking a step back and really reflecting on this opportunity. I knew this was a unique moment to step outside of what I was used to at my home university and explore subjects I wouldn't normally have access to. I decided to follow my curiosity and choose courses based on my interests and passions.
I took Thriving at Haas and Beyond, Business Communications, Ethics and Artificial Intelligence (Special Topics in Business and Public Policy BA 177), Climate Change and Business Strategy, and Topics in Responsible Business (BA 192T). I’m grateful that I explored new topics and learned from disciplines that are not typically part of a traditional business curriculum in Spain.
Another thing that made a huge difference was the professors. Many of them were professionals with years of experience in their industries, people who had built companies, led projects and truly understood what they were teaching. You could feel their passion in every class.
In many cases, they genuinely wanted to share their knowledge, lessons and experiences with younger generations. That sense of “giving back” to the community that exists at Berkeley is something I found truly special. It’s hard to describe, but it creates an environment that is both inspiring and incredibly authentic.
That spirit of giving back is, in many ways, Berkeley’s greatest intangible asset.
I also took part in career coaching, which was one of the most valuable parts of my experience. I was very fortunate to find mentorship with some of my professors. In particular, I am deeply grateful to have connected with Jennifer Gregory Davis. She was always a source of support, and having her as a mentor was a privilege. Our conversations went far beyond academics: We spoke about ambition, about what it really means to have a positive impact on others, about meaningful leadership.
What I took from that experience is how important it is to actively seek out mentors who inspire you, professors who support you and career coaches who genuinely want to guide you. They help you unlock your potential, develop transversal skills and think more deeply about the kind of person and professional you want to become.
Life is so dynamic in Berkeley—there is always something happening on campus. There are plenty of things to do, whether it’s exploring a new part of the Bay Area, having a spontaneous outing with friends or simply enjoying the everyday rhythm of life on campus.
Favorite Spots to Explore
Some of my best experiences at Berkeley actually happened outside of the classroom. Life is so dynamic in Berkeley—there is always something happening on campus. There are plenty of things to do, whether it’s exploring a new part of the Bay Area, having a spontaneous outing with friends or simply enjoying the everyday rhythm of life on campus.
San Francisco is an incredible city, full of energy, diversity and character. I would definitely recommend spending more than just a day there and giving yourself time to really explore it as it has so much to offer—far beyond the Golden Gate Bridge.
At Yosemite: There’s something special about this place, but what made the trip unforgettable was sharing those moments with friends.
Two of my favorite road trips were to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. There’s something special about those places, but what made them unforgettable was sharing those moments with friends. Looking back, those experiences hold some of the best memories I took with me.
Honestly, some of the most meaningful moments were much simpler. One of the best parts of being in Berkeley is the campus itself. It’s huge and full of life—just walking through it every day was something I never got tired of. Within that daily routine, there were so many small moments that, at the time, felt ordinary but now mean everything.
Grabbing a slice at Artichoke Basille’s Pizza with friends after a long day. Having a coffee and great conversations with friends at Caffè Strada between classes. Sharing a Crumbl cookie. Beating Stanford at home in the last play (Go Bears!). Just taking a walk alone through campus to clear my mind.
I remember exploring different libraries and debating which one was the best, or playing intramural soccer with Mediterranean FC and enjoying those fun moments together.
My favorite places were not the famous spots; they were the places where I was happy, surrounded by people who made the experience what it was. Those everyday moments, combined with the bigger adventures, are what made my time at Berkeley truly unforgettable.
Bringing Berkeley to Work
I am currently working in sales and trading at Banco Santander, and I couldn't be happier with the experience! I am learning a lot every day, being exposed to a fast-paced environment and constantly challenged to grow both technically and personally.
It's a career path that, in Spain, isn’t always as well-known or visible as it is in the United States, where the financial sector is much more developed and present in everyday conversations.
Additionally, I am working hard to pursue the CFA®, which has been a very challenging journey. It requires a lot of discipline, consistency and the right mindset, but I truly believe that with focus and determination, it's something I can achieve.
In many ways, my time at Berkeley played a big role in shaping that direction. I was exposed to a broader view of the financial world, surrounded by people who think big and out of the box. It made me more aware of the opportunities and pushed me to aim higher. Wall Street, I am coming!
My Advice to You
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The moments that feel a bit uncomfortable or uncertain are the ones that end up shaping you the most.
Pick classes that genuinely interest you, even if they are not what you would normally take back home. Some of the best experiences come from exploring things you didn’t expect to enjoy.
Be part of the Berkeley community: Go to events, join clubs, talk to your professors, spend time with people. A lot of the learning actually happens outside the classroom.
Go Bears!
Check out more photos from my time in Berkeley!
