From BHGAP to a Master’s

Hi! I’m Wenqian Shangguan and I recently completed my master’s program in management from UCL in London. Before joining the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP) in the Fall 2022 semester, I was studying finance at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. I am currently doing a summer internship at Visa in Shanghai on their CRM team. This aligns with my future goals as I hope to be working at the intersection of strategy and innovation—either at a leading tech company or as part of a forward-thinking consulting firm here in Shanghai.

I want to help businesses navigate complex challenges with strategic insight and a global perspective. No matter the exact role, I see myself in an environment where I can keep learning, lead with purpose and create meaningful impact.

I’ve always had a strong interest in business strategy and I focused my coursework and extracurriculars in that direction. I participated in several case competitions and cross-disciplinary projects at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, which helped me develop a strategic mindset beyond pure financial analysis.

I chose BHGAP because of its strong focus on innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship—areas that are deeply connected to business strategy. Berkeley’s unique ecosystem, especially its close ties to Silicon Valley, offered the perfect environment to explore how strategic thinking drives real-world business decisions. I was also drawn to Haas’ culture of “Beyond Yourself” and “Question the Status Quo,” which aligns closely with how I approach learning and problem-solving.

Berkeley’s unique ecosystem, especially its close ties to Silicon Valley, offered the perfect environment to explore how strategic thinking drives real-world business decisions. 

My Class Schedule

During my time at Berkeley, I took Business Communication, Innovation and Sustainability, Negotiation, Opportunity Recognition, Thriving at Haas and Beyond and Leading With Impact.

Among them, Leading With Impact left the strongest impression on me. The course was taught by Suzanne Houlihan who brought a unique life coach perspective to leadership. Her approach helped me reflect deeply on personal growth and authentic leadership—insights that I believe will continue to influence my career and life long after the program.

Courses like Negotiation, Opportunity Recognition and Leading With Impact complemented my finance background by building my ability to think critically, lead effectively and identify value in new opportunities. These classes helped bridge the gap between technical financial knowledge and broader business decision-making—especially in dynamic, real-world contexts.

Berkeley classes were much more discussion-based and experiential compared to my home university. At CUHK Shenzhen, classes are generally more lecture-driven, while at Berkeley we were constantly encouraged to speak up, challenge assumptions and apply what we learned through case studies and team projects.

The emphasis on personal reflection and real-world application—especially in leadership and communication courses—was something truly unique and eye-opening for me.

At Berkeley, we were constantly encouraged to speak up, challenge assumptions and apply what we learned through case studies and team projects.

Taking Time to Explore

Outside of class, one of the most unforgettable experiences I had was a road trip along Highway 1. Driving along the Pacific coastline and witnessing the stunning natural scenery was truly breathtaking; it gave me a deep appreciation for California’s beauty.

I also spent time exploring San Francisco’s landmarks and enjoying the vibrant campus life at Berkeley. Each district in San Francisco—from the Mission to Chinatown—had its own vibe and hidden gems. Walking around the UC Berkeley campus, I loved the energy of Sproul Plaza and the peacefulness of the surrounding nature, especially the hike up to the Big C.

I also really enjoyed trying local food—from fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf to Berkeley’s diverse eateries, the food scene was amazing. And then watching the sun set over the Bay from the Golden Gate Bridge or nearby viewpoints was truly magical.

It was a great balance between academic learning and personal exploration.

I also really enjoyed trying local food—from fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf to Berkeley’s diverse eateries, the food scene was amazing.

My Advice to You

Be proactive and open-minded. Don’t be afraid to speak up in class—professors value your perspective, even if it feels different from others.

Take time to connect with classmates from around the world; their diverse experiences will expand your own thinking.

Make full use of the resources Berkeley offers—career coaching, office hours and networking events.

Don’t forget to explore beyond campus: Some of the most valuable lessons happen outside of the classroom!