Deep Learning and Adventure Await You in Berkeley

Hi! My name is Tashrique Ahmed and I am originally from Bangladesh where I completed my high school education. In June 2022, I moved to the United States to pursue a bachelor’s in computer science and mathematics at Williams College (Williamstown, Mass.).

Even during my studies at Williams, I wanted a more hands-on experience and closer industry exposure—Berkeley had always been a dream school of mine. Berkeley offers a diverse range of top-tier computer sciences courses taught by the nation’s best faculty, a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, access to tech meetups, hackathons and industry leaders.

I was also drawn to the big university experience with a larger, more diverse student body. The energy of the Bay Area—with startups, venture capital and groundbreaking tech—was something I wanted to be immersed in.

I also simply love the warmer weather. After spending years in New England’s cold winters, the idea of studying in the sun and being able to go outside year-round made Berkeley even more appealing.

So it made sense to apply for—and be accepted into—the Berkeley Global Access Program Fall 2024 semester!

The energy of the Bay Area—with startups, venture capital and groundbreaking tech—was something I wanted to be immersed in.

Super-Charged Coursework

At Berkeley, I chose classes that built on the strong theoretical base I developed at Williams by focusing on implementation and project-driven applications.

Courses like Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (with famous professors Mordatch and Abbeel), Computer Security, Introduction to the Internet: Architecture and Protocols, and Linux System Administration through the Directed Group Studies for Advanced Undergraduates helped me in code CS areas.

I also took advantage of participating in a software engineering team project—my favorite so far!—and specialized Decals in Figma, web development and esoteric programming languages tested and strengthened my skills in teamwork; Agile development; and scalable system design, which directly supports my career goals in software engineering.

At Williams, classes are intimate and discussion-driven, and they focus on building a deep theoretical framework. Professors encourage abstract thinking and individualized exploration of core computer science principles.

In contrast, Berkeley’s classes are structured around real-world problems. They emphasize project-driven, hands-on learning, where teamwork and immediate application of ideas are necessary. This practical approach—along with exposure to industry trends and a diverse, fast-paced environment—sharpened my ability to solve concrete problems. This perfectly complemented the theoretical foundation I built at Williams.

Exploring Beyond the Classroom

I visited what I call the Bay Area classics: I walked around Pier 39, took a Golden Gate Bridge boat tour, and explored Alcatraz and Chinatown.

Image

I also embraced several “firsts”—riding in a Waymo, living with a roommate, skydiving(!) from 13,000 feet and even driving down the squiggly roads of Yosemite.

Living at International House was transformative: I met international, talented friends at events like Sunday Supper and Salsa Sundays.

I visited Google, Meta and Apple offices, connected with engineers, participated in CalHacks and even checked off a childhood dream by attending an Alan Walker concert.

I attended the Fall STEM career fair, participated in on-campus company interviews and reached out to Berkeley alumni leveraging my @berkeley.edu email, through which I had a few insightful coffee chats, learned valuable industry insights and secured referrals from multiple companies.

Despite undergoing major surgery that left me on crutches for a month at the beginning of the semester, these experiences deepened my resilience and broadened my perspective a lot.

I also embraced several “firsts”—riding in a Waymo, living with a roommate, skydiving(!) from 13,000 feet and even driving down the squiggly roads of Yosemite.

Looking Into My Future

I’m excited to share that I will be starting my software engineering internship at Meta after the Berkeley semester, and I’m really looking forward to this new chapter! I’ve also joined the Yongmudo club to resume martial arts training. Although I’m a black belt in Shotokan Karate and a red belt in Taekwondo, I had a six-year break and I’m excited to be back!

In five years, I see myself as a seasoned engineer at a leading tech firm in the U.S., with plans to return to Berkeley for grad school. In 10 years, I see myself launching a startup focused on surgical robotics. I also see myself becoming a part-time horseback-riding instructor, getting my skydiving and scuba-diving licenses, and a private pilot license. Hopefully, I will be around the Bay Area!

In five years, I see myself as a seasoned engineer at a leading tech firm in the U.S., with plans to return to Berkeley for grad school

My Advice to You

Start by setting clear academic, career and social goals—identify which skills and connections you want to build at Berkeley. Coming to Berkeley, the amount of resources I had access to became 10x. Leverage every resource around you. Talk to people. Start saying “yes” to opportunities. Connect with professors, teaching assistants and alumni early—networking is as vital as coursework.

Classes are about 10 percent of the experience at Berkeley. So knowing what you really want out of your time here early on is very crucial for you to shape the best experience for yourself. Even though you might be a visiting student, don’t feel anything less than a full-time student here. You are a “Cal Bear” now!