An Entrepreneurial Spin on Finance

Hi, I’m Luis Armada and I am currently studying business administration with a concentration in finance at CUNEF University in Madrid. My coursework focuses on core business subjects such as accounting, finance and economics, along with quantitative- and data-focused classes that have sparked my interest in innovation and entrepreneurship.

I was excited to be accepted into the Fall 2025 cohort of the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP)—I wanted exposure to a truly international classroom and to the innovation ecosystem of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

The combination of top-tier faculty, a strong focus on entrepreneurship and the chance to build a global network made this program stand out from other options I was considering. I was also drawn to Haas’ culture and values, and to the idea of challenging myself in a more discussion-based and experiential learning environment.

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I wanted exposure to a truly international classroom and to the innovation ecosystem of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

Beyond Courses—A Peak Into My Future Work Goals

During my time in BHGAP, I took courses such as Entrepreneurship, AI and the Future of Business, Special Topics in Innovation and Design, Business Communication, Case Studies in Economic Development and the core Thriving at Haas and Beyond class. These courses gave me a mix of strategy, innovation and leadership training that complemented the more traditional business foundation from my home university.

All of these classes fit well with my major because they added a practical and entrepreneurial dimension to what I had learned back home. While my home university prepared me with strong theory and technical skills, BHGAP helped me apply those concepts through case studies, consulting-style projects and hands-on assignments with a strong real-world focus.

My Berkeley classes were similar to those at my home institution in that they required strong preparation and quantitative reasoning, but they were different in their teaching style. At Haas, classes are much more interactive, with constant participation, group work and open dialogue between students and professors. Assessment relied heavily on projects, presentations and class participation rather than just exams.

I also felt a stronger emphasis on innovation, social impact and leadership development than in my previous studies.

I took full advantage of the career coaching offered through the program, mainly through one-on-one sessions with Jennifer Davis, my professor for Thriving at Haas and Beyond. Those meetings helped me clarify my career goals, polish my résumé and practice how to tell my story, which has been extremely helpful for my ongoing interviews.

I also joined several company and site visits, where we visited a mix of established companies and startups in Silicon Valley and San Francisco. My favorite experience was attending the Google AI Summit, which gave me insight into cutting-edge technology and different work cultures, and helped me better understand the kinds of environments I might like to work in.

In five to 10 years from now, I see myself working in the financial industry with an international focus, ideally in a role that combines finance, strategy and innovation. I hope to be in a position where I can draw on the global network and entrepreneurial mindset that I developed at Berkeley, leading projects or teams and staying closely connected to the Bay Area and the Haas community.

I also felt a stronger emphasis on innovation, social impact and leadership development than in my previous studies.

Time to Travel

Outside the classroom, I tried to explore as much as possible. I spent time walking around the Berkeley campus, hiking in the Berkeley Hills and on the fire trails, and visiting the Berkeley Marina and the Gourmet Ghetto area.

On weekends, I often went into San Francisco to explore neighborhoods, such as the Mission District, North Beach and the Embarcadero, and to enjoy the views from places like Twin Peaks.

I also made the most of being by the bay by going windsurfing at the Berkeley Marina on weekends, which quickly became one of my favorite ways to disconnect after a busy week of classes.

In addition, I traveled around California—taking trips to places such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Lake Tahoe and Santa Cruz—and even visited Hawaii, which was an unforgettable way to experience a very different side of the United States during my visiting-student semester.

If I had to pick my top five things to do in Berkeley and San Francisco, they would be:

1. Watching the sunset from the Berkeley Hills or Grizzly Peak
    
2. Grabbing coffee and studying on campus, especially around the Haas courtyard or Doe Library
    
3. Going up to the top of the Campanile
    
4. Windsurfing at the Berkeley Marina
    
5. Attending campus events, talks and club meetings to meet people from all over the world

I also made the most of being by the bay by going windsurfing at the Berkeley Marina on weekends, which quickly became one of my favorite ways to disconnect after a busy week of classes.

My Advice to You

Be proactive about talking to professors and classmates from day one.

Take advantage of career coaching, workshops and company visits—they are a big part of the value of the program.

Manage your time carefully so you can succeed academically and still explore the Bay Area.

Step outside of your comfort zone—join clubs, volunteer for group roles and say yes to new experiences!