Hi, my name is Perline Hochart and I studied in the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program during the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters as part of my final year of studies in the EDHEC’s Master in Management, Global Economic Transformation and Technology program. I first studied in France and then in South Korea. I decided to take a gap year before traveling to Berkeley for my final year of study.

That gap year really shaped my ambition for the future and what I want to do. For the first half of the year, I was part of the strategic operations team at SUEZ France, which handles waste management nationally. It really gave me a comprehensive taste of the corporate world.

Then, during my second half of the gap year, I became an officer in the French Foreign Legion. That experience gave me a lot of strength, especially because I was the only woman in my regiment. I think that experience also really helped me prepare for my year at Berkeley because I grew to know more about myself.

Instilling Resilience, Strength

In case you are unaware, the French Foreign Legion is an elite unit of the French army composed of volunteers from all around the world. There are recruits from many different countries, and I actually taught French classes to many of them! However, with that diversity comes a variety of views on women, their role in the Legion and in society in general. I was told that I wasn't welcome, and they made me feel different, inferior and out of place. It was the first time I encountered this. It only gave me more strength to prove them wrong and taught me that I have the resilience to face such challenges and the confidence to fight for what I want.

In Berkeley, I met students and faculty from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about their education. Seeing this sparked an innovative mindset in me. I enjoy interacting with people who are different from me and who challenge my own ideas. This interaction taught me to see through multiple perspectives, allowing me to better understand people’s behaviors, whether in a professional or personal environment.

I also observed in my academic work how diversity fosters creativity and innovation in various ways. I’ve always heard that mixed-gender teams perform better, but it goes much further than that. Different backgrounds, skills, cultures, experiences and beliefs are also what can make an innovative team successful. I’m definitely on a journey to understand how to fully harness this diversity—how to ensure that each piece of the puzzle, however different, fits together.

Exploring That Mission at Berkeley

During my Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, I loved the classes we had at Haas, especially the Changing Climate and Business Strategy course with Andrew Isaacs. I also took the following core courses and electives:

Product Management
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Data Science Applications in Finance
The Business of AI
Pricing
Opportunity Recognition: Technology and Entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley
Thriving at Haas and Beyond
 

I made sure to take courses from other campus departments as well, including Intensive Italian for Romance Languages Speakers, Directed Group Studies for Advanced Undergraduates in the Computer Sciences department, Quantum Mechanics from the Department of Physics and Neuroscience.

In addition, I took advantage of the individualized career coaching class with Jennifer Davis, who is amazing! It was particularly interesting because I have a French perspective on networking and using LinkedIn, but I want to start my career in San Francisco. Therefore, learning about the networking mindset here in the Bay Area was very valuable. I had a one-on-one session with Jennifer and really loved it.

Video: Value of Career Coaching

Networking Through Silicon Valley Connections

Every site visit is a great opportunity to learn, broaden your horizons and expand your network. I gained a deep understanding of the importance of connecting with professionals and engaging with people, especially in America—very different from what we are used to in France. That’s how I landed my upcoming first job!

From my experience, networking in France often tends to be more structured and formal, making it less spontaneous and harder to initiate. In contrast, I found networking in the U.S.—at least in San Francisco—to be more fluid. People are generally more open to talking, helping you connect to others and offering advice over coffee or lunch. Ultimately, it reflects a fundamental difference in mindset: One expects you to conform, and the other wants you to think out of the box. This difference inevitably influences how people interact with one another.

My visa was just approved, so I’m about to start my first job in San Francisco. I’ll be joining the Technical Program Management & Business Operations team at Komodo Health. I’m very excited about this opportunity; I really enjoyed the conversations I've had with the manager, and I believe it will be the perfect place to learn, grow and sharpen my skills.

I’ve learned a lot from my BHGAP experience, and one lesson I’ll apply to my work is the importance of agility in a fast-paced environment, as well as being open and embracing what everyone loves to call a "growth mindset." Student always!

I gained a deep understanding of the importance of connecting with professionals and engaging with people, especially in America—very different from what we are used to in France. That’s how I landed my upcoming first job!

Enjoying Quiet Moments on Campus

Before coming to Berkeley, I had traveled extensively throughout the U.S.  After settling in, I enjoyed spending my time outside of class exploring the campus and the Bay Area. Joining the Cal triathlon team was a great way to connect with other Berkeley students.

I stayed at the International House, a vibrant community with students from over 75 countries, and worked there as a catering and event assistant, collaborating with many undergraduates. During my year at Berkeley, I met many people, and what I cherished most were the simple moments we shared: hanging out; going out for drinks, movies, concerts and coffees; enjoying the beach; surfing; or just walking around campus.

While it’s easy to stay in your comfort zone and stick with familiar friends—which I also enjoyed, of course—staying and working at iHouse helped me make new international friends—and more!

Thoughts on My Future Plans

I’m actively building my network and connecting with entrepreneurs. Every time I hear their passion, it inspires me to pursue my own projects. I have a lot of ideas and need to decide which one to bring to life first.

In the next five years, I hope to launch my first startup, either in California or within the growing European entrepreneurship ecosystem. Eventually, I want to be a part of this ecosystem because I believe the future is bright and we have the potential to compete with Silicon Valley.

My Advice to You

Connect with your classmates—they could be your future co-workers or partners. Build relationships with your professors as they are not only highly knowledgeable but also well-connected in Berkeley, San Francisco and beyond. Attend events whenever possible to network beyond the 'Berkeley Bubble.' In a nutshell, be open to new ideas and connect with people.

Check out additional photos from my time in Berkeley!