Curious how UC Berkeley students landed their internships? Explore their stories and learn how they found their opportunities.
Arda Hoke
Arda’s path to his first internship at a renowned cancer research lab didn’t start with a polished resume, it started with curiosity, projects, and a chance conversation.
As a first-generation college student and transfer from MiraCosta College, access to support for navigating careers wasn’t always easy to find. After striking up a chat with someone he met off campus, they grabbed coffee, and by the end of the conversation, he had been invited to join Scripps Research.
At Scripps, Arda used his technical skills to build tools that help cancer researchers accelerate important cancer research and explore potential new treatment therapies.
His love for computer science to drive impact is at the core of everything Arda does. At UC Berkeley, he explores a wide range of areas, from AI to nanotech, learning by building creative experiments that push the limits of what “should” work. Arda follows in Berkeley’s tradition of bold thinkers whose breakthroughs once seemed impossible, using curiosity and creativity to explore how technology can drive real-world impact.
Since his first internship at Scripps, Arda has continued to push his professional growth in exciting directions. He was selected as one of just 29 scholars for the Accel Scholars Program, a VC-backed initiative that provides mentorship from top engineering and product leaders, helping him sharpen his skills in technology and entrepreneurship and reach towards his goals of being a CEO someday.
Learn more about Arda here.
Kailyn Maranan
As a double major in Environmental Economics & Policy and Conservation & Resource Studies, Kaitlyn has always been passionate about sustainability, but she also wanted to understand how policy decisions translate into real-world environmental impact. Her long-term goal is to work in environmental health policy or consulting, where she can help shape systems that create healthier communities.
That interest led her to an internship with the City of Palo Alto, where she worked on sustainability initiatives designed to reduce waste and improve environmental practices across the city. In her role, Kaitlyn conducted waste audits and helped educate city employees about waste policies, giving her firsthand experience in how local governments implement environmental change from the ground up.
She found the opportunity through GovernmentJobs.com, a platform that offers roles ranging from local city positions to legislative opportunities. After applying in early April 2024, she was invited to interview just over a week later. Within days of that interview, she received an offer from the City of Palo Alto, and the entire process, from application to signing her official offer letter, took about one month.
Through the experience, Kaitlyn gained clarity on how public sector work can create meaningful environmental impact while helping her explore where she wants to grow next. Her biggest advice for students pursuing internships is to treat the process like a job: be intentional, stay proactive, and use every resource available. She encourages students to leverage platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake, and to reach out for informational interviews to learn more about potential career paths, especially if you’re exploring what’s next.
Learn more about Kaitlyn here.
Elias Benchekroun
Elias knows his long-term goal is entrepreneurship, specifically in the wellness space, where he hopes to create solutions that help people live healthier lives. But before building something of his own, he wanted to sharpen his problem-solving skills and gain experience working across complex industries.
That mindset led him to an internship with Bain & Company, where he worked on consulting projects focused on generative AI and healthcare. The role gave him exposure to fast-moving industries and taught him how businesses think through strategy, innovation, and growth.
Elias credits much of his success in landing the internship to preparation and intentional networking. He spent significant time drilling case interviews, practicing consistently, and connecting with professionals at Bain to better understand whether the firm would be the right fit for him.
His advice for students currently searching for internships: be adventurous, be bold, and put yourself out there. The more people you meet and conversations you have, the more opportunities you create for yourself.
Learn more about Elias here.
Kelly Ann Vasquez
As a Media Studies major, Kelly Ann knew she was drawn to storytelling, branding, and the world of communications, but she was still exploring what that could look like as a career. Public relations stood out as a space where she could combine creativity, relationship-building, and strategic communication.
That interest led her to one of her biggest opportunities yet: a six-month internship with The Walt Disney Company on their consumer products public relations team. After searching company career pages and applying to as many relevant roles as possible, she landed the internship through Disney’s website. The process required persistence, it began with an application in February and concluded with an offer in May after three rounds of interviews, including a phone interview and two Zoom conversations with hiring managers and team members.
At Disney, Kelly Ann gained hands-on experience supporting high-profile campaigns by managing influencer lists, drafting media pitches, and contributing to communications efforts that reached wide audiences. One of the most exciting moments of her internship was becoming a published Disney Parks Blog author, an experience that showed her just how far her communication skills could take her.
Through the experience, Kelly Ann learned that career growth often happens before you feel fully prepared. Her biggest advice to students? Don’t wait until everything feels perfect, apply anyway. Build a strong portfolio, invest in your network, and trust that growth happens through taking chances.
Learn more about Kelly Ann here.
Tianji (Jerry) Sun
Jerry’s path into finance started with a clear long-term vision, and an understanding that every step forward builds toward it. As an Applied Math and Economics student graduating in May 2027, Jerry has his sights set on becoming a private equity investor someday. He knows that path often begins in investment banking, where he hopes to build the technical and analytical foundation needed to eventually work with companies at a higher strategic level.
In his second-year at UC Berkeley, Jerry landed a Real Estate Asset Management Analyst internship with Behring Co. after finding the opportunity through Handshake. The experience gave him an early look into investment analysis and asset management while helping him build confidence navigating the competitive finance industry.
He continued building on that momentum by securing a financial analyst internship with Kensington Sterling, where he worked with small- to middle-sized businesses in the retail and services sectors. Through the role, he developed a stronger understanding of financial analysis and how companies grow, operate, and create value.
Jerry credits early networking as one of the biggest factors in breaking into finance and encourages students to start building connections as soon as possible. His advice: don’t wait until recruiting season to put yourself out there, relationships built early can lead to opportunities later.
Outside of academics and internships, Jerry enjoys playing squash, a sport that mirrors the focus and discipline he brings to his career goals.
Learn more about Jerry here.
If you’re looking for ways to start building experience, consider:
- completing a 2–3 hour “micro-internship” on Forage, where UC Berkeley students can work on short, project-based experiences with top employers
- attending a workshop this semester to learn how to start conversations and build meaningful professional connections
- browsing our curated collection of internships and jobs from employers currently recruiting this semester
- scheduling an appointment with a career educator to talk through your goals and next step
UC Berkeley is excited to celebrate and showcase the success stories of our diverse student community. We want to uplift those who are serving as role models on campus by encouraging you to share your career achievements and inspire your peers. If you’d like to be featured on our social media platforms and website, complete the form linked here.