The Affinity Group program offers students the opportunity to find community around shared career goals and interests (e.g. biotechnology, entrepreneurship, consulting, product design, sustainable energy, transportation, etc.). With the support of the Career Development team and alumni, Affinity Groups host career-focused programs and events while offering a space to share, support, and learn about/from each other.
Participation
Affinity Groups are open to all students from the Master of Engineering, Master of Analytics, Master of Translational Medicine, and Fung Fellowship programs and must uphold both UC Berkeley’s principles of community and Fung Institute values. Membership is not required to participate in Affinity Group programming; students may sign up for multiple groups and join at any time. MEng alumni may continue to participate in Affinity Groups as members or mentors.
Leadership
Master of Engineering students have the unique opportunity to serve as Affinity Group Leaders during their studies at UC Berkeley. Group leaders coordinate with alumni and industry partners in their area to offer professional development experiences, share industry knowledge, and provide opportunities to build community and career networks. Students must apply for this volunteer position and recruitment for Affinity Group Leaders is held during the summer leading up to the start of the Master of Engineering program.
The objective of the Data Science/Analytics group is to create a community of students interested in Analytics & Data Science where we can learn more about the field and form both social connections with students and professional connections with practicing Data Scientists, Data Analysts, and ML Engineers.
Leaders:
Amber Fry (IEOR)
Shriyanshu Kode (IEOR)
Shreejal Luitel (IEOR)
Our vision is to cultivate a dynamic community where members can not only advance their AI knowledge but also build strong personal and professional connections. We hope to enable this through informative workshops and formal and informal networking events.
Leaders:
Jason Ji (EECS)
Valli Nachiappan (EECS)
Kathryn Wang (EECS)
The BioTech & Life Sciences Affinity Group’s mission is to learn more about the industry and potential career paths while creating connections with peers and current industry professionals. We will achieve this through community-building events, panel discussions and company showcases.
Leaders:
Kate Barouch (BioE)
Lauren Hunter (BioE)
Randi Roy (BioE)
Consulting is an interesting industry, and we are happy to help students discover their potential and explore opportunities in the space. Our purpose revolves around providing mentorship, guidance, and expertise to individuals who are navigating their careers in the consulting industry. This group aims to offer valuable insights, advice, and resources to help members overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and excel in their consulting roles.
Leaders:
Stuti Lohani (IEOR)
Sankalp Anurag Mehra (IEOR)
Our primary mission is to democratize the startup experience, making it accessible and approachable for all. We strive to give students a real-world view of entrepreneurship, foster entrepreneurial skills and mindsets, and connect them with essential startup resources and connections. As a group, we believe in knowledge sharing and open dialogue, fostering a sense of community, and taking a proactive approach to help students achieve their goals.
Leaders:
Kai Schuster (MSE)
Belinda Wang (MSE)
This group is for all students and alumni with an interest in learning about, networking within, and forming mentorship relationships with others in Financial Technology and other related industries.
- Learn more about potential careers in this community
- Connect and network with other students and alumni who share your background and interests
- Pose general questions to the community for expert review and response by group Mentors
- Share articles and stories related to cutting-edge trends in your field
Leaders:
Prithvi Kewalramani (IEOR)
Fuhan Liu (IEOR)
Yujie Xiao (IEOR)
The goal of the Inclusive Technology Affinity Group is to advocate for engineering and design that serves and is accessible to everyone, to acknowledge the impact of technology on our unique and diverse lived experiences, and to promote and sustain the values of inclusive design in our prospective careers.
Leader:
Savita Pereira (ME)
The mission of the Product Design Affinity Group is to connect students who are interested in product design with appropriate resources and educate interested students about product design. We will help members:
- Develop new design skills,
- Explore career opportunities related to Product Design available in industry,
- Connect and network with others who share similar backgrounds and/or interests,
- Interact with the extended community of experienced mentors and professionals in the industry,
- Share resources related to recruiting, technology trends, and general professional development.
Leaders:
Meghana Mahendra (ME)
Tatenda Mashongedza (ME)
Aalaya Wudaru (BioE)
Welcome to the Product Management Affinity Group, your hub for exploring various careers. We’re here to help guide you to becoming a successful product manager, from zero to hero, through informative sessions, networking events connecting you with industry professionals, and a wealth of resources to navigate diverse career opportunities. Join us to shape your path, foster meaningful connections, and unleash your potential in product management.
Leaders:
Moksheta Chellani (BioE)
Divyanjali Peraka (IEOR)
The goal of the Robotics Affinity Group is to cultivate a multidisciplinary community that empowers students in Robotics by building strong industry connections, fostering innovation, and staying at the forefront of current trends. We aim to create a more comprehensive, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment that prepares students for their careers and research opportunities.
Together, we’ll be building strong industry connections, fostering innovation, and staying at the forefront of current trends!
Leaders:
Jannik Heinen (ME)
Vishal Kumar (EECS)
Harsh Rana (ME)
The Sustainable Energy Affinity Group is united by its commitment to advancing a sustainable and equitable energy transition. Through collaboration and community engagement, we strive to create such an environment for all. Our vision is a world where sustainable resources drive societal growth. We see a future where solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, and geothermal power shape our energy landscape and support a smooth transition away from reliance on nonrenewables. Join us in exploring these themes through networking/social events, panels, and company visits to learn more about the greener future that awaits.
Leaders:
Isabella Bredwell (NE)
Sebastian Marini (MSE)
Sean Shitamoto (ME)
We are building a collaborative and inclusive community for students and alumni who share the passion for the space, aerospace, and automotive industry. We hope to foster meaningful and lasting friendships, provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals and alumni, support career development, and provide additional resources for international students. We aim to be a valuable gateway for students to pursue a successful career in the aerospace and automotive industry.
Leaders:
Peeravich Chirakunakorn (ME)
Scarlett Hao (ME)
To learn more about the Affinity Group Program and how to get involved, please contact Alicia Mandac, Career Services Specialist, at mandac@berkeley.edu.