Community Development: Experiences Worth Sharing

Erina:

Despite the constant amount of work that we have to put into classes and schoolwork, I have found that being a part of the Community Development Committee this semester has been nothing but fun. Learning to work as a team to provide the club with fun events, such as the St. Patrick’s Day Social, has been an awesome experience. I learned to be flexible enough to work around potential problems that could arise, in addition to finding ways to ensure that all members feel like they have a home. Although we didn’t know each other all too well at the beginning of the semester, we have come to hang out outside of BWIB meetings, eating CREAM or getting dinner when we’re all free! I feel that the lessons we learned from BWIB meetings have translated in our work ethic and everyday lives, not just towards tasks in the business world. I hope to apply what I have learned in the future to get the ideal job or internship! As a woman who eventually wants to work fluidly between Japan and America, this club has helped me pay more attention to the struggles that women face in the working world. I hope to help change the Japanese business system in the future so that women do not have to be hindered by the “glass ceiling.” A special shout out to Sam Lee and Lucy Huang for being such awesome VPs this year!! :)

Salma:

I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that my first year at Cal is coming to an end. It feels like just yesterday when I came across the BWIB table at Calapalooza looking very lost and completely out of place. It’s strange to think that the place that I associated with uncertainty and unease has become my home in such a short period of time. The reason why I decided to join BWIB in the first place as opposed to any other business club from the masses available (If you’re a Cal student you’ll know what I mean by this), stems largely from my past and where I was brought up. Being raised in a strictly patriarchal society where women have minimal rights and freedoms has instilled within me a drive to push in changing societal norms and gender biases, and I hoped to achieve this by joining a club that raises awareness on issues women face in the workplace, and is home to such a wonderful group of young ladies! I spent both semesters in BWIB on the community development committee under Samantha Lee (shout out to you Sam!), and not only did I create valuable and strong relationships with my committee members, but  also acquired various valuable skills from planning events such as the annual retreat to the St. Patty’s day social, that will benefit me in my future career. This club is composed of such strong and influential women who have taught me a great deal about fighting for what I care about, and who I want to be as a person. I’m so grateful for the impact BWIB has had on my life, and in my adjustment to Cal, and I look forward to being part of it next semester!

Finance Committee: Why Berkeley Women In Business?

By: Tara and Ishita

Over the years, the composition of the workforce has shifted to include more women in every field. And yet, statistics and everyday observations show that society has ways to go as far as equal status, pay, and opportunities given to women in business are concerned, often failing to reconcile with their leaving the domestic sphere. As young women at the cusp of entering this professional world and striving towards the leadership positions we deserve, we need an entirely supportive community that allows us to voice our opinions, gain invaluable insights, and attempt to bring about the changes we want. Entering university put us at a crucial stage of growth--both personal and professional--and it is here that such a community can make a major difference, building confidence and much needed practical skills; it is here that Berkeley Women in Business came through to inspire us week after week, right from fall semester freshman year.

Berkeley Women in Business is an organization that has given numerous people the ability to grow both professionally and socially. This group brings together both men and women who are passionate about the same ideas and gives them a chance to collaborate, learn and grow. Berkeley Women in Business fosters a fun and caring yet dedicated and hardworking community that creates opportunity for mentorship and friendship, career exploration and key professional development skills that allow women to build confidence and realize their great potential in a male dominated field. The numerous speakers, workshops and socials planned make Berkeley Women and Business a one of a kind organization that goes above and beyond to make each individual feel represented and heard. Furthermore, Berkeley Women in Business is the type of group that gives each of its members a chance to build leadership skills, find their voice and build a valuable network.

Berkeley Women in Business has given us so many opportunities and allowed us to meet amazing professors, professionals, and even lifelong friends that have shaped the people we are becoming. One of the greatest parts about Berkeley Women in Business is the balance that comes with being in the club: we are shown and taught that along with serious and meaningful work, it is important to have a fun, fulfilling life and build relationships with people. As members of the finance committee this semester, we have also gained specific knowledge through hands-on experiences--handling committee budgets and reimbursements, and collaborating with other committees to create and organize several fundraisers are just a few of the aspects we have focused on, alongside socials and activities that have brought us closer as a group. Overall, we have grown a lot through our time in Berkeley Women in Business and have discovered more about ourselves than we ever could have imagined.

Communications Committee: First Year Reflections

Yixuan and Sarah are both current communications committee members and joined BWIB during their first semesters at Cal in fall 2015.

Sarah:

I attended BWIB’s first general meeting after seeing the event on Facebook, and immediately felt compelled to join. I was impressed by the welcoming, intelligent, and knowledgeable women on the executive board and knew that BWIB would be a good place to cultivate my interest in business in an informal, student­ run setting. Although my parents work in real estate and sales, I had little to no knowledge about the finance, marketing, entrepreneurial, and consulting industries coming into college; BWIB’s panels, discussions with Haas professors, and networking opportunities have solidified my goals and career plans and I am now ending my first year as an intended business administration and media studies double major. I have always had a passion for social media and being a part of the communications committee has allowed me to work with a variety of platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn—to advertise BWIB and to work on independent projects, mostly focused on female empowerment. My favorite assignment this year was creating a LinkedIn recommendations project for BWIB’s committee members under the supervision of my VP, Srushti Vora. The project matches a committee member with one of their peers and they each receive short recommendations and skill endorsements posted to their LinkedIn profiles. Even though my time at Berkeley hasn’t even hit the one year mark, BWIB has become my second family. From sharing a late night dinner of deep dish pizza with my committee to meeting some of my best friends in college, this club has shaped my life in ways I am still yet to discover. It is amazing to think that I was once a timid first semester student with no formal resume and not a clue what I wanted to pursue. With the help of BWIB’s positive and ever­ supportive atmosphere, I feel confident I can go in the direction of my dreams and even reshape the business world into a place where strong­ willed women take the lead.

Yixuan:

Every college freshmen has been there, coming into college and not knowing what extracurriculars to join. It can definitely be overwhelming, confusing, and at times terrifying. Yet becoming a part of Berkeley Women in Business has allowed me to meet a group of inspiring young women that are passionate for a similar purpose: spreading awareness on women empowerment throughout campus and beyond. BWIB has challenged me to network with professionals from companies such as Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and various other companies and alumni. As a member of the Communications Committee for the past year, I gained valuable skills on ways to create a successful online identity for the club. By creating Facebook campaigns, editing YouTube videos, and updating BWIB’s Instagram account, the constant feedback is beyond rewarding. Besides taking on the role of a committee member, BWIB has become my support system outside of the rigorous academics here at Cal. All the execs are so positive and motivating in every aspect possible. From editing resumes to offering me a special soup delivery while I was sick, my VP was there for me every step of the way. BWIB has helped me find my comfort zone as a freshman, and encouraged me to take on opportunities that I would have never once had the confidence to say yes to. BWIB has helped me bring out the best version of myself and discover a passion in the field of communications, and for that, I am forever grateful.