Message from the President

Dear Candidate,

Recalling my first week walking down Sproul, I ask you to ponder the same question that echoed in my ears back then: How will you leave your legacy? As I navigated what I’m sure is the all-too-familiar whirlwind of a new state, challenging courseload, and club recruitment, I often questioned how I would find my place at an institution filled with such bright talent. Today, I strive to leave my legacy in the same place where the most impactful impressions were left on me: UBG. It brings me sincere pride to now lead the organization that was the greatest turning point in my college experience. UBG brings together a group of people like no other, each of whom brings something incredibly unique to the table. Just like I did, you’ll find students to grow alongside, mentors to learn from, and, most importantly, a family to cherish. As we transition into our next semester, I look forward to introducing you to the most driven, well-rounded, and innovative individuals that Berkeley has to offer, and I hope that your interactions are just as memorable as mine were.

We are so much more than a business organization: we are a launchpad for any and all of your professional aspirations and a tight-knit community that will last a lifetime. You will meet your best friends here, ones that will not only become your classmates and roommates but also your travel buddies, co-founders, and closest confidants. It is truly rare to find people who care about your success as much as you do and who see your potential even in the moments when you don’t see it yourself. Time and time again, the people of UBG have given me the extra nudge I needed to accomplish personal feats larger than I could have envisioned at the time. UBG was founded to balance the best of both worlds—professional and social—by cultivating an environment in which no ask is too big and no dream is out of reach.

You’ll have access to a curriculum rich in hands-on practice and exclusive resources, coupled with peers that have traversed the landscapes of investment banking, consulting, technology, investing, and more. Whether it's burning the midnight oil with you before a final round interview, or making the crucial connection that you need for your first internship, I promise that we will be the ones who walk with you every step of the way. In UBG, we treat each other like any family would: we sacrifice for each other, we respect each other’s values, and we are unconditionally there for each other.

Here lies the college experience of your dreams. You’ll soon come to realize that every one of our members is here to pay forward the rewarding experience that they had themselves, and that starts by showing you the what’s and why’s of UBG at our upcoming recruitment events. You’ll see for yourself the magic of surrounding yourself with some of the most brilliant minds that I have encountered to date.

We welcome you to our community and look forward to meeting you this semester!

Ishita Shah, Spring 2024