<p>I will be graduating soon so I just wondering what it feels like to be a Berkeley alum. Do you feel that you've been freed from a grueling experience and excited to tackle the challenges of the world? Does having that college degree make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside because you've accomplished a significant part of your education and are transitioning over to a new part of your life?</p>
<p>I'm not sure if many alumni read this board but I'm not only looking for fresh grads but oldies (however you interpret that) to comment. lol</p>
<p>I graduated from Berkeley this past summer. It’s something I’m quite proud of, and it definitely feels great to be free of all that academic work. However, I also miss all the friends I made there. :(</p>
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<p>Danny
University of California, Berkeley '09</p>
<p>I’ve got the “just graduated, now what?” depression at the moment. Just got the grade for my honors thesis though… I’m up for either magna or summa cum laude, so that cheered me up a bit. I received a large research grant last Spring so I spent the Summer in European archives and wasn’t able to prep for the GREs. As a result, I’ll be taking a year off and applying for a PhD program for Fall 2011. That means I need to find meaningful employment… not a fun prospect in this economic climate. I miss academia already!</p>
<p>With all that said, It does, as BlueElmo noted, feel freaking great. :)</p>
<p>I think I am an oldie no matter how you interpret it. I am still quite proud of it after many years. I wish I enjoy it more when I was there like joining more clubs, going to more activities such as football games or whatever, in general just get out more, do more things and meet more people.</p>
<p>The economy wasn’t as bad then as it is now but still wasn’t good. With respectable grades and work experience, finding a job was not a problem. Career has been very good, no complain there and still see some college friends regularly.</p>
<p>I’ve been out for about two years now and it still feels good. It was well worth it, all of the eclectic people I met, and the classes I took, all of it. It is such a special place to learn and grow and spend one’s early adulthood, and living in the city of Berkeley is in itself an eye opening experience. The diversity of world views you will be exposed to as a student make it impossible to leave without broadening your horizons in some way.</p>
<p>Sure, all students there will at one time or another experience the university’s bureaucracy, but that is the nature of the real world too, and Berkeley provides its students with the independence and self-sufficiency they need to do well in the real world. There is truly no institution like it. I no longer live in California but, I sure do miss it, and like all alumnae I’m sure, to hear of the budget cuts and fee hikes is just heartbreaking, but I am sure Berkeley will pull through in spite of this.</p>
<p>I spent a year at Berkeley (Haas), and although I had good grades, I transfered to McGill U to have a totally new experience, but my Berkeley time will always be an era I’ll cherish. Good weather, nice people, international student body, all in all, Bekerley’s alumni can’t complain, right?</p>
<p>Any tips to give prospective undergraduates?</p>
<p>If I want to find a nice job or go to a good grad school, will I have to do extracurriculars or can I just get by with good grades and some work experience?</p>
<p>Should I try to have as much fun as possible and spend time with other people or should I really be focused on school and extracurriculars?</p>
<p>@mickjagger: From what I gathered, just focusing on school is not a good idea especially if you want to go grad school or find a good job upon graduation. You definitely need to have some extra-curricular experience whether that be from having a job, joining organizations, etc. Of course, you would have to try to cater your activities toward what you want (i.e., if you want to go into finance, join business/finance clubs/organizations). You can cater what you do for what things you want (i.e., "the kendo club has shown me leadership, discipline, blah blah blah), but you should find opportunities you can find that would help you achieve your goals. </p>
<p>Personally, I think you should see how your first semester goes. Evaluate how much you can handle and you enjoy. You can participate in a few activities, but don’t overwhelm yourself.</p>
<p>People always make it a big deal of graduating in 4 years, but would you mind if someone told you right now that you have to spend an extra semester? Or would you rather not? I’d think that people wouldn’t want to leave but I’m not sure since I’m far from graduating. If an extra semester isn’t that bad, then I could take less classes or do 2 study abroad programs.</p>
<p>That really depends on you. There is no ~magic~ number. It is more of what you GAIN out of it. For example, you can be involved in several activities but if you’re just a lackey then its pretty much all for naught. It’s like what they told us for Haas, being president of a business club with only 6 members and monthly meetings won’t mean as much as being a manager at McDonalds where you would be constantly managing employees and resolving issues; basically, showing leadership and possessing leadership qualities. Does that make sense? </p>
<p>I will also repeat that for your first semester, you should not overwhelm yourself with school and activities. Your first semester should be dedicated with getting used to the feel of Berkeley and getting familiar with your limits. If you find yourself taking 13 units and finding something to do because you are all caught up with your classes, then the next semester, you can decide to look for research, join organizations, and get a job. If you truly want to do something though, getting involved in research would be a good starting point. Getting to know prof. is super duper important. Maybe join an organization if you want (most organizations only have meetings to be concerned about). Just remember that its not so much the QUANTITY as it is the QUALITY.</p>
However, I also miss all the friends I made there. :(</p>