Meet Our Spring 2024 Course Coordinators
Developing entrepreneurship skills isn’t about flipping through a textbook – it requires immersive, hands-on learning. The Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship has been designed by SCET to do just that. Through a series of interdisciplinary courses that combine theory and business models with real-world tests and activities, the Berkeley Method brings people and ideas together. With a focus on journey-based learning, SCET courses aim to engage rising entrepreneurs in a unique way that drives them towards future success.
Fostering such an environment requires a wealth of knowledge, experience, and hard work. Our SCET course coordinators – student assistants hired by SCET to support faculty – use their innovative ideas and enthusiastic support to guide fellow students through an unconventional yet rewarding course structure.
Course Coordinator Profiles
Meet our Spring 2024 course coordinators below to learn more about their backgrounds, ambitions, future plans and experience in the SCET classroom!
Claire Chu
Major: B.S. Business Administration 2024
Course: SportsTech and the Future of Sports
What did you learn being a SCET course coordinator?
“I learned how collaborative, creative, and innovative students can be through hands-on, project-based classes. The sports industry is also ever-changing, so the tech landscape is very interesting to follow.”
What inspired you to become a course coordinator for entrepreneurship and innovation classes?
“I was inspired to be a Course Coordinator because enjoying the classroom space went beyond developing curriculum, but extending into supporting students’ endeavors and ideas. As a course coordinator, I could facilitate the materials and resources to make this happen.”
How do you believe the courses you coordinate prepare students for their careers, whether they pursue entrepreneurship or not?
“The students create pitches and present them to career venture capitalist judges. These demo days and presentations set students up very well for work tasks and team activities allow students to understand [how to] collaborate with one another.”
Anderson Lam
Major: B.S Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences 2024
Course: BMoE Bootcamp
What inspired you to become a Course Coordinator for entrepreneurship and innovation classes?
“My inspiration to become a Course Coordinator for entrepreneurship and innovation classes stems from my transformative experience as a participant in the Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship (BMoE) bootcamp in Spring 2023. The vibrant atmosphere, where students from diverse academic backgrounds collaborated on startup ideas to address society issues, deeply resonated with me. This experience, coupled with the invaluable interactions with esteemed mentors and industry leaders, motivated me to take on a role where I could facilitate similar opportunities for others and contribute to nurturing the next generation of innovators.”
What is your favorite part about working as a Course Coordinator for these classes, and why?
“My favorite aspect of working as a Course Coordinator for the Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship (BMoE) bootcamp is the opportunity to mentor diverse groups of students as they validate their startup ideas, develop business plans, and refine their pitches. I particularly enjoy the dynamic, collaborative atmosphere where students from various backgrounds come together to tackle global challenges, and the chance to interact with inspiring mentors and industry leaders. The role allows me to deeply engage with each team, often working late into the night to support their progress, and continuing to mentor them beyond the duration of the bootcamp until they achieve success.”
What advice do you have for students who are considering taking these courses or pursuing careers in entrepreneurship and innovation?
“My advice centers on embracing openness and curiosity. First, actively seek and welcome diverse viewpoints from a variety of people; these differing perspectives can significantly enrich your understanding and approach to solving complex problems. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone to meet new people—networking can open doors to opportunities and collaborations that you might not have considered. Remain curious about emerging technologies and trends; staying informed about developments outside your immediate area of expertise can inspire innovative ideas and solutions. Finally, be prepared to work effectively in diverse teams, as collaboration across different majors and backgrounds is often the key to successful entrepreneurial ventures. This interdisciplinary approach not only broadens your own skills but also enhances the collective output of your team.”
What are your summer plans?
“This summer, I am excited to intern at Bayer Crop Science in Kansas City, where I’ll be working as an electrical engineer. This opportunity will allow me to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting and gain valuable industry experience. After my graduation in December 2024, I am actively seeking full-time positions in electrical engineering or product management. I am flexible with relocation anywhere in the U.S. and am looking for companies that can sponsor my OPT for three years. I am eager to contribute my skills and grow professionally in a dynamic work environment. If you know any opportunities, please contact me at lamweicheng@berkeley.edu.”
Katrina Manaloto
Major: B.A. Molecular and Cell Biology and Rhetoric 2024
Course: Transforming Brain Health with Neurotech
What inspired you to become a Course Coordinator for entrepreneurship and innovation classes?
“Growing up around my dad, an experienced innovator and startup consultant, made me very familiar with the inner workings of entrepreneurship. From him, I learned what it means to find a demonstrated need in a community and try to offer them a solution, and I wanted to pass that knowledge on by assisting one of the SCET courses!”
What advice do you have for students who are considering taking these courses or pursuing careers in entrepreneurship and innovation?
“Some advice that I have for students is to remember that entrepreneurship should always be in pursuit of serving one’s communities and filling in societal needs when existing policies or frameworks don’t meet those needs. Never separate entrepreneurship from the people you hope to help!”
What are your post-graduation plans?
“Post-graduation, I am planning to travel over the summer and hopefully return to the Bay to work in neuroscience research or scientific writing. I am currently searching for opportunities, so feel free to contact me at my LinkedIn if you would like to chat!”
Sanjana Gurram
Major: B.S. Bioengineering + Business 2025
Course: Deplastify the Planet
What inspired you to become a Course Coordinator for entrepreneurship and innovation classes?
“I took Deplastify the Planet a year ago, and it changed my perception of how I could contribute to the world. I wanted to facilitate this class to help people work on sustainability problems and make real impacts.”
Can you share any memorable or rewarding moments you’ve experienced while working as a Course Coordinator?
“I’ve loved seeing the projects in Deplastify progress and was amazed by the end products of every team when I heard them pitch.”
What are your summer plans?
“I’m working on developing my own project (which spun out of Deplastify!) with my wonderful team in New York.”