Gain skills and community inside UC Berkeley’s consulting clubs.
You’ve probably heard someone mention they’re “in a consulting club,” but what does that actually mean? At UC Berkeley, these clubs are student-run teams that take on real projects for companies and nonprofits, helping them strategize, launch products, or drive social good. For many students, consulting clubs become a defining part of their college journey.
With so many clubs on campus, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Read on to learn about my own experience in a consulting club and to get an inside look at other popular consulting organizations at Cal. You can also narrow the search for yourself thanks to the Blue Heart Initiative on campus. The Blue Heart initiative is a feature on CalLink identifying registered student organizations that are classified as “open membership,” meaning all clubs with a blue heart [💙] next to their name on CalLink do not have formal application processes.
My experience: Business Careers in Entertainment Club (BCEC)
I joined the Business Careers in Entertainment Club (BCEC) through General Membership during fall of my sophomore year, not entirely sure what to expect. What immediately stood out to me was how welcoming and collaborative the environment was. BCEC is sponsored by both the Haas School of Business and Associated Students of the University of California and brings together more than 150 members to provide strategic solutions for companies in the media and entertainment industries.
Within BCEC, I found my place in the Digital Marketing Committee, where I’ve been involved every semester since joining. I started as an intern, returned as a consultant, and now lead as a project manager. Our team works on projects that blend creativity and business strategy, such as developing TikTok campaigns for global tech brands and designing digital experiences for lifestyle companies. Each semester brings new clients and challenges, which keeps the work fresh and exciting!
Spring 2025 Digital Marketing Committee members visit PayPal’s San Jose headquarters for their final deliverable.
Personal growth and community
Working in the Digital Marketing Committee has helped me grow in ways I didn’t anticipate. I’ve learned how to lead brainstorming sessions, communicate with clients, and think critically about audience engagement and campaign strategy. I’ve also developed practical skills in analytics, social media planning, and creative storytelling, which I’ve carried into internships and class projects outside of BCEC.
What I appreciate the most is the sense of community. BCEC has a culture that is both ambitious and supportive. We celebrate our wins, encourage each other through long work sessions, and make time for fun in between. From late-night deck edits before client presentations to spontaneous boba runs with my committee, these moments have become some of my favorite memories at Berkeley.
Fall 2025 Digital Marketing Committee members at BCEC’s Welcome Night.
BCEC has really shown me that consulting can be both strategic and creative. The projects push you to think critically while also giving space to experiment and collaborate. The people I’ve met through this club have shaped how I approach teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, and I truly can’t imagine my Berkeley experience without them.
Berkeley Consulting (BC)
Founded in 1996, Berkeley Consulting is the oldest consulting organization at UC Berkeley and very well known. BC partners with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits on projects in strategy, operations, and growth. In just the past year, members worked with clients across eight industries, presented research to the Biden-Harris administration, and even traveled to London and New York for client visits and alumni networking.
“Joining Berkeley Consulting has been one of the best decisions I’ve made at UC Berkeley. The exposure to high-impact work across industries and the professional mentorship I’ve received have been invaluable. What sets BC apart is its emphasis on professional development and community. Members participate in bi-weekly coaching sessions with representatives from top consulting firms, tech companies, and startup accelerators, gaining firsthand insight into career paths across industries. But what stands out the most about BC to me is the very tight-knit community culture called “BC Love.” In 2024 alone, members shared 30 meals, hosted over 25 socials, and maintained an impressive alumni response rate. We’re looking forward to many more fun events and BC Love this year!” — Audrey S., Class of 2026, majoring in economics, President
Berkeley Consulting members at their annual Alumni Brunch. Photo courtesy of Berkeley Consulting.
180 Degrees Consulting (180DC)
If you’re passionate about social impact, 180 Degrees Consulting (180DC) might be your perfect fit. As the Berkeley branch of the world’s largest student-run consultancy, 180DC works with nonprofits and social enterprises to strengthen their mission-driven initiatives.
“180 Degrees Consulting has been a gateway into the global world of social impact consulting and a close-knit community with a ‘work hard, play hard’ culture that feels like home. The projects we take on are meaningful and exciting, and our clients run the gamut from corporate ESG branches to national nonprofits. As a pre-law student, 180’s professional development resources and strong alumni network were instrumental in helping me land my internship at an intellectual property law firm. But beyond the career growth, what I value most are the people: my favorite memory is a spontaneous side quest to Portland with my lineage, thanks to our incredibly strong big-little system.” — Carol X., Class of 2027, majoring in media studies and political science, Director of Recruitment
Members of 180 Degrees Consulting at the end-of-semester banquet. Photo courtesy of 180 Degrees Consulting Berkeley.
180DC gives students the chance to apply their classroom learning to real-world causes, developing professional skills while making a tangible difference.
Valley Consulting Group (VCG)
For those interested in technology and innovation, Valley Consulting Group (VCG) is another standout. The club partners with leading Silicon Valley companies on projects that range from product launches and market entry to UX design and data-driven growth.
“VCG has by far been one of the most integral parts of my college experience personally, professionally, and everything in between. I joined as a freshman computer science major looking to break into tech, and while that’s what initially drew me to the club, I quickly realized how much more it offers. You don’t need to be in tech or even know exactly what you want to do. VCG supports and builds up every member, wherever they’re headed, with transferable skills like teamwork, public speaking, project management, and so much more. I found not only mentorship and career guidance but also lifelong friends, incredible memories, and a space to grow as a leader and a person. From late-night study sessions, to presenting at company HQs, to skiing on our retreats, VCG has shaped me in so many more ways than I ever expected.” — Emily T., Class of 2026, majoring in computer science, President
VCG combines the energy of the tech world with the supportive, student-led environment that makes consulting clubs so special.
Valley Consulting Group members visit Dolby’s San Francisco headquarters. Photo courtesy of Valley Consulting Group Berkeley.
Find your place
Spanning social impact, tech, entertainment, and business, Berkeley’s consulting clubs cover nearly every industry imaginable. Each club offers unique opportunities to build professional skills, connect with mentors, and find your people.
Consulting clubs at Cal are known to be competitive, but don’t let that discourage you from applying. Every organization looks for different qualities, and many students find the right fit after exploring a few clubs. Apply widely, stay open to feedback, and remember that persistence pays off.
A few topic-specific consulting clubs on campus are also part of the Blue Heart Initiative, making them open to all interested students, like the Core Consulting Group for undergraduates, Phalanx: Pre-Medical Consulting club, and the MBA graduate program Haas Consulting Club.
Most importantly, remember that you don’t have to plan on pursuing consulting professionally after graduation to benefit from joining a consulting club. The hands-on project experience helps you develop a mix of soft and hard skills that apply to almost any career path.
Whether you’re brainstorming creative campaigns, analyzing data, or pitching solutions to real clients, you’ll learn how to think strategically, adapt to challenges, and collaborate across disciplines. And beyond professional growth, you’ll find a community that supports you through late nights, big wins, and everything in between. These experiences often extend far beyond college, shaping your confidence, friendships, and perspective on what it means to create meaningful impact both at Berkeley and beyond.
Eugene Lee, Class of 2027, is majoring in media studies and cognitive science. Cover photo by Danielle Amelia Cruz Laserna.
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