The Bruin Development Academy engages students in a purposeful peer-to-peer learning environment designed to replicate the collaborative team-oriented dynamic that is a common experience in the professional world. Students learn and practice soft-skills required to be considered for highly coveted internships or entry-level positions. Students partake in hands-on professional development training designed to provide them with a skill set that will further distinguish them from other job candidates. All of this occurs within our innovative and interactive workshop setting.
The Academy experience is designed to provide participants with a competitive edge whether for internships or post-undergrad employment. UCLA alumni and friends are willing to help you learn what it takes to succeed in the field by providing important hands-on training and industry exposure.
Application Process
Students from all majors and class years are encouraged to apply.
Applications must be submitted for each individual Bruin Development Academy and can be found on each individual Bruin Development Academy webpage when available. Students are required to complete an application, submit a cover letter and submit a resume as part of the application process. Further details regarding each academy will be sent to students after their acceptance into the program.
2023 Programs
Investment Banking & Finance
The Bruin Development Academy (BDA) for Banking and Finance is designed for students interested in exploring and pursuing careers in finance! This program will introduce participants to the world of finance, provide a roadmap for pursuing summer internships, and will teach valuable communication and technical skills needed to succeed in this profession. Participants will have the opportunity to build a professional network of like-minded peers also interested in finance, and to connect with several UCLA alumni that currently work in finance.
Important Dates:
Thursday, January 12, from 6pm-8pm
Thursday, January 19, from 6pm-8pm
Thursday, January 26, from 6pm-8pm
Application:
Application closed
Consulting
The Bruin Development Academy (BDA) for Consulting engages students in a purposeful peer-to-peer learning environment designed to replicate the collaborative team-oriented dynamic that is a common experience in the professional world. Students learn and practice skills required to be considered for highly coveted internships and entry-level positions. Participants will have the opportunity to build a professional network of like-minded peers also interested in consulting, and to connect with several UCLA alumni that currently work in finance.
Important Dates:
Wednesday, April 12, from 6pm-8pm
Wednesday, April 19, from 6pm-8pm
Wednesday, April 26, from 6pm-8pm
Application:
Application Closed
Past Programs
Biopharam & Biotech
For students interested in biopharma and biotech, this Bruin Development Academy offers students the opportunity to gain exposure to the pharmaceutical industry as well as the variety of professional careers that are involved in moving drug discovery from ‘bench to bedside’. Professionals from the pharmaceutical industry are hosted each week targeting a specific aspect of the process and professional skills required to succeed in this industry.
Past speakers have included:
Jed Chatterton ’84, PhD ’91 (Scientist, Navigant)
Eric Gschweng, PhD ’15 (Scientist, Kite Pharma)
Kim Le ’01, MS ’04 (Scientist, Amgen)
Christopher Tan, PhD (Scientist, Amgen)
David Truong ’02, PharmD, MS (Global Regulatory Affairs, Tiva Pharmaceuticals)
Jason Kerr ’14, MS (Regulatory Science, Shire Pharmaceutical)
This academy course is a unique, hands-on program designed for UCLA students interested in consulting. Course topics focus on strengthening students’ critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, writing techniques and other consulting-specific skills to provide them with a more comprehensive academic and applied skill set. Consulting professionals share their experiences and professional advice in an effort to help students gain the exposure to the professional skills required to succeed in entry-level positions in one of the most sought after industries.
Past speakers have included:
Ayyub Bokhari (Associate, Mercer)
Jack Leonard (Senior Talent Analyst, Mercer)
Anne Nguyen, MPH (Project Manager, Cedars-Sinai)
Tom Seguine (Director of Special Projects, DaVita)
Max Cambras (Life Sciences Engagement Manger, L.E.K. Consulting)
Tiffany Le (Senior Associate Consultant, L.E.K. Consulting)
Jordan Myint (Associate Consultant, L.E.K. Consulting)
Corporate Finance
The Corporate Finance Bruin Development Academy is an intensive program taught by successful finance executives for UCLA students interested in pursuing a career in corporate finance. Topics have included financial statement analysis, valuation methods, business forecasting, and pricing among others. This program is designed to help students gain the skills they need to excel in this very competitive industry.
John Lam (Competition and Strategy Controller, Intel)
Andrew Tinseth (VP of Internal Audit, Chief Audit Executive, Western Digital)
Michael C. Iracondo ’91 (CTP, Assistant Treasurer, The Clorox Company)
Vera Fair ’01 (Business Manager, The Boeing Company)
Vince Aguilar ’88 (Director of Business Management, Northrop Grumman Corporation)
Entertainment
The entertainment series introduces students to creative development, film financing, pre-production, casting, physical production, post-production, editing and many other paths along the way. Participants have the opportunity to network with successful executives to learn about their career paths and newly minted assistants who can provide direct advice on how to break into this industry.
Past speakers have included:
Caye Bohn ’12 (Sales Coordinator, Sony Pictures Entertainment)
Caty Zick ’10 (Assistant to Micahel Rauch & Andrew Lenchewski)
David Neuman ’83 (President, Blackrock Productions)
Harold Lewis ’05 (CEO & Founder, Pitch2me & Filmbankers Internationl LLC)
Law
For students considering a future career in the legal field, the Bruin Development Academy on Law offers workshops introducing students to industry professionals who share their advice on what it takes to succeed in the competitive legal field. From applying to law school to securing internships to becoming a leader in the legal industry, this series aims at getting students started on the right path towards a successful legal career.
Past speakers have included:
Kendra Carney ’04, JD (Office of City Attorney)
Allison Hardgrove, JD (Staff Attorney, Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers)
Julie Holden, JD ’10 (Legal Counsel, Wedgewood)
Brian Li-A-Ping (JD Candidate, UCLA School of Law)
David Kirschner, JD (Associate Dean and Dean of Admissions, USC School of Law)
Jannell Roberts, JD (Admissions Officer, Layola Law School)
Danae McElroy, JD ’09 (Director of Admissions, UCLA School of Law)
Brian Li-A-Ping, JD ’16 (UCLA School of Law Alumnus)
Alex Ruiz, JD ’16 (UCLA School of Law Alumna)
Randi Brown, JD ’16 (UCLA School of Law Alumna)
Avis Ridley-Thomas ’96, JD ’99 (Judge, Orange County Superior Court)
Non-Profit
The non-profit academy course provides skills training and exposure to the non-profit industries in a variety of cause areas. Students learn about the business of non-profit management, how to apply for non-profit internships/jobs, how to work with volunteers, the financial underpinnings of the non-profit industry, and how to develop a network of alumni supporters.
Past speakers have included:
Abigail Levine, PhD ’12 (Prostate Cancer Foundation)
Dewayne Walton ’99, MBA, JD (Blue Shield of California)
Nile El Wardani, PhD, MPhil, MPH (World Health Organization)
Sharon Sandow ’94, JD (American Red Cross)
Sylvia Munos, MA (Easter Seals Southern California)
Public Health
For students interested in public health and the health sciences, the Bruin Development Academy on Public Health introduces students to professionals from a variety of public health backgrounds, working in a wide variety of fields. Students are given the opportunity to learn from the panelists about careers in the public health industry. Topics have included applying to public health programs, choosing the an area of public health that matches interest and experience, and thriving as a public health professional.
Past speakers have included:
Elizabeth Yzquierdo, EdD ’11, MPH (Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, FSPH, UCLA)
Karen Kim, JD, MPH (Legal Specialist/Attorney, LA Care Health Plan)
Anne Nguyen, MPH (Project Manager, Cedars Sinai)
Calvin Wong, MS (Hazardous Materials Specialist, UCLA)
Kristin Cook, MPH ’00 (Director of Public Safety, City of West Hollywood)
Sylvia Estafan, MPH ’07 (Project Coordinator II | CHLA, Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center)
Patrick Errett ’89 (Directory of Training Services, LAFD)
Grace Tan ’01, MPH (Health Program Analyst, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health)
Jenna Arzinger, MPH ’14 (Project Manager, UCLA Department of Medicine)
Karen Roque, MPH ’14 (Title X Program Manager, UCLA Ob/Gyn Clinic)
Marika Booth, MS ’98 (Statistical Analyst, Rand Corporation)
Self-Innovation Lab
For students interested in public health and the health sciences, the Bruin Development Academy on Public Health introduces students to professionals from a variety of public health backgrounds, working in a wide variety of fields. Students are given the opportunity to learn from the panelists about careers in the public health industry. Topics have included applying to public health programs, choosing the an area of public health that matches interest and experience, and thriving as a public health professional.
Past speakers have included:
Elizabeth Yzquierdo, EdD ’11, MPH (Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, FSPH, UCLA)
Karen Kim, JD, MPH (Legal Specialist/Attorney, LA Care Health Plan)
Anne Nguyen, MPH (Project Manager, Cedars Sinai)
Calvin Wong, MS (Hazardous Materials Specialist, UCLA)
Kristin Cook, MPH ’00 (Director of Public Safety, City of West Hollywood)
Sylvia Estafan, MPH ’07 (Project Coordinator II | CHLA, Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center)
Patrick Errett ’89 (Directory of Training Services, LAFD)
Grace Tan ’01, MPH (Health Program Analyst, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health)
Jenna Arzinger, MPH ’14 (Project Manager, UCLA Department of Medicine)
