Beyond BWIB: Ayushi Srivastava’s Path from Berkeley to Healthcare Finance

Ayushi is a former Berkeley Women in Business member and UC Berkeley alumna, graduating in May 2024. With experience in startups, research, and operations, she now works under Gilead Sciences, supporting clinical trials and partnering with teams across the company. She leverages her business and analytical background to make a tangible impact in the healthcare space while embracing opportunities to travel and grow professionally.

What experiences during college helped prepare you for your current path?

I explored a variety of roles and industries before deciding on healthcare finance, believing that trying different things was key to discovering my path. I worked in fintech, lab research for a small biotech company, operations, and even pursued a journalism minor. These experiences taught me how to adapt, problem-solve, and collaborate with diverse teams. College classes gave me foundational knowledge, but hands-on experiences shaped my understanding of how business works in the real world.

What inspired you to pursue healthcare finance specifically?

While I admired the allure of large tech companies, I wanted to work for a company with passion and purpose. Supporting clinical trials and serving as a financial partner allows me to contribute directly to advancing healthcare and medicine. Being in a rotational program under the CFO’s office gives me exposure to multiple aspects of finance while still focusing on work that matters to patients and the company.

How did your involvement in BWIB influence your journey?

BWIB was critical in helping me navigate my career after graduation. Attending events built my confidence and helped me see a community of women I could turn to for support. Even now, I maintain those connections and was invited to speak at the annual BWIB conference. The organization provided a safe space, mentorship, and the courage to pursue a career path where I didn’t always see women represented, particularly in commercial healthcare finance.

What advice would you give current BWIB members navigating their career paths?

Reach out to as many people as you can and frame your conversations around their experiences rather than just asking for advice. Networking isn’t just about getting a job, it’s about learning from others and understanding how they navigated challenges. Be open to pivoting, exploring new industries, and taking chances, like volunteering for opportunities that others might shy away from.

What is the most important lesson you want students to take away from your journey?

Ayushi’s story highlights the importance of exploration, networking, and self-care. By embracing diverse experiences, seeking mentorship, and taking thoughtful risks, she has built a career that bridges finance and healthcare, proving that curiosity, persistence, and confidence can open doors to meaningful impact.

Quote: "Take chances, seek out experiences, and trust that exploration leads to growth."

Interview: BWIB Ayushi Srivastava Interview.mp4

Beyond BWIB: Rebecca Hu’s Path from Berkeley to Medicine

Rebecca Hu is a former Berkeley Women in Business member and UC Berkeley alumna. With a background in biology and business, she has pursued research, biotech consulting, and medical training, aiming to make a direct impact on patients’ lives. She was involved in BWIB for two years, serving as an Administrative Committee member, Corporate Relations Committee member, and Vice President of Corporate Relations.

What experiences during college helped prepare you for your current path?

I spent 3 to 4 years doing undergraduate research, learning how to design experiments, analyze data, and understand why research matters. Leadership roles in consulting organizations like Atlas Strategy Group helped me develop project management and problem-solving skills. In iGEM, a student-led research club, I worked on projects from concept to data collection and evaluation.

What inspired you to pursue medicine specifically?

I realized the most rewarding path was one where I could directly impact people’s lives. Medicine allows me to combine my research expertise with hands-on patient care. Shadowing doctors and participating in procedures has allowed me to see the tangible impact of my work.

How did your involvement in BWIB influence your journey?
BWIB played a key role by providing networking opportunities, leadership experiences, and access to alumni mentors. Serving as an Administrative Committee member, Corporate Relations Committee member, and Vice President of Corporate Relations helped me leverage connections to explore career opportunities.

What advice would you give current BWIB members navigating their career paths?
Don’t panic if your career path changes; pivots are common. Network intentionally through BWIB events and alumni connections. Leverage resources to explore internships, mentorships, and career paths. Build relationships with upperclassmen early; they have knowledge that can accelerate your growth.

What is the most important lesson you want students to take away from your journey?
Rebecca’s story highlights the importance of exploration, networking, and hands-on experience. By combining research, leadership, and a willingness to pivot, she built a career bridging science, business, and medicine, proving that curiosity and dedication can lead to meaningful impact.

Quote: "Challenges are learning opportunities. Don’t avoid them. Reflect, adapt, and grow."

Interview: BWIB Rebecca Hu Interview.mp4