TAKE MY WORD FOR IT: Julie Coheleah (Bo 221) recalls the US master's application process and her joys and challenges on UC Berkeley campus

Details: Published: 11 November 2024

TAKE MY WORD FOR IT:

Julie Coheleah (Bo 221) on the application process and her master's year at UC Berkeley -

The U.S. master’s application process begins over a year before the departure date, starting in the first year as a student at Arts et Métiers. The initial phase is the internal application to the Parcours US, which involves selection based on grades or class rank, a resume, and a Statement of Purpose (SOP). All accepted students spend their second year in Paris to navigate the actual application process together.

The second application phase, where students apply directly to universities, takes approximately six months, from July to December. Students must take language tests (TOEFL and GRE), obtain three letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or internship supervisors, write an SOP and a Personal History Statement (PHS), and provide an American-style resume. This is a lengthy process, so starting early is recommended.

Acceptance and deferral letters are typically sent out from February to April. This period is crucial for making final decisions and preparing to cross the Atlantic. I chose Berkeley’s Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research with a concentration in Fintech. The classes (which offer limited flexibility) include:

Optimization Analytics (Linear Programming)
Risk Modeling (Probabilities)
Financial Engineering
Introduction to Machine Learning for Electronic Markets

I also took a supply chain course, as I knew I wanted to work in that field.

My transition to Berkeley was smooth, as I opted to live in a dorm (the International House). I highly recommend this experience; it allowed me to meet amazing friends from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The dorm is comfortable, the food is the best on campus, and it’s ideally located!

Despite my busy class schedule, I found time to socialize and explore San Francisco. There are free classes at the main gym, orchestra events, and many other activities, so I’ve never been bored!

The most challenging aspect was finding a job in the current market as an international student. I began applying in September, right after arriving at Berkeley, and I secured a position in July—almost a year later. There’s definitely a strategy involved, which I didn’t grasp at first. It’s important to apply at the right time (small and mid-sized companies usually don’t hire months in advance), target the right companies (it’s quite challenging to get into major firms like Google or Meta without permanent residency and work experience), and seek support when possible, such as referrals or direct contacts with hiring managers. However, most students end up finding a position after the master!