Economics and Cognitive Science junior Pilar Capdevila gravitated towards the UC Berkeley Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program (SSCRIP) seeking mentorship and valuable industry insights. The program prepares Social Sciences students for meaningful careers through professional development training and paid summer internships.
Growing up in Madrid, Spain, Capdevila came to Cal after completing her first two years at Sciences Po Paris in Reims, France, through the Science Po-UC Berkeley dual degree program. She is now finishing her last two years at UC Berkeley, before receiving bachelor’s degrees in economics and cognitive science from each institution.
As an international student, she felt like the U.S. job market was a bit intimidating, so she believed landing an internship would help her career prospects. SSCRIP instructors went far beyond just giving her advice. They designed a personalized program to help Capdevila achieve her goals of becoming an entrepreneur.
Berkeley Social Sciences spoke with Capdevila about her experience in SSCRIP and what the program has taught her so far. This interview has been edited for clarity.
Tell me about your background and what led you to UC Berkeley
Pilar Capdevila: Growing up in Madrid, Spain, I was always eager to understand the world beyond my immediate surroundings. After completing the International Baccalaureate program, I took my first leap abroad to Sciences Po in Paris, drawn by my interest in international politics and my desire to immerse myself in a new environment.
As I delved into my studies, I found myself increasingly fascinated by economics—how it shapes societies, decisions and opportunities. That discovery led me to apply for the Sciences Po-UC Berkeley dual degree program, seeking a broader, more interdisciplinary academic experience. Berkeley, in turn, opened yet another door: cognitive science. Its intersection of neuroscience, computer science and decision-making was exactly what I had been searching for without realizing it.
Why did you apply for the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program (SSCRIP)?
Pilar Capdevila: As an international student, I recognized how crucial securing an internship would be for my future career opportunities. Breaking into the U.S. job market felt daunting, making SSCRIP’s hands-on approach to mentorship and career-readiness skills especially appealing. The program offered more than just theoretical career advice—it provided direct access to professionals, valuable industry insights and most importantly, a network of peers and mentors who had also been in such positions.
How has SSCRIP helped you achieve your goals?
Pilar Capdevila: Since joining SSCRIP, I've made significant progress toward my primary goal of shaping my long-term career path, starting with securing a summer internship at an AI startup. Two aspects of the program have been transformative: the comprehensive formal training, which covers everything from curriculum vitae (CV) crafting to mastering the Situation, Task, Action and Result (STAR) interview technique for behavioral-based questions, and the invaluable connections I've made. Through the program, I've connected with alumni who share my interests and most significantly, found a mentor who's helping me think strategically about my career trajectory.
How has the program addressed challenges as a Social Sciences student navigating the job market?
Pilar Capdevila: SSCRIP tackles the challenging questions head-on. While career paths in tech or finance often follow clear trajectories, Social Sciences students face unique challenges in articulating our value. The program has taught me how to effectively communicate how my critical thinking, adaptability and problem-solving skills translate into valuable business assets. SSCRIP truly demystifies this process for students like me.
How do you feel about SSCRIP?
Pilar Capdevila: SSCRIP for me is a launchpad. It doesn’t just throw generic career advice at you; it meets you where you are, tailoring guidance to your own individual aspirations. This individualized approach has made it incredibly valuable for my development. Moreover, SSCRIP acts as a powerful equalizer, opening doors for students from diverse backgrounds where such opportunities aren't always readily available.
What has been your favorite memory while in the program?
Pilar Capdevila: While SSCRIP has given me many memorable moments, the talk by UC Berkeley Business alumnus Kevin Chou and Cognitive Science alumnus Phillip Hyun stands out particularly. Their insights on setbacks, calculated risks and meaningful innovation deeply resonated with me. Their stories reinforced my entrepreneurial ambitions and reminded me that success comes from forging your own unique path.
What are your future career plans?
Pilar Capdevila: My goal is to become an entrepreneur, who leverages my unique background in economics, cognitive science and strategy to develop innovative business solutions. My Berkeley experience and SSCRIP involvement have strengthened this ambition. Through both experiences, I've witnessed firsthand how taking initiative, building strong networks and embracing adaptability are fundamental qualities for successful entrepreneurship.