UC Berkeley Economics and Data Science alumna Shrinidhi Gopal recently started working as a product manager at Palo Alto Networks, a leading cybersecurity company, since graduating from Cal in May.
Gopal attributes this opportunity to being a dual major, which taught her how to approach things from a technical and macro-economic perspective in her current role. She also highlighted the range of professional development resources offered at Berkeley, from the Career Center to her time as ASUC president.
At Palo Alto Networks, Gopal collaborates with engineering and business teams, connecting different parts of the company to help products grow and improve. The company’s cybersecurity solutions protect clients’ data, digital systems and networks worldwide. She says she’s excited to contribute to its mission.
Gopal spoke to Berkeley Social Sciences recently about how double-majoring in economics and data science prepared her for a tech career and offered advice for recent Cal grads seeking opportunities in the job market today. This interview has been edited for clarity.
As a Cal alumna who just graduated in May, how were you able to land a job at Palo Alto Networks?
Shrinidhi Gopal: As a recent grad, I got the opportunity to work as a product manager at Palo Alto Networks, a leading cybersecurity company. I definitely credit getting this job with being a student at Berkeley, especially in Berkeley's new college of Computing, Data Science and Society. The network at Berkeley also helped get my resume in the spaces that it needed to get into. Having alumni who work at so many different tech companies in Silicon Valley really helps. The prestige and pedigree of having a Berkeley degree in the tech space really helps as well.
How did double-majoring in economics and data science at UC Berkeley prepare you for this opportunity?
Shrinidhi Gopal: I think studying data science and economics gave me a well-rounded perspective, where I could think about things from a technical angle, but also from a perspective of how the macro-economic climate affects wherever I'm working and the products. Studying economics in particular taught me how to think critically about trade-offs, incentives and how people make decisions — which has been super relevant as a product manager. A lot of the work comes down to understanding what users need, prioritizing limited resources and making thoughtful choices based on data and context. My econ background helped me build that mindset and approach problems with both structure and flexibility.
What are your responsibilities at Palo Alto Networks?
Shrinidhi Gopal: My role as product manager combines engineering and computer science with business, sales and design. It’s a role that connects different aspects of the company and its business. So it's definitely a unique spot to be in. I'm really excited about this role. In some sort of way, it is a leadership role. Traditionally, a product manager is someone who drives the vision of the product forward. People at the company look to them to build consensus amongst all these different teams with conflicting opinions and ideas based on their subject matter expertise and what they specialize in.
What is your advice to other recent Cal grads who are seeking to land in a job in this tough economy?
Shrinidhi Gopal: In the age of AI, where you know you can virtually learn information the way you like to learn, very easily, compared to in the past, I think people should really make use of that. Don’t be afraid to apply to roles that you feel like you don't have a ton of experience in. You never know. Just try to shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.
Any tips on resumes, cover letters and job interviews?
Shrinidhi Gopal: I think utilizing the Berkeley Career Center. They do workshops on resumes. The ASUC also has a lot of professional development resources. I think capitalizing on all the different things that Berkeley offers is a really good way to get started. Also, just using Google online, you can learn so much about what a good resume for a tech job or a software engineer looks like? Or, what does a good resume for a consultant look like if you want to apply to consulting firms? There's so much information out online. It’s just up to you to go out and find it.
What do you think are the biggest things employers seek in job candidates who are recent college graduates?
Shrinidhi Gopal: Since I really haven't been on the side of the person hiring someone, just from my personal experience of interviewing people for my ASUC office as the former president or recruitment for my sorority, I think one of the biggest things that people look for is someone who knows how to carry themselves with grace. In interviews, if the person can carry a conversation, communicate things effectively, and is polished with those kinds of things, that’s huge. Sometimes communication is a big skill that people undervalue. I think it's something that we should all work and focus on, including me.
