After finding his footing at UC Berkeley as a sophomore, Steve Suda came to love the energy, diversity and people that made campus feel like home. Decades later, his connection to Berkeley remains strong.
As a political economy graduate, Suda now gives back to Berkeley by serving on advisory boards, mentoring students and encouraging fellow alumni to support the university’s mission. Through his involvement, Suda hopes to give current students the support they need to thrive.
Suda recently spoke to Berkeley Social Sciences about his Cal experiences and the ways he gives back. This interview has been edited for clarity.
What was your degree in and why did you choose it?
Steve Suda: I graduated from the political economy of industrialized societies program in 1981. I was interested in understanding Japanese business, its culture and its role in the global economy. Political economy also offered me a more interdisciplinary curriculum than any other major. I loved taking in-depth courses in cultural anthropology and history in addition to quantitative economics and finance courses.
What was your experience like at UC Berkeley?
Steve Suda: As a freshman, I found UC Berkeley overwhelming. However, I finally settled in my sophomore year and loved it all: the diversity, the energy, and most of all, the people. My professors, fellow students and the Berkeley community at large were all incredible.
What career did you pursue after Berkeley?
Steve Suda: After graduation, I moved to Tokyo to continue my studies at Keio University, where I studied Japanese, Japanese economics and cultural anthropology. After 18 months of studies, I joined a Japanese consumer electronics company as their first non-Japanese full-time employee. My entrance test, which was required for all employees at that company, was a comprehensive English test! Fortunately, I passed.
I was responsible for sales and marketing in Canada, the Middle East and Australia before taking on a similar role for the U.S. market. I then worked at Stanford for 30 years, where I established and led the International Division in their Office of Development. I am now a partner of a seed-stage venture capital firm which backs a number of Berkeley-connected startups.
How did your Berkeley experience prepare you for your career?
Steve Suda: It helped me profoundly. I felt better equipped to navigate the world after my time at Berkeley. I learned to stay curious and open, to ask better questions and to ignore convention.
What advice would you give Berkeley Social Sciences students who wish to pursue a similar career path?
Steve Suda: Stay true to your heart and trust your gut.
How have you given back to UC Berkeley?
Steve Suda: I’ve joined two Berkeley advisory boards. I am honored to work with faculty, staff, alumni and students in figuring out ways to advance the university’s mission of teaching and research. Helping with fundraising is a big part of that effort.
I particularly enjoy mentoring students – I want them to learn from my career mistakes! I also encourage my family and friends who are Berkeley alumni to support their alma mater and to put Berkeley in their estate planning, which I have done.