The career coaching and mentorship provided by the UC Berkeley Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program (SSCRIP) helps students like political economy major Uzair Pasta explore their interdisciplinary interests and prepare for diverse careers after graduation.
Pasta — who has interest in the law, business and tech industries, along with political science, policy and advocacy — joined SSCRIP as a way to learn how his social sciences background can help him build a career that integrates all of his passions. He also hopes to gain the skills necessary to build his own online freelance venture, Rizq, into a long-lasting business.
The internship program is supporting Pasta's goal through an upcoming summer internship at a tech startup in Madrid, where he will gain real-world insights into how international businesses are established and sustained.
Berkeley Social Sciences spoke with Pasta about his business aspirations and career goals, and how SSCRIP is helping him reach them. This interview has been edited for clarity.
Can you share your journey to UC Berkeley and what led you to SSCRIP?
Uzair Pasta: My journey to UC Berkeley began at El Camino Community College in Torrance, CA, where I not only built a strong academic foundation but also developed a deep sense of purpose. During my time there, I explored my passion for political science, advocacy and social impact, while also growing as a leader in my community. Taking a gap year before transferring allowed me to focus on my faith, mental and physical well-being, and personal growth — experiences that reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career that aligns with my values.
SSCRIP stood out to me as a program that bridges academic learning with real-world career readiness. I was drawn to the opportunity to gain mentorship, explore different career paths and refine my professional skills, all within a community of like-minded students. Given my aspirations in law, policy and tech-driven social impact, SSCRIP felt like the perfect way to develop a strategic approach to my career.
What has been your favorite part of the program so far, and why?
Uzair Pasta: One of my favorite parts of SSCRIP has been the career coaching and mentorship opportunities. Having access to professionals who have navigated diverse career paths in the social sciences has been incredibly valuable. It's one thing to have an abstract idea of what you want to do after graduation, but it's another to hear directly from people who have been in your shoes and have successfully built careers in law, policy, tech and social impact.
Additionally, the alumni panels have been particularly inspiring because they highlight the many ways a social sciences background can translate into meaningful work. Seeing those success stories reassures me that my interdisciplinary interests — combining political science, technology and community-driven initiatives — are not only possible but can also be a strength.
What are some of the key takeaways you have learned from the alumni panels, career coaching and/or workshops?
Uzair Pasta: One of the biggest takeaways has been the importance of networking and relationship-building. Almost every speaker has emphasized that career success isn't just about skills and qualifications — it's about forming genuine connections with people who can guide and support you along the way.
Another key lesson is the value of adaptability. Many alumni shared stories of how their careers took unexpected turns, and rather than seeing that as a setback, they viewed it as an opportunity for growth. This perspective resonates with me, especially as someone exploring multiple career pathways in law, entrepreneurship and policy.
Finally, the workshops have reinforced the significance of storytelling in professional settings. Whether it's through a resume, cover letter or interview, how I present my experiences and values matters just as much as the experiences themselves. Being able to effectively communicate my journey — from my gap year to my work with my own venture and my leadership at Berkeley — has been a critical skill I've honed through SSCRIP.
Can you tell us about the internship you will be pursuing this summer, and how SSCRIP is preparing you for it?
Uzair Pasta: I'm currently set to intern in Madrid in the entrepreneurship space because I want to have an interdisciplinary education and gain global experience in the intersection of business, technology and innovation. Tech is the future, and I see entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for creating real, scalable impact. By immersing myself in Madrid's startup ecosystem, I hope to gain firsthand insights into how businesses are built, scaled and sustained in an international context.
These skills are directly tied to my long-term vision for Rizq — an online freelance marketplace designed to empower refugees, Muslims and immigrant communities by connecting them with work opportunities. Rizq aims to bridge economic gaps by providing a culturally conscious platform that uplifts underrepresented freelancers while also offering high-quality services to clients. Through this internship, I want to refine my ability to build and scale a business, leveraging technology to create a sustainable and impactful platform.
SSCRIP is preparing me for this experience by sharpening my professional skills, helping me refine my career goals and connecting me with mentors who have experience in business, law and policy. The program has also reinforced the importance of adaptability, strategic networking and storytelling — skills that will be crucial as I work toward building Rizq into a thriving platform that serves communities in need.
Looking ahead, how do you think the tools you are learning in SSCRIP will help you as you start your career after graduation?
Uzair Pasta: The skills I'm developing in SSCRIP — networking, strategic career planning and professional storytelling — are going to be invaluable as I navigate my career after graduation. Whether I pursue law school, expand Rizq, or work in policy and advocacy, the ability to build strong professional relationships and adapt to different opportunities will be crucial.
Additionally, SSCRIP has reinforced the importance of mentorship and community in career development. I want to carry that forward by not only seeking guidance from experienced professionals but also by eventually mentoring others who are on similar paths. The program has given me a long-term perspective on career growth — one that's not just about landing a job, but about continuously learning, evolving and making a meaningful impact.