UC Berkeley vs NYU for business: which is better for undergrad networking and internships?

For undergraduate networking and internships in business, NYU usually gives more immediate day-to-day access, while UC Berkeley often offers a broader and equally powerful network if you are proactive. NYU’s location in Manhattan means students can intern during the school year more easily, attend employer events nearby, and build connections in finance, consulting, media, luxury, and startups without needing to leave the city. Berkeley has exceptional recruiting strength too, especially through Haas, the Bay Area startup and tech ecosystem, and its alumni base, but students often need to be more intentional about navigating a larger campus and competitive opportunities.

NYU is a strong match for a student who wants business opportunities woven into everyday college life. Being in New York makes informational interviews, part-time internships during semesters, and networking events much more accessible, especially in industries where in-person presence still matters. Stern undergrads benefit from a very career-focused culture, and that can make the internship pipeline feel more built into the student experience from early on.

Berkeley makes more sense for a student who wants access to top-tier business outcomes but is comfortable chasing them in a bigger, less hand-held environment. Haas has a strong reputation with employers, and Berkeley students tap into powerful networks in consulting, finance, entrepreneurship, and especially tech-related business roles. The Bay Area is a major advantage if you are interested in product, venture, startups, fintech, or business roles tied to technology, and Berkeley’s alumni network is enormous and influential.

One practical difference is structure. At NYU, the path from campus to employer is often physically straightforward because companies are right there. At Berkeley, opportunities are absolutely there, but students often rely more on clubs, alumni outreach, career fairs, and summer recruiting cycles rather than quick subway access to internships during the semester.

If your priority is semester-time internships and constant in-person networking, NYU has the edge. If you want a huge, prestigious network with especially strong access to tech-business opportunities and you are confident about being proactive, Berkeley can be just as rewarding and sometimes even more versatile.