Navigating Internship Opportunities at Berkeley SkyDeck: A Comprehensive Guide

UC Berkeley's SkyDeck stands as a prominent startup accelerator, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Situated atop the tallest building in downtown Berkeley, SkyDeck distinguishes itself by merging the strategic guidance of traditional accelerators with the extensive resources of a leading research university. This article delves into the various internship opportunities available at Berkeley SkyDeck, providing a detailed overview for prospective applicants.

What is Berkeley SkyDeck?

Berkeley SkyDeck is the official startup accelerator of UC Berkeley. It aims to assist both Cal entrepreneurs and startups with high transformational potential. SkyDeck has cultivated a robust global reputation since 2012, leveraging a vast network of 500,000 Berkeley Alumni to bolster the success of its startups. The accelerator provides early access to exceptional founders, cutting-edge technology, and well-defined pathways to scale.

SkyDeck operates through a structured approach, providing startups with curated workshops led by expert advisors. This structured environment helps new companies navigate the challenges of early-stage growth and development.

SkyDeck Programs Overview

SkyDeck offers several programs tailored to different stages of startup development:

SkyDeck Accelerator Program: A 6-month acceleration process known as the SkyDeck Berkeley Acceleration Method, designed for promising startups across various industries.
Pad-13: This program is geared towards early-stage startups focused on growth. It is designed to make them more competitive for selection into SkyDeck’s main Accelerator program. Pad-13 is suitable for startups that are as early as the idea stage, often with just one or two founders.
HotDesk: Designed for startups in the early stages of their lifecycle.
Innovation Partner Program (IPP): This program offers partners the chance to send startups for a 3-month acceleration period at SkyDeck.

Internship Opportunities

Berkeley SkyDeck provides many internship opportunities for UC Berkeley students, offering valuable experience in the startup ecosystem.

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SkyDeck Intern Scholarship

The SkyDeck Intern Scholarship supports UC Berkeley undergraduate students who face financial difficulties by offering them paid internships at SkyDeck startups. This initiative is made possible through generous donations, such as the Ru and Wu Innovation Fund created by Simon Ru and Sharon Wu. The fund supports stipends for students participating in the Berkeley SkyDeck Intern Program, specifically awarded to those with demonstrated financial need. To qualify for this award, students must intern for at least 15 hours per week during the fall or spring semester. It's important to note that this award is an additive for students already receiving financial aid.

Intern Fairs and Selection Process

SkyDeck hosts three intern fairs each year specifically for UC Berkeley students. These fairs provide a platform for students to connect with SkyDeck startups and explore potential internship opportunities. SkyDeck also selects approximately 10 interns through these fairs to assist with its programs.

SkyDeck ACE Intern Program

Students who secure an internship at a SkyDeck startup are eligible to participate in the SkyDeck ACE Intern Program. This program includes a series of workshops focused on entrepreneurship, culminating in a SkyDeck ACE Certificate upon completion.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for SkyDeck internships, students should be:

Enrolled at UC Berkeley.
Available to work at least 15 hours per week during the fall or spring semester to qualify for the SkyDeck Intern Scholarship.
Interested in entrepreneurship and startups.

How to Apply

Students interested in participating in the intern fairs should complete the form provided by SkyDeck. This ensures they receive updates and information about upcoming internship opportunities.

Benefits of Interning at SkyDeck

Interning at Berkeley SkyDeck offers numerous benefits for students interested in entrepreneurship and the startup world:

Hands-on Experience: Interns gain practical experience working directly with startups, contributing to their growth and development.
Networking Opportunities: SkyDeck provides a platform to connect with founders, mentors, advisors, and investors within the Berkeley startup ecosystem.
Skill Development: Interns develop valuable skills in areas such as business strategy, marketing, finance, and technology.
Entrepreneurship Education: The SkyDeck ACE Intern Program offers workshops and resources that enhance understanding of entrepreneurship.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

SkyDeck is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within its programs. In 2018, SkyDeck launched a DEI committee to support its mission of achieving equitable access and greater diversity. Since then, SkyDeck has significantly increased the number of startups founded by female and historically overlooked founders. SkyDeck also continues to expand its network of advisors and mentors who are dedicated to supporting founders from diverse cultural, racial, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Success Stories and Impact

SkyDeck has a proven track record of supporting successful startups. Alumni have gone on to achieve significant milestones, including securing substantial funding and creating jobs. For example, Bakar Labs companies, which have called SkyDeck home since 2022, have collectively raised over $1 billion in cumulative funding and created over 500 jobs across California and beyond.

SkyDeck Fund

The Berkeley SkyDeck Fund serves as the investment partner for the SkyDeck Accelerator Program. The Fund invests $200,000 into each startup that goes through SkyDeck and may participate in later-stage investment rounds with Berkeley founders. Notably, in a pioneering public-private partnership, the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund shares half of its fund profits with UC Berkeley. The fund is managed by Chon Tang, Managing Partner, and Brian Bordley, Partner.

Global Reach

SkyDeck attracts startups from all over the world, with a significant portion historically founded outside the United States. To be eligible for SkyDeck, at least one team member must be UC-affiliated or qualify as a "global" founder. UC affiliation includes founders, investors, advisors, or board members associated with UC Berkeley, another University of California campus, or Berkeley Lab (LBNL).

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