Berkeley Energy and Resources Collaborative (Graduate group)
Environmental/Sustainability·Research·Consulting·Community Service/Nonprofit
BERC is a student-run, multidisciplinary network spanning 11 colleges and 28 departments at UC Berkeley, focused on energy and environmental challenges. Members attend monthly BERCshop panels, annual Energy Summit and Resources Symposium conferences, career treks to Bay Area energy companies, and climate dinners. A buddy program pairs students with industry professionals, a consulting group (Berkeley Innovative Solutions) connects grad students to real clients, and a Slack workspace surfaces job postings and climate news year-round.
40+
Events hosted per year
11
Colleges represented
28
Departments represented
2006
Year founded
3-8
BIS Consulting hours per week per student
8-10
BIS Consulting project length in weeks
Events They Host
Energy Summit (annual, spring)
Annual spring conference featuring panels, a career fair, and an Innovation Exposition showcasing student research. The 2023 summit drew 400 attendees and was described as one of the largest student-run conferences nationwide. The 2025 theme was 'Scaling Our Energy Future: Coalitions for Innovation and Investment.'
Resources Symposium (annual, fall)
Annual fall conference focused on the resources space, featuring panel discussions, a research exposition, a career fair, and a startup pitch competition. The 2023 edition drew over 350 attendees across two days and covered mineral management.
Climate Change 101
Annual kickoff event at the start of fall semester introducing students to the science and policy of climate change. Open to all Berkeley students.
BERCshops
Monthly panel events bringing in industry leaders to discuss topics ranging from nuclear energy to plastic pollution. Often feature student and alumni work.
Clean Energy Speaker Series (CESS / MBA 294)
Formal Haas MBA course (1 unit credit) held each fall. Speakers are typically alumni and leaders in energy, natural resources, and impact investing. Past speakers from PG&E, Tesla, Rivian, Google, Intersect Power, and many others.
Clean Energy Case Competition
Open competition held in conjunction with the Energy Summit. Participants analyze real energy industry scenarios and propose actionable strategies. Open to teams from across UC Berkeley.
Career Fairs (Energy Summit and Resources Symposium)
Two career fairs per year, one at each annual conference, connecting students with climate tech, renewable energy, and natural resources companies.
AgTech and FoodTech Against Climate Change Conference
Conference organized by BERC bringing together students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and companies to address food and agriculture emissions. April 2023 edition featured speakers from Plenty, AgFunder, Impact Food, Sundial Foods, and Mooji Meats.
Women in Energy Event
Annual panel event open to all women and allies focused on gender equity and leadership in the energy sector.
Member Experiences
Career Treks to Bay Area Companies
Visits to Bay Area energy and resources companies and startups. Past treks have included a visit to Altamont Wind Farm.
Climate Dinners
Small, casual dinners of 4-6 students held throughout the summer and early fall to help members connect.
Happy Hours and Social Mixers
Regular social gatherings at rotating bars in the Berkeley and Oakland area.
BERC Research Monthly Meetings
Monthly meetings where members share their research, discuss interesting articles, and get feedback on their work.
Buddy Program (Mentorship)
Pairs current students with industry professionals. Graduate students can also be paired as mentors with BERC-U undergraduates.
Fall Kick-Off Event
Welcome event at the start of fall semester for new BERC members.
Lunch and Learns (Fall)
Series of fall lunch events introducing students to the basics of the energy and resources space.