Rupinderpal Singh Grewal
University of California-Berkeley’s Haas School of Business
Hometown: San Bruno, CA
High School: Capuchino High School
Major: Business Administration with Accounting emphasis
Favorite Business Courses: Organizational Behavior, Improvisational Leadership, Introduction to Finance, Intermediate Financial Accounting
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- Co-President of Bhagat Puran Singh Health Initiative
- Economics and Financial Accounting Tutor (less than 3% of students are hired as tutors through the Haas tutoring program)
- Dean’s List recipient (2 semesters at Cal and 6 semesters at College of San Mateo)
- Allan R. Brown Outstanding Service & Leadership Award
- President, VP of Finance and Communication of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at College of San Mateo
- Summa Cum Laude graduate from community college
- Student speaker at community college graduation
- Member of Beta Gamma Sigma, top business honor society.
Where have you interned during your college career? I have interned at BDO in San Jose as a tax intern.
What did you enjoy most about majoring in a business-related field? I enjoy the fundamental tenet of business – connecting with and building long-lasting mutually symbiotic and meaningful relationships. Business in my eyes is a subject that is as much art as it as technical, because one can use the knowledge in every professional dimension.
Where would you like to work after graduation? After graduation, I will be working at BDO in their audit department as an associate.
What are your long-term professional goals? Before starting my entrepreneurial venture, I would like to be a CFO at a firm and advise the board of directors and the CEO on measures to optimize financial performance.
“I knew I wanted to major in business when… I knew I wanted to pursue business even as child while observing my father, who was a driven entrepreneur. Coming from a family with an ancestral background in agricultural business and commerce, I knew it was my calling at a very young age.”
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…definitely an engineer. But I have no clue what kind of engineer!”
What was the happiest moment of your life? The happiest moment of my life, hands down, was the moment I showed my parents the Haas School of Business. I could sense their happiness and pride as we navigated through the school. It was their hard work and sacrifices that culminated in my admission to Haas.
Which academic or personal achievement are you most proud of? The “Best and Brightest” nomination has been nothing short of a tremendous honor. I’m really proud, thankful, and grateful for this achievement.
What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand (and why)? I feel that an eagle would embody my professional brand. The eagle soars high but always keeps its sight on the ground. I deeply resonate with that because I have high aspirations and goals, but try my best to stay grounded.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would most want to thank my parents for my success. I am who I am because of them. They have been a continuous source of unconditional support since day one. I really couldn’t do it without their support.
Fun fact about yourself: I own more than 40 turbans of different colors. So if you think of a color, I probably have that in my collection!
Favorite book: People Skills by Robert Bolton
Favorite movie: Inside Out
Favorite musical performer: Ranjit Singh Bawa
Favorite vacation spot: Yosemite Park for a soothing vacation and break from technology.
What are your hobbies? I love dancing and reading. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.
What made Rupinder such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2016?
“In all classroom interactions I’ve witnessed, Rupinder brings an interesting blend of both dignity and warmth. He is simultaneously professional and playful, equally strong and warm. I can say he fully embodies a key Berkeley-Haas principle: Confidence Without Attitude.”
Court Worthington
Lecturer in Business Leadership/Communication
University of California, Berkeley
“I had the pleasure of teaching Rupinder in his first semester at Haas, and from the very beginning, among a cohort of very talented peers, he stood out. Rupinder has a rare combination of leadership qualities: intelligence and drive, tempered with genuine empathy, self-awareness, and generosity.”
Ryan Sloan
Lecturer in the College Writing Program
University of California, Berkeley
Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.