The BP Story

The formation of Bruin Professionals (BP) is a result of identifying a need, within the UCLA Community, to create an Alumni Club dedicated to the development of business opportunities and relationships. It is a testament to the many skilled and talented professionals UCLA has in its Alumni. BP is comprised of UCLA graduates with multiple years of experience within their profession as well as (recently) those just starting their professional career.

After both serving on several UCLA Alumni committees and attending various Alumni Association sponsored events, Mike Anderson and Randy Sheinbein discovered there were no effective organizations within the UCLA family that brought seasoned professional alumni together in an intimate setting to benefit and expand their businesses. They were the pioneers in developing a conceptual plan for the formation of a UCLA Alumni based networking group, and were later joined by Mark Baker (not pictured) and Matthew Baker as the four original Founders of Bruin Professionals. This group utilized their many years of experience as members of other professional networking groups to create a master plan for Bruin Professionals.

Initially, Bruin Professionals (BP) was formed as a Chapter under the umbrella of the Career Services Committee of the UCLA Alumni Association and received tremendous support and encouragement. In September 2002, approximately 80 guests were invited to the catered event in Westwood to launch Bruin Professionals.

In 2003, Bruin Professionals became an official UCLA Alumni Club. BP conducts monthly meetings which include open networking, continental breakfast, a guest speaker, and elevator pitches. Additionally, there are sessions to present deals, needs and testimonials, a networking skills exercise, and "mini" BP groups are arranged for smaller breakfast or lunch meetings. Throughout the year, BP organizes social events to further develop relationships outside of the business environment.

The goal of Bruin Professionals is to encapsulate the synergy shared among UCLA Alumni to develop relationships and further their business activities through sharing referrals, resources, information, ideas, and advice. BP members are held to a standard of excellence, integrity and accountability.

Today, Bruin Professionals has become a key element in the professional lives of many seasoned UCLA Alumni professionals and serves as a platform to benefit and expand their businesses and guide their clients. The Lawyers Affinity Group and Real Estate Affinity Group continue to thrive. Most recently, Bruin Professionals introduced the Young Bruin Professionals group for those 0-10 years out of college and want to grow their social and professional networks. We hope you join as at our next meeting.