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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: The versatile Haas MBA: Curriculum prepares grads for the human side of business |
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Finance, marketing, and data analysis are all core parts of every MBA program. While those things are important, a good business school will teach about the people behind the numbers. Without people, a business can’t be successful, which is why the MBA programs at Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, have implemented courses to help their students become well rounded employees, executives, and managers. Though they are traditionally called “soft skills,” people skills can be hard. Numbers are solid and trends can be somewhat predictable but humans are full of surprises. Emotion plays a big part and having happy employees can translate into success for an organization. People are diverse so understanding and respecting different perspectives and feelings can play a big part in whether or not someone is considered a good leader. “People ask a lot about the MBA and say something about ‘Oh, you’re a finance expert or an accounting expert’ and actually from a Haas perspective I don’t think that’s the biggest thing I learned,” says Bree Jenkins, MBA 19. She continues, “I’ve learned how to be a good listener, an active listener with other people. I’ve learned how to build my empathy and understand what others might be experiencing. I’ve learned how to communicate better.” Alumni like Bree have experienced the innovative curriculum that the Haas MBA has built to prepare students for the human side of the business world. Whether approaching things as a leader or as an employee, students are ready to face challenges. Haas has been really pivotable for me in terms of not only my professional growth but also my personal growth.” Facing uncomfortable situations Bree took her experience at Haas and in the business world to heart. When she started working, she realized that dealing with conflict is a big part of doing business. “I noticed themes and trends with what we were doing at work,” Jenkins said. “There was conflict avoidance and harm from conflict that’s not dealt with effectively. We talked to friends in other organizations and we realized quickly that everyone is dealing with workplace conflict.” “We” refers to fellow alum, Francesca LeBaron, MBA 19. Bree and Francesca came up with a solution to help employees navigate uncomfortable situations that they might be put into. They designed a syllabus for a pilot course completely devoted to managing difficult conversations. After a successful pitch, the inaugural Conflict Lab launched in the fall of 2022 with 32 MBA students enrolled, plus a waitlist. Students get a taste of what it’s like delivering a poor performance review, providing a critical work project assessment, or firing an employee. The class may sound negative, but it isn’t, “It’s about maintaining connection, even when we disagree with the person,” co-instructor Francesca said. “What is your objective? Is it to make this person feel heard, to problem solve, or to share your own needs? And how effective were you at achieving that objective?” During the class, students work to give feedback and dig into their own style of conflict. They also learn how to find conflicts in the media and how those can be improved. “It’s really important that the students find ways to continue to practice this work after the class is complete,” says Bree. “They should have a clear understanding of where they are in their conflict journey and what they want to do to continue to grow.” Students who’ve been through the class have been thrilled with the outcome. Daryl Pugh, MBA 23 took the course when he was a student at Haas. Because of his background as an executive recruiter, he was used to conflict and it wasn’t uncommon for friends to ask him for advice. One asked him about how to handle laying off employees and the course allowed him to give her a framework, “I tried to talk to her through having that conversation and processing other people’s feelings, understanding what was happening and her interpretation of what was happening.” Teamwork is at the core Dealing with conflict is never easy, so building trust and relationships through teamwork is a big part of the culture at Haas. From orientation through graduation, students are part of a larger cohort as well as a more personal study team. The concept, known as Teams@Haas, is a part of many of the business degree programs, including the MBA. In total, it serves over 900 students. At the heart of Teams@Haas is collaboration. Working together can help students, and eventually business leaders, obtain better results. The program is based on the High Impact Team (HIT) Framework developed by Haas faculty member Dr. Brandi Pearce. The framework is built into nearly every class and experience at Haas. During their time at Haas, students will learn about HIT tools and practices. Because it’s built into the curriculum, teamwork becomes second nature to students as they enter the workforce. As the workforce has changed, the team focus has remained cutting edge, “When Covid-19 and remote work hit us, teams that once were embedded in a structured environment had to become more fluid and dynamic,” says Dr. Pearce. She continues,“This has significant implications for organizations and leaders orienting us to the importance of being more intentional in how people connect and share information, particularly when they are not physically co-located.” Teams@Haas are built to try to bring people together who may normally not have the opportunity to experience this level of diversity in the workplace, “In my first-year study group, I was teamed with another woman with a strategic consulting background, a German banker, a finance guy from New York, and a start-up founder from Korea,” said Jes Deputy, MBA/MPH 16. She continues, “We couldn’t have been more diverse, and we soon realized that our team represented the skills and knowledge needed to tackle any problem.” One of the biggest reasons that teamwork is such a big part of life at Haas is because it’s crucial to developing leadership skills. Every student will be called on to lead while still being a team player. This experience was new to Jane Alston, MBA 19. As a surgeon turned MBA student, she had to learn a new way of studying, “In medical school you study and test alone,” she says. “At Haas, it's primarily group work so you learn how to be a more effective team member, which is just as important as being an effective team leader. I now have a better understanding of team dynamics and how to utilize each teammate’s capabilities to the fullest.” Leadership at its best Teamwork and leadership go hand in hand. Without one you cannot have the other, “Leadership is a combination of being able to drive and also to collaborate,” says Claudia Silva Fajuri, MBA 17. She continues, “You want to have good ideas, as well as be able to motivate others to work towards common goals.” Haas prides itself on leadership development, encouraging students to be empowered to lead innovatively, responsibly, ethically, and with confidence. The Haas MBA offers a wide selection of leadership specific courses to help prepare students for the next step in their journeys. Leading People and Strategic Leadership are two core courses that every student is required to take as part of the curriculum. Dean Guo, MBA 19, has a background in tech so as a student, he was focused on rounding out his skillset with leadership electives, “Haas has been really pivotable for me in terms of not only my professional growth but also my personal growth.” He continues, ”I’ve been able to take classes like Storytelling for Leadership and Interpersonal Skills and Embodied Leadership where I’ve just gotten to understand my own strengths and weaknesses far more than I thought I would be able to before.” One of those pivotal courses that Dean mentioned is Storytelling for Leadership. The highly interactive class provides students with personal leadership development through the ability to tell "Who Am I" leadership journey stories, for use in the business context. The course helps leaders learn to assist team members overcome their own obstacles. Interpersonal Skills and Embodied Systems Leadership takes a different approach to leading by showing students how to change the way they think about others. It enables leaders to think about things that can cause misunderstandings such as social identity and power dynamics. When Bosun Adebaki, MBA 19, started a new job after graduation, he implemented the knowledge he gained in the class, “I’m using the techniques taught in Interpersonal Skills and Embodied Leadership. I’m able to share my story and draw out their stories, in addition to helping others manage conflict effectively. That’s the best way to establish trust and build successful cross-functional teams,” he says. Amy Fan, MBA/MPH 19, elaborates a bit more on how leadership courses opened her mind and made her a better leader, “I am passionate about building a diverse team, and Interpersonal Leadership & Development helped me deepen my empathy to better communicate and collaborate with people from various backgrounds,” she says. Other leadership courses left an impact on Amy, “Additionally, Professor Cameron Anderson helped me apply learnings from Power and Politics to understand how certain actions and behaviors can impact perception – which is particularly useful as a minority female entrepreneur fundraising in the male-dominated VC world.” Power and Politics in Organizations addresses the unseen but well known issues that can plague some businesses and their leaders. Students learn how to see the true distribution of power in organizations while learning how to build new sources through influence while leading change. It can help students leverage the idea of getting what they need in situations where they may hold little to no power. The combination of innovative academics, experienced faculty, and driven students who are passionate about more than just numbers and spreadsheets helps to keep the Haas MBA near the top of business programs worldwide. Entrepreneur Shom Gupta, MBA 19, says he couldn’t have found a better fit, “Haas has lived up to all of my expectations in terms of what I expected from a professional skills development perspective and even more from a personal growth perspective.” If you’re wanting an MBA that checks all of the boxes for a well rounded, world class business education with a focus on people, Haas has what you need. ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: At the Heart of Innovation: How Haas’ Location Drives Entrepreneurial Success |
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What are the top three rules of real estate? Location, location, location. While we can’t quite claim that it’s a “rule” when choosing a place to complete your MBA, story after story points to how the strategic location of the University of California, Berkeley Haas School ofBusiness gives our students a cutting edge that would be difficult to find anywhere else. Located just north of Silicon Valley, Haas’ location provides an unbeatable network filled to the brim with opportunity. Let’s explore how Haas students are leveraging UC Berkeley’s prime location to launch businesses, build networks, and make a lasting impact. Welcome to the Dreamers Moving west to pursue your dreams is nothing new. Beginning in the early 1800s, Americans began moving westward with hopes for a new beginning and a better life for their family. This intensified even further in the late 1840s with the California Gold Rush. Hundreds of thousands of dreamers moved their lives to California, aspiring to build something bigger than themselves. The context has changed, but this pioneering spirit remains. It’s a spirit that motivates Haas students to push boundaries, create businesses, and drive innovation. A spirit that calls students to build something better for their families, create something bigger than themselves, and try their hand at entrepreneurship in this booming land of opportunity. The biggest thing that Haas offers young entrepreneurs is the network and the mentorship needed to succeed in the very difficult early stages." There is truly no better place for this pursuit than Berkeley Haas. In 2024, Pitchbook named Haas:
With world-class faculty, an expansive mentor network, and a department fully dedicated to entrepreneurial success, Haas offers an unmatched launchpad for aspiring founders. All illustrating that when dreaming of the “gold” of entrepreneurship, setting sights on California is still the right first step. Berkeley Haas’ New Entrepreneurship Hub Berkeley isn’t just next to Silicon Valley—it’s shaping its future through innovation and entrepreneurship. One recent development toward that end is Haas’ new Entrepreneurship Hub, or eHub. The eHub’s faculty director is Saikat Chaudhuri who has always been inspired by Berkeley’s goal to not just produce the latest innovations, but to do so in a way that truly makes the world a better place. In observing all of Berkeley’s different hubs of innovation, he began to see a need: a place for all of these hubs to connect with each other in a way that makes the innovation pipeline more productive and sustainable. Saikat says, “We also found that though we have many different resources on campus, students have a hard time figuring out where to go to take an idea forward...We have so many alumni who are both entrepreneurs and investors, but there’s no easy way to connect with them. The eHub will unite the entire university ecosystem and bring the strengths of Berkeley Haas and UC Berkeley together.” Since its launch in Fall 2024, the eHub has already connected students with investors, mentors, and co-founders—accelerating the startup journey in tangible ways. While Berkeley has long been a hotspot for entrepreneurship–taking first place in PitchBook’s rankings of best universities for start-up founders–the eHub can accelerate this innovation to a whole new level through powerfully connecting the university’s expansive resources. In fact, Saikat believes that thanks to the eHub, the next ten years “will be among the most exciting for entrepreneurship at Berkeley Haas.” A Haven for Venture Capital Entrepreneurs Venture capital: The idea of this business pursuit can strike both ambition and fear in the hearts of even the most courageous entrepreneurs. But for those determined to lean in, there is no better place to learn than at Haas–just a few miles from the Venture capital capital of the world. In fact in 2023, Berkeley saw a record-breaking year with the highest number of MBA graduates ever landing jobs in venture capital. Professor William Rindfuss credits the school’s location for a big part of this boom. The Bay Area location gives students unparalleled access to venture capital firms and allows them to participate in transformative internship experiences during the semester or over summers. He also credits, “support of the Berkeley Haas alumni network, comprehensive courses in venture capital, including New Venture Finance, an increase in campus resources for VC.” One of those recent VC grads was Alex Rohrbach, MBA 23. Alex had the opportunity to work with multiple firms during his time at Haas. By working with multiple venture firms that needed an extra hand, Alex gained invaluable firsthand experience in the industry. He says of his experiences that “Each fellowship and internship was a stepping stone, but I didn’t know exactly where I would end up.” Well, he didn’t have to go very far. Alex works at Thomvest Ventures, a local San Francisco fund where he had previously spent a summer internship. For many aspiring VC students, being located at the doorway to Silicon Valley can help turn a dream into a reality. Seizing the Opportunities and Making a Difference Proximity to Silicon Valley is a huge advantage—but location alone doesn’t unlock success. It typically doesn’t work to just walk up to one of these businesses and ask for an internship. To truly harness the power of all the Bay Area has to offer, it’s helpful to know the best ways to seize these opportunities. To aid in this process, one of the courses available for students is called Opportunity Recognition. Taught by seasoned professor Jon Metzler, this course has an emphasis on “creating and capitalizing on opportunities in a setting of rapid technological change and limited resources” and is “particularly suited for those who anticipate founding or operating businesses in Silicon Valley.” For Haas students, recognizing opportunities is just the beginning. Many want to do more than build businesses—they aim to create impact, leveraging the region’s resources to drive meaningful change. To that end, Berkeley also offers a course called “Tech for Good” with Professors Dave Rochlin and Adam Rosenzweig. Adam, who also leads a “tech for good” initiative at the management company Okta says, “If we don’t go out of our way to solve social problems, they won’t solve themselves. It’s critical for leaders to know how to create business value and social value at the same time.” For Haas students, recognizing opportunities is just the beginning. Many want to do more than build businesses—they aim to create impact, leveraging the region’s resources to drive meaningful change. To that end, Berkeley also offers a course called “Tech for Good” with Professors Dave Rochlin and Adam Rosenzweig. Adam, who also leads a “tech for good” initiative at the management company Okta says, “If we don’t go out of our way to solve social problems, they won’t solve themselves. It’s critical for leaders to know how to create business value and social value at the same time.” These courses are just two of the many examples of offerings available to Haas students. They equip students with ways to both harness the opportunities of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley while at the same time being conscious of the real-life impact of business on people. In this way, students are learning to be world-class business leaders and world-class citizens. Still the Place to Be Nearly 200 years ago, thousands rushed to Sacramento, chasing gold. Less than 100 miles away from Sacramento, a different kind of 'mining' is happening—at Haas, students are digging into knowledge, networks, and opportunities that fuel entrepreneurial success. Now, entrepreneurship is almost never an overnight success—striking gold in this kind of pursuit takes years of patience, resilience, and dedication. It also takes the exact right combination of people, networks, and resources. With world-class faculty, deep resources, and an unmatched location next door to the heart of innovation in Silicon Valley, Haas offers this exact right combination and continues to be the place where dreamers turn ideas into reality. So to all the dreamers searching for entrepreneurial gold—Haas is calling. Interested in pursuing your own entrepreneurship ventures? An MBA from a top business school can help you grow your network and leadership skills so you can take the next step toward a fulfilling career. ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: Crafting Your Career Path: The Power of Electives and Tailored Learning at Haas |
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Haas MBA alumni and students have been able to match curriculum and learning to their unique career paths and goals. Academic institutions have traditionally been known to follow the rules. Students who pursue higher education may think they are expected to fit into the mold that’s been put into place. Some people might even be put off by the idea of more schooling because they don’t think their goals or ideas would suit an academic setting. But the MBA programs at Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley have opened its eyes to square pegs fitting into round holes. There isn’t just one way that Haas is able to offer tailored learning to students as there’s a variety of unique paths within one’s own unique path. Many students come to Haas with the intention of finding their own way, “I wanted to get exposure to a lot of different paths that I may not even know existed,” says Joanna Shujman, MBA 17. She continues,” Haas seemed like the perfect place to expose me to all of those different potential paths so that I could understand more about them and make them my own.” Since Haas is part of one of the top universities in the world, MBA students with varied interests have the option to take classes or even a joint degree program with another department at UC Berkeley. Learning experiences don’t end with classes either, as UC Berkeley offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations. The most prevalent way for students to get the most out of the experience is through Haas’ innovative and interesting electives. Many of these electives work in the concept of experiential learning, allowing students to get hands-on opportunities. Experiential learning for MBA students Although experiential learning is not a new concept, it can be difficult to implement because of all of the moving parts involved. Haas has been giving students hands-on experiential learning experiences for over 25 years. This style of learning allows students to actually experience and gain a deeper understanding of situations or problems in real world settings. It’s attractive to potential employers because it can showcase a student’s potential if they haven’t had much work experience in a certain area. More than half of the electives in the MBA program feature hands-on projects. With over 20 Applied Innovation courses, students work on teams that tackle everything from corporate innovation to sustainability initiatives. A minimum of one Applied Innovation course is required for every MBA student. Just a few of these courses include International Business Development, Cleantech to Market, Haas@Work, Haas Impact Fund, Social Sector Solutions, and many, many more. These Innovation courses are taken along with a teamwork module which are designed so that students get maximum benefit out of the classes and the experiences. The Haas Impact Fund (HIF) gives budding entrepreneurs in the social sector the opportunity to learn about the ever-important process of raising capital. The class is offered during the spring semester and in April, students participate in the Haas Impact Fund Pitch Daywhere they have the opportunity to present their ideas to experts. “HIF was an incredible learning experience. My takeaways and true level of understanding could only have been gained through this experiential class format,” says Brianna Beighle, MBA 24. She continues, “My understanding of Venture Capital and the positive impact it can have went from 0 to 60 in one semester, and I’m truly grateful for all I’ve learned.” Sometimes Applied Innovation courses can take a student down a path they hadn’t planned on. Tiffany Tran, MBA 20, ended up in the Wine & Spirits industry, something she didn’t know much about until she got involved in a class on International Business Development (IBD). “IBD was huge for my learning about the kind of experience I wanted to have in my work life after Haas,” she said. “I learned that I wanted to be on the company/brand side, rather than work as a consultant, and also, how important working internationally is to me.” Environmental initiatives are important to a lot of individuals and many businesses are embracing clean energy as a company value. Haas students can get involved in the Cleantech to Market (C2M) course. C2M allows students to identify the most viable initial markets, prospective customers and partners, funding sources, and related strategies in low-carbon energy, green chemistry, food, and water technologies. It’s a unique capstone where companies partner with the students while they guide one another to solve problems. When students were anonymously surveyed about their experiences, they had many positive comments. “It was a really good experience learning how to commercialize new technology; first understanding the technical hurdles,then the commercial hurdles, and then working with an interdisciplinary team to package that into a coherent story,” says one student. The experience was a step in the right direction because, they say, “That basically describes my current job.” A full 100% of the corporate partners surveyed in 2023 said that C2M exceeded their expectations, “I feel so lucky and grateful to receive so much support from truly world-class students, along with many connections through the C2M staff,” says Margaret Lumley, CEO & Founder of Roca Water. “We've already incorporated learnings gained from the C2M team into some of our startup's grant proposals and roadmap plans.” Concurrent degree programs and partnerships C2M is a Haas-based program, but students from other graduate programs at UC Berkeley are welcome to participate. Students with interest in combining multiple fields are able to tailor their degrees thanks to internal partnerships at Berkeley. It’s not uncommon for engineers, health professionals, or even artists to take a business track in order to better open up doors within their industries. Business students can do the same. Daniel Clayton, MBA 19, was drawn to data. He saw an opportunity to enroll in classes through the Master of Financial Engineering program. Although the program is based at Haas, not all MBA students opt for quant heavy courses. “I set the goal early that I should try to graduate with three or more of these courses to add more quantitative skills to my strong finance base,” says Clayton, who worked in finance prior to starting his MBA. His reasoning for taking the courses was career driven, “It’s the ‘quants’ who will be key to the future of the investment field by driving markets, developing new and innovative investment strategies, and disrupting decades-old industries.” Haas has recently teamed up with UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism allowing journalism and business students to take classes across both disciplines. “In order to cover business, journalists need to understand how business operates and how money moves through the economy,” says former Haas Dean and current professor Dr. Ann E. Harrison. “And business leaders can benefit from having a deeper understanding of the media. This is a win-win for students at both schools.” Taking a few courses can help students shape a more diverse career path, but the opportunity to get two degrees at once is also an option through Haas. There are four Concurrent Degree Programs where students can get an MBA along with another graduate level degree. The MBA/Master of Climate Solutions (MCS) is designed for people wanting to combine business leadership with an understanding of sustainability and climate change challenges and opportunities. An MBA/Master of Public Health (MPH) combines business and the healthcare sectors. Students can become leaders in business and technological innovation in any industry with an MBA/Master of Engineering (MEng). The fourth concurrent degree combines business with law and students graduate with a JD/MBA. Clubs and organizations for a deeper dive In addition to innovative curriculum and interdepartmental partners, Berkeley Haas plays host to multiple clubs and organizations where students can get exposure and experience doing what they love. These groups can be tied closely to existing coursework, giving students a deeper dive in order to prepare for their future careers. Many include the added bonus of giving back to the community, all while having fun and making friends. Professional clubs allow students to further explore potential career paths and network with others. Multiple fields and demographics are represented. Like everything at Berkeley, all people are welcome to participate. Career-focused clubs include aerospace, real estate, and consulting, among others. Clubs that are focused on demographics include groups for people who are Asian, European, LGBTQ+, women, and more. The FinTech Club, combining finance and technology, has 144 student members and 700 total as of this writing. The group was founded in 2016 and aims to develop the next generation of fintech business leaders by providing them with the network and knowledge to pursue careers in fintech. Ashley Lannquist, MBA 18, co-founder of the Haas FinTech Club, started the group with fellow students because they felt that the field was faster moving and more exciting than traditional finance. “It’s also usually more socially beneficial because you’re building products that can deliver financial services more cheaply, transparently, and directly to the broad population or even the under- or unbanked,” she says. “It’s also useful in a lot of emerging market countries, and that interests a lot of Haas students.” Haas is an amazing place to not know what you want to do. You’ll be surrounded by people who have passions and interests that you probably never heard of or considered." Women in Leadership (WiL) aims to serve the entire Haas community through a series of professional, educational, and social events designed to enhance the understanding and appreciation of women's roles in business while equipping WiL members for success. People of all genders are welcome to join to learn and network. The men in the group are called “Manbassadors” and serve as allies to female leaders. WiL has held an annual conference for the past 28 years. Although they aren’t as career focused, social groups through Haas still provide networking opportunities for students. They can get involved in the Haas Music Club, a Beer Club, and even Redwoods@Haas for outdoor enthusiasts. There are many options for many interests and new clubs are encouraged. Rankings show that it works With its variety of class offerings, business centered clubs, and cross-pollination of Berkeley programs, the Haas MBA has consistently been ranked by US News report as having top tier MBA programs. Although not everyone knows exactly where they’ll end up when they start, they appreciate the opportunity to explore, “Haas is an amazing place to not know what you want to do,” says Chen Song, MBA 18. “ You’ll be surrounded by people who have passions and interests that you probably never heard of or considered.” If you’re someone with unique career goals or if you’re open to exploring a non-traditional path, the Haas MBA can help you find what will work for you. Get in touch with us today. ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: Beyond the MBA: How Dual Degrees at Haas Offer a Competitive Edge |
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What’s better than one Master’s degree? Two specialized degrees that multiply your impact. At the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business, we understand that business doesn't exist in isolation—it intersects with other disciplines like law, engineering, health, and environmental science in powerful ways. For ambitious professionals seeking to combine carefully honed leadership skills with specialized expertise, Haas offers four transformative dual degree programs designed to propel careers at these critical intersections. Exploring the Dual Degree Options Berkeley offers four innovative MBA dual degree programs plus an MBA exchange program for those interested in an international experience. Let’s explore each option before hearing from a couple of students who’ve taken the leap. Business & Law: JD/MBA This strategic four-year program begins with two years of law coursework at Berkeley’s law school. The third year is entirely composed of MBA courses at Haas, and the final year blends selective courses from both programs to create a customized education experience. Students involved in this program also have access to the Berkeley Center for Law and Business. The mission of this center is to “convene business, government, civil society, and academia to create momentum and align priorities” in a way that “leverages the power of business to help solve some of society’s most difficult challenges.” According to Flora Morgan, JD/MBA 24 and practicing lawyer, “This experience really catapults you to another level.” Business & Engineering: MBA/MEng The MBA and Engineering program is an exciting addition to the dual degree options. Because of Berkeley’s unique proximity to some of the most cutting-edge technologies and innovations, students have a unique opportunity to be totally immersed in all the latest developments in engineering while also learning from the best-of-the-best in their business courses to develop essential leadership skills. Students in this track are required to have an undergraduate degree in some type of technical field. After admittance to the program, they can choose from seven specialized engineering tracks within an integrated curriculum where business and engineering coursework happens concurrently. Business & Public Health: MBA/MPH The MBA and Master’s in Public Health dual degree is a highly selective track, available to only 20 students per year. It is especially suited to those who want to be leaders in health-related businesses. In this track, students will take MBA and MPH courses at the same time, instead of sequentially. All students will begin with the MBA core courses plus one healthcare course, and after that, students can customize their educational journey according to their specific interests and goals. Business & Climate Solutions: MBA/MCS Designed for sustainability-focused leaders, this dual degree equips students to tackle environmental challenges while driving business success. The program emphasizes “developing critical skills and knowledge in climate data science, carbon accounting, and lifecycle analysis, as well as technological and nature-based solutions.” Students begin with MBA fundamentals before transitioning to climate-solutions coursework. The experience culminates in a semester-long capstone project where students apply their cross-disciplinary knowledge to real-world climate challenges. International Business & Exchange Program While not formal dual-degree, the MBA international exchange program offers comparable transformative value. Students can choose to partner with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, London Business School, or Columbia Business School in New York. By spending time in one of these world-wide business hubs, students can not only earn their degree but earn priceless knowledge about cultures, international business considerations, and languages. Of special note, MBA/MPH students can participate in the exchange program at the same time that they’re earning their dual-degree—greatly deepening their knowledge base and experiences in order to be powerful future leaders. Building a Transformational Network Trishla Jain, MBA/MPH 20, took to Medium to pen some reflections on her time at Berkeley in the MBA/MPH dual degree program. Her conclusion? She “would not trade this experience for anything.” Throughout her reflections, Trishla touches on several key aspects of her experience. She loved getting to talk and bond with her MBA/MPH cohort. Having a community of peers to talk about “all things healthcare” led to priceless learning experiences. In addition to more traditional learning experiences, she also had the opportunity to travel the world with some of these classmates, before the onset of the pandemic. Beyond experiences with her cohort, she says she genuinely enjoyed all of the courses and will take lessons from every professor into her future career. Additionally, she loved being able to participate in multiple internships and capstone-type of projects that gave her a wide breadth of hands-on experiences in healthcare. From “foundations, non-profits in stealth mode, a safety-net medical center, and startups in various stages,” these experiences were all crucial in shaping her MBA/MPH experience. What ties all these experiences together? The people. She says Berkeley is special because of the people and throughout her time in the program, at every turn, she was able to meet inspiring leaders and faithful friends who truly made this experience what it was. Being involved in a dual-degree program widens your network across disciplines, allowing you to interact with the kinds of leaders, mentors, friends, and peers who will transform you for a lifetime. When a Dual Degree is a Dream Come True Joy Wang, MBA/MEng 26, shares that for her, this program was a dream come true. “Pursuing a dual degree in MBA and MEng was a long-time dream that stemmed from my undergraduate experience, where I double-majored in Statistics and Economics. While I loved the analytical rigor of both, I always felt like I missed the chance to dive deeper into the engineering and technical foundations of machine learning. When I discovered Berkeley’s MBA/MEng program — a rare opportunity to integrate both worlds in just two years — it felt like the perfect fit.” In the future, Joy hopes to work as a Project Manager in a tech-forward company. This kind of role draws on both her technical expertise and the leadership skills she’s honed during the program. She says, “With my technical background, I can understand how systems work and make data-driven decisions. My business training helps me stay grounded in user needs, market dynamics, and ethical impact.” While Joy openly acknowledges that such a rigorous path isn’t necessarily the easiest path, her advice to those considering the program is to “do it!” The keys to success start with clear priorities and staying organized. But beyond that, the most important thing is to immerse yourself in the right support system. “Your classmates are some of the most collaborative and inspiring people you’ll meet. The dual-degree community is small but tight-knit, and that makes the experience even more valuable. There will be moments where the workload feels heavy, but the cross-disciplinary exposure is incredibly rewarding.” Double the Influence At the beginning we said that two master’s degrees is better than one. To be honest, that’s only sort of true. Because as these student stories illustrate, dual degrees at Haas aren’t just about credentials—they’re about expanding your ability to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change across disciplines. The dual degree experience at Haas develops leaders with influence, integrity, and a competitive edge. The extra letters on the diploma are exciting, but the true power is how those degrees equip graduates for amplified impact in their chosen fields. Whether your passion lies in healthcare, sustainability, law, or engineering, explore how a dual degree from Haas can prepare you to lead with confidence and purpose. (And maybe, like Joy, turn your professional dreams into reality.) ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: From Idea to Impact: How Haas Students Take Classroom Concepts Into Real World Solutions |
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Hands on learning and problem solving are a big part of the student experience at Haas. It’s a valuable tool for future leaders. Reading textbooks, attending lectures, and earning grades are all essential parts of an MBA journey. But the most transformative learning experiences happen when students step beyond the classroom and tackle real-world challenges. At the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, experiential learning isn’t just an add-on—it’s a core pillar of the MBA experience. During their time in the MBA programs at Berkeley Haas, students don’t just study business concepts; they apply them in real-time to solve pressing challenges for real companies. Through hands-on projects, partnerships with industry leaders, and immersive coursework, students gain practical experience that often leaves a lasting impact—not just on their own careers but on the organizations they work with. Solving Actual Problems One of those hands-on classes is Designing Tech for Good. Student teams work on solutions that promote social good for big companies. Clients have included Electronic Arts (EA), Autodesk, Dell, and UI Path. “We want students to learn how to design programs that are good for the world within whatever companies they go to work for,” said instructor Adam Rosenzweig, EMBA 19. “If we don’t go out of our way to solve social problems, they won’t solve themselves. It’s critical for leaders to know how to create business value and social value at the same time.” One example of a successful project was done with EA. Students were tasked with trying to find ways to make video gaming more positive and less frustrating for players. Gaming can be ground zero for bad behavior and the company was looking for solutions to promote fair, safe, inclusive, and meaningful fun for players. Haas students were tasked with creating support for EA’s Positive Play Charter within the gaming community. Students working on the project got deeply involved with gamers at all experience levels. They started by researching gaming forums, reading publications, and interviewing a variety of gamers. Through this discovery process, they presented EA with a framework that identified the root causes of bad experiences. Once they uncovered the sources behind the problem and presented some solutions. One idea brought together players in real life to create communities of gamers who could participate in tournaments. To foster inclusiveness, they incentivized and awarded advanced players who mentored new people. Julie Kang, MBA 22, liked this idea because of her own frustration as a gamer when she was younger, “I tried to learn but found it difficult to get good fast,” she said. “That would have been super helpful for me to get better at gaming and solving the isolation that happens with new gamers.” Another class makes students into gamers of another kind. Part of the Energy and Environmental Markets course involves a simulated electricity market auction called the Electricity Strategy Game (ESG). “The ESG is a fun opportunity to put into practice the work we do in the class,” Professor Lucas Davis said. “I want class participants to walk away understanding how to think about energy and environmental challenges from an economic perspective.” During her time at Haas, Grace Brittan, MBA 22, was interested in working in the renewable energy industry. “I never took a step back to think about the broader picture of global energy markets,” she said. “This class will allow me to think bigger picture and be more successful in my career moving forward.” The Importance of Planning Solving problems doesn’t just happen. A lot of planning goes on behind the scenes. Online Marketplace and Platform Design is a class where students take a deep dive into the idea process, planning, and testing in order to better set a company up for success. The students learn from Assistant ProfessorDavid Holtz, who has had hands-on experience tackling problems such as reputation-system design, algorithmic pricing, and experiment design. “To this day, these topics form the backbone of my research, because, in addition to being extremely interesting, they’re also extremely difficult to solve,” he says. David challenges his students by having them pick a company from The 16z Marketplace 100 list, a ranking of the largest and fastest growing consumer facing startups. Teams are tasked with coming up with a potential idea for the company and proposing how they’d implement their idea. They’re taught to analyze data that can be gathered through A/B testing, which can be extremely valuable in the startup world. “This class is really eye-opening for me because it’s not as straightforward as it seems,” says Lena Corredor, MBA 25. She hopes to pursue entrepreneurship and the class has taught her to appreciate the planning process, “When you think about the different sides of a marketplace, one would think if you build it, they will come, but it’s not the case. The design elements he talks about are very important to business success.” Hands-on Learning New and Old The Haas MBA programs are considered cutting edge and innovative and the school is constantly developing new classes, programs, and organizations to stay on top of our ever-changing world. Newer hands-on programs at Haas are laying the groundwork for the future of business. TheImpact CFO program was launched in early 2024. This innovative initiative was designed to create a new generation of CFOs equipped to lead foundations, nonprofits, and other social enterprises. The program was founded by Adjunct ProfessorNora Silver and Assistant ProfessorOmri Even-Tov. The learning piece involves workshops, guest speakers and networking events combined with hand-on projects and mentorships. Students have the opportunity for unique internships that bring together finance and social impact. It’s a progressive vision that more companies are starting to embrace. “My goal was to bring the finance and operations business acumen I gained from anMBA program back to organizations with missions I care deeply about,” says Lizzie Hoerauf, MBA 24. She interned at REDF under mentor David Samuels, MBA 86. Hoerauf was able to apply what she’d learned in classes like Strategic Management of Nonprofit Organizations and Social Sector Solutions to a finance setting. The new programs are exciting, but Haas has been actively developing students for their future roles as leaders and innovators within the corporate community for many decades. Some of their programs have stood the test of time. The International Business Development program has been a part of Haas for over 30 years. The results are impressive with students helping to solve global business problems for established companies, nonprofits, and startups in 89 countries throughout a variety of industries. Students serve as consultants to client companies. They are supported by faculty mentors who guide them as they analyze strategic challenges and come up with recommendations. Although these are technically students, they approach their clients as professionals who aim to get the same results as a high-dollar firm would. Whitney Hischier, IBD Faculty Director says, “IBD teams bring value to our client organizations; particularly questioning the status quo which often leads to fresh perspectives. Our program enables students to contribute to real world solutions in a global setting while providing tremendous value to our clients.” The program left its mark on Kylie Gemmell, MBA 23, “IBD was, without question, the most impactful experience I’ve had during my MBA,” she says. “The course wove together many of the concepts that I learned in the core curriculum and allowed me to put them to use in a real world setting.” Learning by doing puts students in the driver’s seat, better preparing them for roles as corporate leaders and community influencers. Find out more about how experiential learning could benefit you. ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: Balancing Academics and Adventure: How California’s Outdoors Enhance the Haas Experience |
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Students come for the academics but often discover the vast resources that nature has to offer in and around Berkeley. Students in the full-time MBA program at the University of California, Berkeley come from all over the world to prepare for careers as business leaders. The rigors of an MBA program can be demanding, but Berkeley Haas students don’t have to go far to connect with nature to reset their minds. Within minutes, they can be on trails for a short hike or bike ride to clear their thoughts, find inspiration, or simply breathe in fresh air. Nestled in the hills overlooking the San Francisco Bay, the Berkeley Haas campus provides Haas MBA students with a unique setting that seamlessly blends rigorous academia with rejuvenating nature. The location provides easy access to a variety of outdoor destinations and activities that support personal well-being and academic success. The close proximity to hiking trails, beaches, and national parks allows students to take strategic breaks from the intensive coursework, helping them maintain balance while reaping well-documented benefits: research shows that time in nature reduces stress, improves concentration, and enhances creative problem-solving—all critical advantages for MBA candidates. Campus is a Perfect Backdrop for Learning and Growth The Berkeley campus itself provides a tranquil natural environment for students. Students can take a break from classes to stroll through the Eucalyptus Grove, planted over 100 years ago and home to blue gum eucalyptus trees reaching nearly 200 feet high. They can also spend quiet moments in the Mather Redwood Grove, an area that creates an illusion of an enchanted forest. The Redwood Grove is part of the Botanical Garden, a 34-acre living museum. It features one of the world’s most diverse plant collections, with over 10,000 plants, including rare and endangered species.The garden serves an academic purpose where students and faculty in related programs work to preserve biodiversity, sustain nature, and conduct research that could benefit humans and the planet. The Garden is open to the public and is free for current Berkeley students with their ID. One of the most popular outdoor study areas on campus is Faculty Glade. This natural amphitheater may once have been the site of an Ohlone Native American settlement that harvested fresh water and fish from adjoining Strawberry Creek. The creek is a major landscape feature running through the heart of campus. It’s said to be a primary reason the site was chosen as the school’s location in the 1860s. Every year, Haas Student Ambassadors (HSA) put together a visitors guide of recommendations for things to see and do. The Berkeley Rose Garden is one of the locations on the list. Located north of campus, this hidden gem is a public park situated on the side of a hill. It’s a quiet place where students can sit at a picnic table or in the amphitheater to study or meditate. Building Resilience Through Outdoor Pursuits Haas Student Ambassadors also recommend areas where students can get more active. Thanks to California’s mild climate, they can take part in outdoor activities during almost every season. Hiking is a popular activity that many Haas students regularly enjoy. Maurizio Asperti, MBA 19, says that it can be challenging in the hills around campus, “Berkeley has world class hiking. It’s no joke! You’ve got some steep gradients up there,” he remarked. “It’s really cool, it’s really beautiful.” Near the Botanical Garden at the edge of campus are the Berkeley Fire Trails. This is a group of trails that extend for miles into the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve. These trails offer a great workout with beautiful views of the Bay Area. The Big C is part of a short hike that has become a part of school tradition. The trail elevates 1,000 feet uphill and takes most people just 15 minutes to complete. At the top of the hill, there’s a rope swing dangling from a tree where hikers can rest and enjoy looking down at campus and other stunning views of the Bay Area. The thing that gives the hill its name is a big yellow “C” for Cal. It’s a concrete structure made by Berkeley students over a century ago. Tilden Regional Park, located in the Berkeley Hills, is another location that’s easily accessible to students. The park has over 2000 acres of wilderness and demonstrates the area’s commitment to environmental sustainability. With as many as 59 available trails, hiking is a popular activity. The park is packed with other things to do like biking, horseback riding, and an old fashioned merry-go-round. Students who prefer water over land for their activities also have plenty to do in the Berkeley area. Tilden Regional Park is the home to Lake Anza, where activities include swimming and fishing. At the Berkeley Marina there is kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, open-water swimming, and kiteboarding. The UC Aquatic Center is located at the marina where they have an adventure program that allows students and the community to go kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and more. Some of these activities are new to students from other geographical areas, “It’s that whole Cali vibe,” says Stephen Collins, MBA 20. “As far as hobbies to pick up, I have tried kitesurfing and rock climbing.” Maurizio adds, “There’s a whole crew that goes every morning at 4 am. They go to Pacifica and they surf and kitesurf.” Leveraging Nature for Mental Performance The Berkeley Marina is also a hot spot for students who prefer to exercise their bodies and their minds. The Bay Area offers a diverse range of outdoor yoga spots for both beginners and experienced yogi. Some of the top outdoor yoga spots in and around Berkeley include Golden Gate Park, Crissy Field, and Alameda Beach. These locations provide the perfect backdrop for many yoga practices. Research shows that time in nature reduces stress, improves concentration, and enhances creative problem-solving, all critical benefits for MBA students taking rigorous coursework. Some students who have embraced mindfulness practices, use the hills, the bay, and serene outdoor spaces as places for meditation and stress relief. In and around campus, students can find quiet retreats to step away. Places like Grizzly Peak off-campus and Observatory Hill on-campus offer peaceful settings where students practice meditation and reflection. Building Community Through Outdoor Adventures “Haasies” have an incredible mindset and a strong work ethic but they also know that it’s important to have a little fun from time to time. With so many natural wonders so close to school, students use what’s around them to work in outdoor social activities. Beyond the local trails and beaches, Berkeley’s central location makes it easy to plan weekend trips to some of the most iconic national parks in the country. Yosemite National Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Big Sur are all within a few hours’ drive, offering students opportunities for more immersive outdoor experiences. Student group getaways are common, “We all go and have this weekend on Lake Shasta and live on a “HaasBoat” for the weekend,” says Stephen, referring to the popular HaasBoat tradition. The event allows MBA students to form connections in an informal environment. “You spend Labor Day weekend living on houseboats with your assigned crews, docking the boats next to each other for endless sunny days on the lake with the serene mountain backdrop,” says Aditi Bhandari, MBA 21. “The friendships and memories made at HaasBoats really sets up the Haas experience to be more than I could have imagined.” HaasBoats isn’t the only outdoor getaway, “Haasemite” is an annual camping trip at Yosemite National Park. The trip can be a highlight for students to experience, especially for those who are new to the area, “My favorite memory is camping for the first time in my life at Yosemite during Haasemite,” says Yael Shavitt, MBA 26. “Making smores at the campfire under a sky full of stars, after a day of amazing hikes and views, all of that with the company of other Haasies was truly a memory for life!” A Transformative Element of the MBA Experience Time in nature can provide adventure and inspiration for MBA students at Berkeley Haas. Navigating trails, planning group outings, and pushing personal boundaries in nature mirror the resilience and adaptability needed in the business world. In some ways, the landscape around Berkeley is a natural fit for Haas students. For many, Berkeley’s natural setting becomes an unexpected but significant part of their MBA experience and personal growth. Molly Zeins, MBA 20, who grew up in a densely populated urban atmosphere, made the outdoors a priority during her time at Berkeley, “I had felt pretty established in New York City. Access to nature had never been a huge part of my life.” Now, remaining in the Bay Area post-graduation, she adds, “I’m grateful to be able to enjoy the outdoors which is really different for me.” Stephen sums up the holistic experience, “You have to experience it to believe it. The weather, the culture, the restaurants, the outdoor activities, the nearby snowboarding, the innumerable day and weekend trips. The list goes on and on.” Discover how the natural beauty in and around Berkeley could enhance your MBA experience. Contact us today to learn more about our top-ranked programs. ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: Living in Berkeley: How the Vibrant Culture Enriches the Haas Student Experience |
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College towns have a certain vibe that most major cities can’t match. Berkeley, California is no exception with its richly diverse and artistic culture. There’s something about Berkeley, California that attracts all types of people and offers a uniquely enriching environment that extends far beyond the classroom walls of UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. It’s known for being more than just the home of the University of California at Berkeley. It’s also a melting pot for a variety of people and cultures. It's a hub for the arts and a destination for foodies. There’s a rich history of social justice. This historic city, nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, brims with creative energy, cultural diversity, and innovative spirit. For MBA students at Berkeley Haas, this vibrant community becomes an integral part of their educational journey. Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley has established itself as a global leader in education, research, and social progress. The university’s legacy of innovation–from Nobel laureates to Pulitzer Prize winners to Olympic medalists–combines seamlessly with Berkeley’s rich history of social justice and as home to the 1964 Free Speech Movement. Beyond the school, the city of Berkeley and the surrounding community is a place where the brightest minds from across the globe come together to explore, ask questions and improve the world. Berkeley, the Bay Area, and Silicon Valley are all woven together in a way that combines a wide range of interests that don’t overlap anywhere else. This spirit of innovation and inclusion creates an unparalleled environment for learning and growth. A Mosaic of Cultural Diversity The Bay Area’s remarkable diversity is reflected in both the student body and the broader community. The MBA program celebrates and exemplifies this inclusivity, with students from wide-ranging backgrounds contributing their unique perspectives to classroom discussions and team projects. When people from different backgrounds who’ve had different life experiences come together, it creates a richer pool for ideas and learning. The full-time MBA program is made up of 42 percent women, 29 percent minorities, and 38 percent international students. Berkeley and the broader Bay Area are among the most culturally diverse regions in the United States. The area has a rich history of immigration, activism, and cultural exchange, making it a vibrant hub of different ethnic communities, languages, and traditions. San Francisco is known for Chinatown, Japantown, and the Mission District, an area with deep Latino roots. Oakland is a major hub for African American culture, activism, and arts. Richmond and Vallejo are among the most diverse cities in the country, with a mix of black, Latino, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. Being close to a variety of cultural experiences was important to Evan Wright, MBA 20. When he arrived at Berkeley from Philadelphia, he was grateful to be able to connect with communities where he was comfortable, “The Bay is very small and Oakland is literally 15 or 20 minutes away,” he says. ”So the community that you’re interested in, if that is something that you’re sensitive about, they’re here.” This diversity extends beyond ethnic and racial background to encompass a wide spectrum of religious and spiritual traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and many others. The city is also home to alternative spiritual practices and secular humanist communities. Silicon Valley attracts immigrants and is home to diverse religious and cultural centers including Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras. The LGBTQ+ community, accepted and embraced at the university and in Berkeley, has deep roots here. Berkeley and the broader Bay Area have served as centers for equality and LGBTQ+ rights and progressive movements for over 50 years. Just across the bridge, San Francisco is home to the Castro District, a historic center for LGBTQ+ rights. The diversity of the surrounding community is reflected in many of the clubs and organizations on campus. Haas MBA students can get involved in a variety of groups that embrace diverse cultures. These student led clubs allow deeper learning and bonding that can improve the MBA experience. A sample of clubs includes the Asia Business Club, Female Founders and Funders of Haas, Black Business Student Association, HaasAbilities, and Q@Haas. Anyone is welcome to join any group, despite their background. A Vibrant Arts and Music Scene Berkeley’s artistic landscape offers MBA students countless opportunities for creative inspiration and cultural engagement. With a melting pot of different people, there are a lot of opportunities to explore artistic culture and music in and around Berkeley. Haas students have access to world-class theater, film, dance, museums, and music venues. Current students have put together a list of what they consider the best of the Bay Area. Their visitors guide includes a lot of options for those interested in exploring nearby arts and culture offerings. The list has a selection of museums, theaters, music venues, and even a comedy club. Many of the locations in The Downtown Arts District near campus are recommended by students. The world-renowned Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is a combined art museum and film archive associated with the university. It’s known for its diverse exhibitions and film screenings. It holds more than 25,000 works of art and has 18,000 films and videos in its collection. Berkeley Art Center is a hub for artistic exploration and community building. It focuses on local Bay Area artists and creators. Located in Live Oak Park in North Berkeley, the center incorporates contemporary art, nature, and is a community gathering space. Workshops, lectures, and mixers provide an opportunity for MBA students to network. Current students give Berkeley Repertory Theatre, also known as Berkeley Rep, the thumbs up as a local go-to for theatre. Like the community at large, the theatre itself is considered innovative. It’s hosted over 500 shows, including over 85 world premieres. Berkeley Rep shows have gone on to win Tony Awards, Obie Awards, Drama Desk Awards, one Grammy Award, one Pulitzer Prize, and many other honors. The music scene in the Berkeley area is equally diverse, encompassing everything from intimate venues to an 8,500 seat outdoor amphitheater overlooking San Francisco Bay. The Freight & Salvage is one of the oldest live music venues on the West Coast. It opened in 1968 and was founded on ideologies of freedom, justice, acceptance, collaboration and innovation, which are all things that embrace the city’s cultural diversity and rich history. These venues not only provide entertainment but also serve as gathering spaces where students can connect with the broader community. Incoming and prospective students have the opportunity to meet Haas Student Ambassadors (HSAs) to learn more about the school and the community. Days at Haas is a weekend long event with an introduction to experiences inside and outside the classroom. The HSAs and their fellow students love to answer questions and make recommendations regarding the cultural scene in the area. “There is just so much going on all the time,” says Stephen Collins, MBA 20. “Whether it’s in Oakland or San Francisco or people day tripping up to Napa or Sausalito.” A Global Culinary Adventure Berkeley’s food scene mirrors its cultural diversity, offering students a world tour of cuisines within a few miles. Between farmers markets and top-rated restaurants from dives to elegant eateries, there is something for everyone. The area’s international food scene reflects its diversity, featuring restaurants with influences from Ethiopian, Thai, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisines, among others. Berkeley is home to some famous eateries. Chez Panisse was founded in 1971 by author and chef Alice Waters and is one of the first pioneers of the farm-to-table movement. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and has direct relationships with local farmers, ranchers and dairies to supply the food. The ability to grab some brunch in Sausalito, then work it off with an afternoon hike in Tilden Park in Berkeley is something you can only get here. The worker-owned Cheese Board Collective represents Berkeley’s innovative spirit in both its business model and culinary offerings. The collective concept is an enterprise that produces and distributes goods, provides services, and is owned and controlled by its workers. The Cheese Board Collective started as a cheese store, evolved into a bakery, and now has a pizzeria that is a favorite gathering spot of Haas MBA students. Students also recommend that anyone with a sweet tooth try Tara’s Organic Ice Cream. They handcraft small batches using only fresh and organic ingredients. With over 150 flavors, including classic vanilla and chocolate to adventurous ones like sweet corn or chipotle, an ice cream lover will never get bored. “There are tons of excellent food options,” says Adam Rabin, MBA 20. He enjoys making a day out of a culinary experience, “The ability to grab some brunch in Sausalito, then work it off with an afternoon hike in Tilden Park in Berkeley is something you can only get here.” Food is something that everyone needs and Haas students have found that it can help to foster relationships. They can participate in clubs like Food@Haas or Haas Beer Club to connect with one another. Shared dining experiences are an important part of life at Haas, “There are fun themed parties and things like that,” says Stephen. “There are also more quiet opportunities like dialogues over dinner where you have dinner with a small group of folks and talk about a pressing issue or share personal stories.” With Napa Valley being close, day trips to wineries are a way to share an appreciation for wines. Beer lovers can enjoy partaking in the craft brewing scene. Students can visit places in and around Berkeley like Triple Rock Brewery, Gilman Brewing Company, and Cellarmaker Brewing. Building Community Through Shared Experiences The rich cultural tapestry of Berkeley enhances the MBA experience in countless ways. The multitude of student organizations, clubs, and co-curricular activities at Haas provide structured opportunities to explore different traditions and build lasting connections. As Molly Zeins, MBA 20, someone who considered herself an introvert but stepped out of her comfort zone to explore during her time here, reflects, “Everything is available if you want it, and you can get really involved in the broader Berkeley community. People are welcoming to your ideas and your contributions.” For prospective students considering Haas, the vibrant cultural scene of Berkeley offers more than just entertainment–it provides opportunities for personal growth, networking, and developing a broader worldview. As Stephen, who is from the east coast and did a lot of research before deciding to pack up and move to Berkeley, advises, “Talk to as many people as you can and if you are seriously considering it, come out here, take a visit. The variety of opportunities within this area was really exciting and surprising.” The Haas MBA experience extends far beyond business education. In Berkeley, students find themselves immersed in a dynamic environment where diversity is celebrated, creativity flourishes, and cultural exploration becomes an integral part of their professional development. This unique combination makes Berkeley not just a place to earn an MBA but a transformative experience that shapes future business leaders. If you want your MBA experience to expose you to a vibrant, diverse community full of opportunities for cultural enrichment, Berkeley may be the place for you! Contact us to learn more today. ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: Mentors and Leaders: How Haas Faculty Foster Student Success Beyond the Classroom |
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Haas School of Business faculty do more than just teach. They also foster student success outside of the classroom. The MBA programs at Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley are some of the top programs in the world. Students are prepared for their future careers by taking a variety of challenging classes. What they learn plays a big role in how they become respected business leaders. Who they learn from takes the experience to a higher level. Berkeley faculty as a whole are a prestigious group. They research and publish about cutting edge topics and provide students the opportunity to learn from true experts, some who literally wrote the textbook on their subject. The Haas faculty are no different. Not only are many of them academics, but they have real world experience to share with students. Their extensive knowledge combined with C-suite level contacts in the business world sets Haas apart from a lot of programs. The innovative thinkers that make up the faculty do more than just teach classes; they also mentor, guide, and make a difference in students’ lives. Helping students find a role One of the biggest reasons people decide to pursue an MBA is to enhance their careers. Every professor at Haas understands how important it is to have career resources and many bring in guest speakers to expose students to a variety of people with relevant experience. “The VC world is all about connections, and the teachers in our Venture Capital class; Terry Oppendyk, Sean Foote, and Kevan Desai shared their connections generously,” says Tanvi Lal, MBA 22. She continues, “We had amazing speakers and plenty of time to have real conversations with them.” Those conversations can lead to connections that can eventually lead to jobs. Jake Wamala, MBA 19, got his internship and first job out of Haas thanks to a guest speaker in one of his classes. “One of my biggest breaks to get that opportunity was going to a class here at Haas called Investment Management Speaker Series, where the current CEO came and spoke on campus,” he says. “I was able to catch him for a short minute after class and was able to forge a bond there that helped kick me off in the recruiting process.” Cleantech to Market director Brian Steel regularly invites speakers to his classes. After a presentation by Ashley Grosh, the director of Breakthrough Energy’s Fellows Program, Harshita Mira Venkatesh, MBA 21, asked for a personal introduction. Just asking led to a two year fellowship with the organization. Steel was more than happy to help one of his students, “Harshita clearly realized that this was one of those moments that if left unappreciated for its potential significance would pass her by,” he says. Kyle Rudzinski, MBA 14, decided to wait for the ideal job instead of taking an offer for the sake of getting a job. Adjunct Associate Professor Kellie McElhaney used her network to recommend consulting clients so he could work as a freelancer until he found the right position. She believed in him and knew he would stay true to himself. “Kyle could have easily taken lots of jobs, but he is one of the most steadfast-to-his-true-north students I’ve ever met,” she says. “His decision to look for the right job was brave. It shows his belief in himself and his purpose in life, and it paid off.” Knowing that professors are approachable and willing to help makes it easy for students to simply ask when they need something. First year MBA students spend a lot of their first year working to land the perfect internship. Matthew Bond, MBA 19, was able to find his internship by talking to one of his professors, “I connected with an entrepreneurship professor, Toby Stuart, who referred me to one of his VC contacts who sits on the board of this company.” Advice for entrepreneurs As the Faculty Director of the Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship Program, Dr. Stuart knows how important connections are for startup businesses. Another student he helped is Michael Ebel, MBA 17, founder of Atomosfy. “Toby was instrumental in helping us think about strategically raising our first round and how to avoid the various pitfalls of fundraising,” he says. Dr. Stuart was impressed with the work Michael had already done, “He demonstrated a ton of conviction and an incredible work ethic.” He also liked the fact that Michael always spoke using “we” instead of “I” when talking about the business, even though he was working on his own. “I thought that was a great sign for someone who’s going to build and lead a team,” Stuart says. Kurt Beyer is another entrepreneurship professor who has helped point students in the right direction for their fledgling businesses. Dustin Seely, MBA 18, was inspired to found Cryptonite and received a Trione Student Venture Fund grant in 2017. Manny Smith, MBA 21, is the founder of EdVisorly. During his time at Haas, he took a class with Dr. Beyer that was invaluable for his startup. “I knew Dr. Beyer’s class would be catalyzing and provide a foundation for our company to thrive,” he says. In 2023, Manny’s company received funding from the California Innovation Fund founded by Dr. Beyer. The two men are both veterans and Dr. Beyer felt that Manny’s military experience brought something to the table, “As a former Air Force officer, Manny brought far more leadership acumen than many MBA students. That military background makes him an outstanding entrepreneur.” Students come to Berkeley Haas because they care about building businesses that create not just market value, but value for people and society. Haas faculty provide other resources to entrepreneurs. Matt Parker, MBA 23, was taking a class with professional faculty member Maura O’Neill, BCEMBA 04, when he started Alokee. The company helps people buy homes without using a real estate agent. Maura saw potential with the company and provided advice based on her own experience as an entrepreneur. “She understands that being an entrepreneur is hard,” says Matt. “You have these valleys, and Maura is right there telling you these valleys are part of the process.” Maura was such a fan of Alokee that she used the service recently when she bought a home. “That part of real estate was just waiting to be disrupted,” she says. “And here was somebody who actually had the knowledge and had been smart about putting the team together with different kinds of expertise.” Haas students make it easy People who teach at Haas are special, but most of them credit their students with giving them the motivation to do more than just lead classroom lectures. Maura keeps her finger on the pulse of what is relevant to her students. But there’s more, “The real secret sauce is that I care deeply about them personally and professionally. I’ve had 1,000 students and former students over the years, and hardly a week goes by that I don’t hear from more than one of them.” Faculty know that students will deal with a wide range of dilemmas throughout their careers. Students truly appreciate that professors apply their own academic research into their lessons. “Professor Brandi Pearce drives home the science that backs up how to best lead and manage people,” says Jake McIntosh, MBA 22. He continues, “Turns out there is plenty of research in favor of an approach that encourages celebrating our individual identities to reach a team goal.” Dr. Pearce says that Haas MBA students embody a special mix of traits, “They are looking for, and often creating, the next frontier. I appreciate that attribute and value it in a leader,” she says. “Students come to Berkeley Haas because they care about building businesses that create not just market value, but value for people and society.” Professor and Interim Dean Jenny Chatman agrees, “Haas students don’t just want to do something exciting and lucrative for themselves,” she says. She is excited about their futures and proud she has the opportunity to work with them, “Many want to change the world in a significant way—either making things better for others or developing an idea that will accelerate other people’s quality of life. Our students are an inspiration.” Learn from the best with an MBA from Haas School of Business. Explore top-ranked programs to find out how Berkeley Haas faculty can support you in your career. ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: Supercharging a Law Career: How a Last-Minute Decision to Pursue a Dual Degree J.D./MBA Changed Everything For Flora Morgan |
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Flora Morgan, JD/MBA 24, knew for a long time that she wanted to go to law school, but an MBA wasn’t even on her radar. She was surprised as anyone to find herself in a dual degree J.D./MBA program at the Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley. But she’d be the first to tell you that this unexpected path has paid off in spades. Originally from the East Coast, when searching for a law school, Flora’s eyes turned toward the West Coast and, specifically, the Bay Area. While she had other options in the area, she felt a strong pull to Berkeley. She says, “to me the heart and soul of the school is really social justice. Not only is it a great educational institution, but the pillars and values of the place are really people-centered.” When looking for a graduate school, Flora really wanted this type of values and people-centered school where she could not only grow professionally and intellectually, but also grow as a person. She found the right fit at Berkeley. From Law School to Business School: A Leap of Faith After beginning her J.D. program, it would still be quite a while before she began the dual degree MBA program. In fact, Flora had already been in law school for two years before she even considered the dual degree and then ended up applying right at the cutoff date, “at literally the last moment.” The decision wasn’t easy. An extra year of school meant more time without income, and additional loans. But what ultimately compelled her to take the plunge was the people. Specifically, her interactions with student leadership at Haas. “I was really drawn to how everyone I met was not only someone I wanted to be around on a personal level, but was someone who would ask me what my interests were, wanted to help me make connections with others who were also interested in those things, and wanted to get to know me on a deeper level.” But her connection with these leaders wasn’t just personal. She began to be intrigued by their approach to professional problem solving. “I felt like they all had a really refreshing approach to problem solving in their careers, where they started from outside the box instead of the inside.” While law school teaches you how to “color in the lines,” Flora found this creative approach to problem solving both compelling and refreshing. While lawyers use precedent to solve problems and make decisions, she felt she could be more well-rounded in her professional career if she combined that legal way of thinking with a more forward-way of thinking that was taught in the MBA program. She says, “I felt drawn to the energy that I was sensing from these folks in Haas.” In fact Flora says it’s difficult to fully articulate exactly what she was even looking for, she just had “an intuitive sense that I needed to be steeped in that environment.” She admitted that applying for the program based on intuition was a big leap of faith when it came to some of the logistics of time and loans. But she couldn’t shake the feeling this was the right path for her. Learning to Lead, Not Just Litigate So Flora decided to officially take a leap of faith and become a dual-degree student. The result? An experience that exceeded her expectations. “I can sit here today with no regrets at all and say it has given me a completely different perspective on problem solving and a much more informed approach to management.” Between the set curriculum, interactions with peers, entrepreneurial opportunities, and watching classmates find innovative solutions to problems, Flora was able to gather a powerful leadership tool box that, when combined with her legal tool box, has given her a transformative competitive edge in her workplace. Now an associate at a litigation boutique, Flora says this experience makes her a much more capable and nimble lawyer than she would have been if she hadn’t pursued a UC Berkeley Haas MBA. And not just by a little bit, Flora emphasized, “a lot more.” Learning to Think Outside the Box “There’s a tendency in the law to follow what’s been done before,” says Flora. “So you might be in a room where people are bringing in innovative ideas, but most of those ideas are within the box. Within the four corners of the universe we usually play in. I think where I bring something different is that I start from a different vantage point and see things from a different perspective.” One of the ways Flora learned to see things from a different perspective was being surrounded by such a diverse group of people within the Haas program itself. “There were so many things that my peers brought into conversations that really added to the positive group dynamic. Getting those “reps” in at business school where you’re working with a really diverse team of people who have completely different skill sets and perspectives is a life skill that makes you an asset to any company...and Haas is the most diverse intellectual experience I’ve ever had.” By starting from outside the box and being comfortable conversing with diverse groups of people, she is able to problem solve and project manage in effective ways that differ from the way lawyers are trained to think–thus serving as a powerful asset for her firm, clients, and colleagues. Crediting both the firm she is working at and the leadership skills she honed at Haas, she’s been able to approach senior leadership with various ideas and innovative solutions. Something else that was particularly helpful from Haas was getting a better understanding of how technology is transforming the entire landscape of how people do their work–including lawyers. She sees this as one more key asset that she brings to the table and provides an additional competitive advantage. Haas: The Edge She Didn’t Know She Needed Looking back, Flora has zero regrets about adding another year to her graduate education, even though her ambition was always a law career, not business. “I feel really strongly about the decision I made. If you’re someone whose ambition is to lead a group of people–whatever that looks like–business school is the best sandbox to figure that out and figure out what your leadership style is.” When asked if it was fair to describe the dual program as a sort of “career accelerator” Flora said yes and added, “It gives you an edge. And I’ve certainly seen that play out in terms of compensation and opportunities I’ve been given at my firm. I don’t feel like a first year. And so much of that comes from the personal development and leadership training you receive in business school.” Her enthusiasm for the program runs so deep that she’s already helped guide two other students through the application process, both of whom are now in the program themselves. Flora’s bottom line? “This experience really catapults you to another level.” Want a boost in your own career pathway? Check out Berkeley’s dual degree programs and see if there’s one that’s the right fit for you! ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: The Power of Connection: Real Stories of Career Breakthroughs From the Haas Alumni Network |
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Knowing the right people really can get you that dream job. Berkeley Haas MBA grads know first hand how powerful the alumni network can be. Applying for jobs can be mentally and emotionally draining, especially when you can’t seem to get a response to applications you’ve sent out. Sometimes all it takes to get a foot in the door is by making a connection with someone on the inside. That can be easier said than done, unless you’re a part of a network of successful people who understand the value that you can add to their organization. University of California, Berkeley has a massive alumni network spread out all over the world. People who have attended school here understand that the academic rigor and application of soft skills prepares students for the real world. There is a high level of respect for anyone who holds a Berkeley diploma, especially among the inner circle. One of the more powerful and well respected networks is the one that comes out of the Haas School of Business. With over 45,000 alumni, a supportive community is in place to help students and job seekers. During their time at Haas, students learn how to network and make connections with business leaders. Actively networking is a major part of the program for those pursuing the Haas MBA. Support from Within The Career Management Group (CMG) plays a major role in training students how to network and setting up events and meetings to help facilitate those connections. Their methods work, as Haas boasts a 93.8% placement rate within 3 months of graduating. The CMG is focused on relationship based recruiting by connecting students with hiring managers and recruiters. They coordinate formal on-campus interviews as well as host industry firm nights, career panels, corporate visits, alumni mixers, and job fairs. Participation in these events doesn’t end when students get their diploma. The CMG is available to all graduates throughout their career. If events are too much for a busy schedule, alumni can connect with other grads and hiring managers through CMG Bears, an active online job bank. The CMG is a great resource, but students also benefit by taking advantage of everything that the business school has to offer. Patrick Drown, MBA 24, had a job lined up at McKinsey before graduation. He did a good job of using the networking resources available to him while he was a student. “I connected through the Haas network first through the on-campus consulting club which already has a lot of connections with existing alumni in different firms.” He continues, “Additionally, every recruiting event that I went to, there were Haas alumni there. So it was really easy to connect with the Haas network.” Career preparation is also built into several classes at Haas. “One of my biggest breaks to get that opportunity was going to a class here at Haas called Investment Management Speaker Series, where the current CEO came and spoke on campus,” says Jake Wamala, MBA 19, a Global Research Analyst at Aristotle Capital Management. He continues, “I was able to catch him for a short minute after class and was able to forge a bond there that helped kick me off in the recruiting process.” Professors Take a Personalized Approach The smaller class sizes within the Berkeley Haas MBA program means that students have the opportunity to really get to know their professors. When it comes time to start looking for a career, it’s not uncommon for these teacher-mentors to use their own networks to help students on the path to their next venture. Some faculty have connections that can help students and alumni secure funding for their entrepreneurial pursuits. Professor Toby Stuart made introductions that helped Michael Ebel, MBA 17, secure financing for Atmosfy, an app that allows users to share videos of their experiences at local businesses so people can see what an establishment is like. “Toby was instrumental in helping us think about strategically raising our first round and how to avoid the various pitfalls of fundraising,” Michael says. “He also provided sound advice on how to build a world-class team that would be critical to our success.” Brian Steel, Director of the Cleantech to Market program at Haas, regularly invites speakers to his classes. One of those speakers struck a chord with Harshita Mira Venkatesh, MBA 21, and she asked Steel for a formal introduction. He says, “Harshita clearly realized that this was one of those moments that if left unappreciated for its potential significance would pass her by and she didn’t let that happen.” That introduction led to a two year appointment at Breakthrough Energy where Harshita worked to help develop climate solutions in high-emission industries such as steel, heating, transportation, and food. During the program, business people like Harshita work with scientists and engineers to make the technology marketable. Although her appointment ended in September of 2023, she has continued supporting the environmental solutions she believes in as an investor at a firm that works with entrepreneurs focused on climate change. Invaluable Alumni Connections Haas MBA students are so focused on being a part of a vast network that when they graduate, it’s ingrained into their way of doing business. The alumni are always looking out for one another. I got my job because of a conversation I had in the courtyard on my first day at Haas. When Desirae Early Oppong, MBA 15, was preparing to leave her job at Levi’s, she was contacted by Kyle Rudzinski, MBA 14. The two met in class while both were students. He was interested in the position she was preparing to vacate. Deserae knew that Kyle would be a great fit because of his passion for sustainability innovation. “I wanted someone to take this work to the next level, so I turned to Haas,” she says. “I know that many of us balance business acumen with strong values—something that’s necessary in a role that blends environmental and social issues with core business strategy.” Kyle has since moved on from a successful five year career at Levi’s, but he has continued to work in roles with companies pursuing social responsibility, “I pursue opportunities based on values and doing something good for the world.” Alejandra Vergara, MBA 22, worked with Haas alumni in order to get her job at Bee Partners. “I do think the Berkeley network does have something really special,” she says. “There’s a willingness to help each other out just given that you share the same values and that you want people that are coming from that sort of core value system to succeed and to have more of a presence in industry.” Henry Gordon, MBA 23, Strategy and Planning Manager at Skydio, is working a job he loves thanks to a connection he made as a student. “I got my job because of a conversation I had in the courtyard on my first day at Haas and formed a relationship with someone who became a really good friend of mine,” he said. “My job was a surprise to me. It was not a job that I really planned for but I’m really happy in it now and I wouldn’t have gotten here if I hadn’t invested time in my classmates.” Paying attention to the people you’ve surrounded yourself with can lead to big things. “My dream was to work at Pixar. Before coming to Haas, I never had the courage to say that dream out loud because it felt so unattainable,” says Joanna Shujman, MBA 17. “At Haas, I whispered that to some of my classmates and next thing I knew, they were action planning for me. They were identifying networking opportunities for me,” she says. “And through connecting with faculty, connecting with my classmates, identifying different ways that I could help the organization, I actually landed an internship at Pixar.” Joanna sees herself as a storyteller with a passion for people. Her internship led to several creative roles in the business sector after graduation. She currently serves as Head of Research & Insights- Mobility at Uber where she focuses on consumer insights and development. Although the Haas MBA is a high level prestigious business program, community is at its core. Many alumni feel that although they worked hard to learn the academics of business, forming the relationships and the network had just as big of an impact. As a Vice President of Finance at Zeitview, Maurizio Asperti, MBA 19, is able to look past the numbers and see the people he connected with. “Just, the plethora of experiences I’ve had with so many incredibly accomplished people from different walks of life.” He continues, “So, I like to think of them as a network of friends more than a network of contacts or colleagues.” If you’re looking to expand your network in order to open doors, all while getting one of the best educations in the world, look no further than the Haas MBA. Learn more about our programs by contacting us or attending an information session. ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: How Collaborative Relationships Within the Haas Network Lead to Lifelong Connections |
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A student’s time at Haas doesn’t end when they graduate. The relationships formed with others last a lifetime and can make a big impact. It’s not uncommon to lose touch with people after graduating from high school and even college. Graduate school relationships are the same as people get busy with life and move on to others within their newly established circles. But grads who come out of the University of California Berkeley’s Haas School of Business MBA programs have a different story to tell. Part of the culture revolves around forging relationships that last a lifetime. The personal bonds that are formed can mean the difference between just finding a job and finding that dream job. When hard times hit, the network springs into action to help someone who may have been laid off or just wants a change. Haas graduates understand the unwritten rule that “Haasies” help other Haasies, even when they don’t previously know one another. A simple introduction is sometimes all it takes to help someone achieve their dreams. Collaboration Not Competition Students at Haas are intelligent and motivated. The school also values diversity and drive. Although business can have a reputation for being cut-throat, Haas students learn to do just the opposite. They believe that it’s not all about self preservation. They can get further by helping instead of competing with one another. “Honestly I was so shocked how collaborative the entire community was,” says Shweta Joshi Jordan, MBA 19, who pursued a career in consulting. “You see each other at events, you help each other out to network, obviously help each other case, and it’s just so supportive.” Shweta’s classmate, Matt Hines, MBA 19, echoes her feelings, “I came in thinking that consulting recruiting was going to be this incredibly intense, competitive process and while it was difficult, it felt super collaborative in a way I was not expecting,” he says. Matt has been with Bain in Chicago since he graduated from Haas, “I remember going into my final round interviews with Bain and getting a bunch of texts from other people who were interviewing for the same job wishing me luck.” Built-In Business Partners Students and alumni who are a part of the Haas network know how important that collaboration can be, especially when it comes to entrepreneurship. “As an entrepreneur coming to Haas there will be more open doors than you can walk into,” says Ludwig Schoenack, MBA 19, and co-founder of Kyte. “But you as an entrepreneur have to know why you’re doing what you’re doing and then step forward and take every opportunity.” One of those opportunities that wasn’t around when Ludwig was a student is the Entrepreneurship Hub, or eHub. Opened in 2024, its mission is to connect students who have an interest in entrepreneurship, whether they’re Haas students or part of other majors at UC Berkeley. The eHub attracts students who are curious about entrepreneurship, those who have ideas, and those who are ready to start building a business. Advisors are available to help guide students. Faculty Director Saikat Chaudhuri sees the center as a way to appeal to people who aren’t sure where to start. “We have a special focus on the entrepre-curious, because we need to lower the barriers for doing great things,” he says. Even before the eHub was a thought, there are countless stories of partnerships that have been formed thanks to Haas connections. With the collaborative culture and heavy focus on teamwork, students often meet potential business partners. This is what happened with Brian D. Milovich, MBA 06, David Saxe, and Brian Chuck, both MBA 07. The three were members of the Berkeley Real Estate Club and stayed in touch after graduation. In 2010, they came together to start Calvera Partners, a real estate investment company. Their Berkeley experience meant enough to them that the “Cal” in Calvera is derived from UC Berkeley’s nickname. I was amazed at the doors that the Berkeley email address opened for me. Almost everyone was willing to take a call, and I’m thankful for the access it provided. Brian says that the culture at the school guided the ethical and transparent way the company is run. The three co-founders gained the knowledge they needed to be successful in real estate. And it helped them to know the right people, “Another benefit of Haas was thelarge network that we gained. As students, we had access to CEOs and executives of the largest real estate companies in the country.” Although C-suite access is nice, the friendships are better, “My favorite perk of this network is that I constantly get to interact with my classmates 20 years later. Some of whom are investors in our many real estate funds,” says Brian. He continues, ”Others are in the real estate industry, and we get to reconnect at conferences each year.” In 2017, Chip Malt, MBA 15, co-founded direct-to-consumer cookware company, Made In. The company grew quickly and by 2019, Chip knew he needed some extra help. He enlisted Chad Brinton and Matt Gunderson, both MBA 15, to help him and his business partner take the company to the next level. Made In was named one of Inc. magazine’s best workplaces of 2021 and they currently work with several celebrity chefs. The Haas network is a big part of their success, “I was amazed at the doors that the Berkeley email address opened for me,” says Chad. “Almost everyone was willing to take a call, and I’m thankful for the access it provided.” Francois-Jerome Selosse, MBA 18, and classmate Adrian Rodrigues, MBA 18, started Provenance Capital Group (PCG) in 2019 to focus on regenerative agriculture, a farming technique designed to restore health to the soil, water, and other resources. Although regenerative agriculture is an important part of ag, it’s difficult to fund using traditional finance structures such as venture capital and private equity funds. Although both have moved on, their focus was to advise eco-friendly agriculture companies and farms by finding them much needed money. Haas alumni are active in every industry, including ag, so the network bonds are beneficial. One of PCG’s clients was Encina Farms, which was founded and is run by Helmut Drews, MBA 13. Finding the Best Fit Adrian is also credited with helping Kyle Rudzinski find his way in the ag finance industry. Kyle is the former vice president of operations at rePlant Capital. “[Adrian] helped guide me into the space of regenerative agriculture finance,” Kyle says. “I consider him my regenerative agriculture Sherpa.” Kyle still works in the eco-friendly finance industry. The connection with Adrian wasn’t the first time that Kyle used his network at Haas to collaborate in order to find a role that fit what he needed at a certain point in time. After graduation, he collaborated with Desirae Early Oppong, MBA 15, to get the job it turned out she was vacating. Knowing that the opportunity is there because others are there to help is one of the reasons that many people choose Haas to pursue their MBA. Amanda Parker, MBA 18, had no doubt that she would have the guidance she needed, “Being exposed to all different kinds of industries, being exposed to different roles, and functions, and alumni, and people, and our network of really interesting people doing interesting things,” she says. “I knew I’d be able to discover my own pathway through the pathways I was able to explore from others.” If you’re looking to be a part of a network that understands the power of collaboration, Haas may be the place for you. Contact us to find out more about the program and how it can help you reach your goals. ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: How Haas MBA Students Gain Valuable International Experience: From Consulting Projects to Global Exchanges |
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With our global economy, it’s more important than ever that MBA students get hands-on exposure to international business. In today’s interconnected world, international business experience isn’t just an advantage — it’s a necessity. Global business drives economic growth, creates jobs, fosters innovation, and builds culture bridges. For MBA students aspiring to lead in this global landscape, hands-on international exposure is invaluable. The numbers tell the story: Fortune Global 500 companies generated $41 trillion in revenue in 2023. Six of the top 10 are US based while the other four all have strong ties to America. Over 90% of North American companies have shifted their production and sourcing to different countries in the past five years. This evolving landscape demands business leaders with a strong understanding of global business who can navigate global complexities with confidence. MBA students at University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business move beyond classroom lectures and case studies to gain real-world international experience. They have the opportunity to get hands-on experience through exchange programs and consulting projects with clients from around the world. Berkeley Haas students have a number of opportunities to learn by doing. The Global Focus program allows students to work in the classroom and with international companies to build cross-cultural understanding. Initiatives in the Global Focus program include International Business Development (IBD),https://globalnetwork.io/anexchange program, and Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM). International Business Development The International Business Development program is an elective that has been around for over 30 years. Students have worked with clients in 89 countries in a variety of industries. The course is a semester long, immersive experience where MBA students serve as company consultants. They are presented with a problem, analyze it, and deliver solutions that the clients will implement. The IBD teams are as diverse as the student body at Haas. The 4 or 5 students on each team bring different strengths to the table. They’re mentored by a faculty member who helps guide them while they solve problems ranging from marketing to operations to many other strategic challenges. They also bring fresh perspectives that a client may not have considered in the past. During the course of their projects, they work with data provided by their clients. They hold regular Zoom meetings to gather information and keep the client up to date on their progress. Students analyze information and develop and test multiple hypotheses. Toward the end of their projects, they take a two week trip to the client’s country to meet in person. This is where they have the chance to refine their plans and pitch them. “We were deeply impressed by the IBD team’s thorough research,” says Tatsuya Takahashi, CEO of Z-Works in Japan. He continues, “Collaborating with the students has been a delightful experience, providing us with momentum to pursue our global business expansion.” Despite situations where students don’t speak the language in their client’s country, they still manage to get the job done while forming bonds with new associates. They sometimes have to get creative to communicate. The group who worked with Tatsuya at Z-Works used Google Translate and Chat-GPT to create a Japanese version of their presentation. Niveda Kumar, MBA 25, says that the language barrier created challenges, but her group still picked up on the gratitude from their Japanese coworkers, “When we were in-country, you could sense the trust,” she said. “It felt like a barrier had come down between us and the client.” Although students are there to work, they do get the opportunity to experience the culture and have a little fun. Many Haas alumni also live abroad and often host students as part of their alumni gatherings. The Z-Works group was asked to present to alumni at a bar when they were in Japan. One alum invited them for lunch at his club in a high rise overlooking Tokyo. “I would say this has been the most rewarding academic experience for me at Haas so far,” says Niveda. “I think if you’re curious about consulting and you’re curious about real international work experience, this is the class for you.” Alumni regularly have the opportunity to talk to current IBD students about how the program impacted their lives. Brian Bell, MBA 20, helped to develop a venture capital inspired tech innovation process with an aerospace firm in Brazil, “IBD stood out as one of my most loved and rewarding experiences while at Haas,” he says. “IBD gave me the chance to work with our client’s senior leaders and informed my interest in pursuing a career in strategy.” It’s not uncommon for IBD to reshape career goals. Tiffany Tran, MBA 20, ended up working in the wine and spirits industry after her IBD project with Samai, a Cambodian distillery. “IBD was huge for my learning about the kind of experience I wanted to have in my work life after Haas,” says Tiffany. She is now working for Viña Concha y Toro, a South American wine distributor, “I learned that I wanted to be on the company/brand side, rather than work as a consultant, and also, how important working internationally is to me.” Traditional Exchange Opportunities Haas MBA candidates also have the opportunity to study abroad for an entire semester through an exchange program. Full-time MBA students typically go on exchange during the Fall semester of their second year. Anywhere from one to 10 students participate annually. That number depends on the balance of trade between Haas and its four partner schools: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, IESE Business School in Barcelona, London Business School, and Columbia Business School. These exchange programs can be a deciding factor for prospective students. Sandra Tamer, MBA 19, chose Haas for her MBA after hearing about its exchange program from a London Business School student,"When I asked someone at LBS what her favorite experience during her program had been, she said it was going on the exchange program at Haas," Sandra says. "That was a pretty powerful recommendation. I was so excited when I got my Haas acceptance." A Large Network for International Business Another program, the Global Network for Advanced Management, or GNAM, is similar to both IBD and the exchange program but it is on a very tight timeline. It’s more popular with students who are a part of the Executive MBA program at Haas, but full-time MBA students can also participate. The GNAM is a large network made up of 32 leading business schools spanning 30 countries worldwide. Small Network Online Courses are held at your home campus in conjunction with schools around the world as an introduction to the global business perspective. Actual immersion takes place during Global Network Weeks. Haas students work at a school within the network alongside students from other schools. In just a week, they’re given exposure to perspectives, programs, and faculty expertise of a variety of schools. During their time at their host school, students attend classes, tour local businesses, and meet with experts focused on current business problems. It’s intense but very rewarding. Howard "Nando" Cooke, EMBA 19, is a surgeon who did his GNAM experience in Ghana. While he was there, he worked with a group of students from both Haas and Yale to help get a hospital up and running. In the U.S., he had already built and sold two surgery practices, so this project was right up his alley. “They built this beautiful facility but had no plans for running it,” says Nando. “Not only did I have the knowledge within healthcare, and the knowledge of having run businesses in the U.S., but now I had a Berkeley MBA background that I could use to help them run this enterprise. I felt really special.” Your Gateway to Global Business Leadership For prospective MBA students like Monica Shavers, MBA 23, these international opportunities can be a crucial factor in choosing Haas., “I didn’t get to study abroad as an undergraduate,” she says. “I saw this as a great opportunity for me to get that global experience while I’m in school again.” In an increasingly interconnected business world, Haas’ international learning opportunities offer more than just global exposure—they provide the hands-on experience, cross-cultural competence, and professional networks essential for future business leaders. Whether through consulting projects, exchanges, or global networking, Haas students graduate prepared to lead in the international business landscape. Ready to begin your global business journey? Contact us to learn more about how Berkeley Haas’ international learning opportunities can help you achieve your goals. ![]()
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| FROM Haas Admissions Blog: The Double Bear Advantage: Why These Impact-Driven Alumni Chose a Haas MBA |
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UC Berkeley graduates don't just follow career paths—they build better ones. For those ready to amplify their impact, the most powerful way forward is returning to the source of that original spark. The Cal Advantage pathway is a dedicated application process designed specifically for UC Berkeley alumni to apply for their MBA at the Haas School of Business without test scores. No matter which MBA program you choose, Haas recognizes that alumni have already proven they possess the academic grit and vision to lead. Here is how three Haas MBA alum leveraged their UC Berkeley foundation to reach the next level of their careers: The Comfort of a "Home Field" Advantage Transitioning back into the intensity of an MBA program after years in the professional world is a significant shift. However, for Nasser Al-Rayess (MBA 22), a BA Political Science graduate, returning to UC Berkeley felt less like a leap into the unknown and more like a return to a familiar rhythm. While others were navigating the complexities of a new campus environment, Nasser was able to focus entirely on his growth and professional network. “Everything feels familiar,” Nasser explains. “From knowing how to utilize Bcourses for class and manage Cal Central to the general knowledge of the school and its history—these things have made the transition back to school easier. Without being a Cal alum, my first fall semester would have definitely been more difficult to manage." Reimagining the UC Berkeley Experience For Sophie Scheidlinger (MBA 23), who holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Berkeley, the decision was a blend of academic logic and a deep-seated connection to the university’s mission. She sought a program that would challenge her, but she found that the physical and cultural environment of UC Berkeley provided a unique catalyst for that growth. “I was drawn to Haas on its own merits, but the experience of coming back to campus to interview was unique,” she shares. “I know and love this campus and have so much nostalgia for this place. Revisiting Berkeley to create a new set of experiences has been so rewarding and has only enhanced my graduate school experience." Anchored in Shared Values For Shazia Virji (MBA 23), who earned her BS in Business Administration at UC Berkeley, the decision to return wasn't just about the prestige of a top-tier MBA; it was about the soul of the program. At Haas, the Defining Leadership Principles (Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself) are more than just slogans; they are the core of the community. Shazia found that her undergraduate years had already prepared her for the Haas way of leading. “Being a Cal alumna had a significant impact on my decision to pursue an MBA at Haas,” Shazia says. “The Defining Leadership Principles are core values that I carry with me from my time in the undergrad program, and I couldn't think of a better program to join in order to continue applying these principles." The Cal Advantage: An MBA Pathway Built for UC Berkeley Alumni UC Berkeley alumni are uniquely prepared for the rigors of a Haas MBA, having already proven their academic and quantitative readiness. To honor this, Cal Advantage offers a streamlined application process, including optional GMAT/GRE scores and simplified requirements. For the alum ready to lead the next generation of business and join a global network of 46,000+ leaders, the path to the future leads right back to UC Berkeley. Learn more about Haas MBA programs and how to use your Cal Advantage at our upcoming online event on April 21. ![]()
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Success stories and strategies from high-scoring candidates.