University of California—Berkeley - Haas School of Business

The Haas School of Business at the University of California—Berkeley is a “top school for academics and recruitment opportunities,” especially “on the West Coast.” Students here note that the MBA program is “outstanding on all levels: professionally, academically, and socially.” Thanks to an environment that encourages student involvement and input, most here “feel like they have a real role in shaping their own academic experiences.” As one student explains, there are “a million ways to get involved and really make a difference. Experiential learning opportunities everywhere you turn.” Things “move fast here” thanks to the structure of the courses, but students find themselves supported by “fantastic” and “accessible” professors who “sincerely care” about these future entrepreneurs. “We learn from professors who not only are recognized as top academics in their respective fields, but also professionals who shape the direction of the industry,” explains one student. Additionally, Haas’ administration “seems to have a singular focus on improving the experience for students.” According to students, “They go to great lengths to take in, process, and change the program per student recommendations.”

Students praise the “small, intimate program” for being exactly that: “small” and “intimate.” “We only have 240 students per class (at least officially...sometimes one or two more get added),” says one student. This “tight-knit” environment creates a distinctly “collaborative culture” that forges lasting connections (which come in handy after graduation). The “caliber of students, faculty, administration, and career services staff” are all “top-notch,” which provides a solid base for development. “Haas excels at entrepreneurship (not just social entrepreneurship),” explains one student. “Its heavy involvement and leadership in the Berkeley Energy Resources Collaborative (BERC) provides great opportunities in alternative/green energy entrepreneurship.” The school also offers a “health care and international business focus.” Another key component of the program is its “close ties” and proximity “to Silicon Valley.” Students also single out their “excellent” dean, Richard Lyons, for praise. As one student says, “He’s an energetic, reputable professor who spent time in the real world on Wall Street.”

After graduation, Berkeley MBAs breathe easy knowing that their program’s high profile and sound reputation go a long way in providing job opportunities for them—not to mention that it also has “an alumni network that spans the globe.” As is often the case at such schools, the Haas Career Center provides a broad range of excellent services. Students here benefit from one-on-one advisement, access to numerous online job databases, industry clubs, workshops, seminars, and a mentoring program in which second-year students counsel first years in their search for internships. Employers most likely to hire Berkeley MBAs include Google, Amazon, Apple, Bain & Company, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Pacific Gas and Electric, McKinsey, Genentech.

According to students, life at Haas is “extremely busy and involved.” “Beyond school- work—which is the focus—almost every student is involved in at least one if not two or three extracurricular activities, most of which are student-run,” says one student. “There are often symposiums, speakers, new clubs forming, and conferences to attend.” The extracurricular activities, just like the school, are largely “student-driven,” meaning that “if a student can dream of an activity, club, or academic venture...it can be done, and in fairly easy fashion.” “Life at school is a whirlwind,” explains one student. “There are so many clubs, speakers, and events to check out—but never enough time in the day. Last week, I was involved in organizing a panel on sustainable design with speakers from IDEO, Patagonia, and Nike, while also participating in a chili cook-off!”

Needless to say, “life at Haas is rich and very intensive.” Despite being “very active and busy between academic and social opportunities,” students find time for the “important things in life.” “Dodgeball on Mondays, softball on Tuesdays, and bar of the week on Thursdays—I love b-school!” says one student. Berkeley is “a great college town” with “amazing access to San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Lake Tahoe” (no surprise that the student body reports an “overall appreciation for the outdoors”). In addition, the loca- tion in the Bay Area “provides a wealth of opportunity for networking.”

Thanks to the school’s “small class size” Haas has “a very strong sense of community.” “People are trustworthy and helpful,” says one student. “Friendly,” “easygoing,” and “international” are all words that could be used to describe the student body here. The “collaborative” environment means that there “isn’t the typical cutthroat competition apparent at other business schools.” The “diverse” and “welcoming” students here are “keen to support each other.” As one student explains, “Life at Haas is unique to every individual, and yet there are so many opportunities for shared experiences.”