The Berkeley MBA – Online Admissions Chat
October 13, 2008
Chat with Current Haas MBA Students
Morgan Eckles , MBA Class of 2009
Jon Wiesner, MBA Class of 2009
Shobha Kazinka, Moderator
Shobha_Moderator
Welcome to the Berkeley MBA Student chat. My name is Shobha and I will be moderating the chat today. I would like to introduce Morgan Eckles, a 2nd year MBA student. Jon Wiesner, a 2nd year MBA student, will be joining us shortly. Please send us your questions!
Morgan MBA09
Hi there and welcome! My name is Morgan and I am a second year student here at Haas. Prior to school, I worked for seven years in a variety of functions including product management, client development and investment banking. This summer I interned with Google as an Online Sales and Operations intern in their Mountain View office, and I am pursuing both general management and strategic marketing opportunities post graduation. Here at Haas my primary extracurricular activity is with the MBAA (our student government) as the Vice President of Admissions, but I am also an active member of the Marketing Club, Technology Club, Women in Leadership Club and Young Entrepreneurs at Haas. I also moved out to California from Boston, so can relate to many folks considering a cross country move. I'm happy to answer any questions about student life, Haas or anything else that is on your mind!
Jon MBA09
My name is Jon and I am a second year full-time MBA. I did my undergraduate studies at Emory University and majored in International Affairs and Spanish. Prior to coming back to Haas I worked for a unit of Vivendi in Sydney Australia and for five years at Bank of America in San Francisco. I am transitioning to a career in management consulting and I did my summer internship at Deloitte Consulting in San Francisco. At Haas, in addition to being a Haas Student Ambassador some of the organizations I am involved in are the Consulting Club, the General Management and Strategy Club, Global Initiatives at Haas, the Wine Industry Club and the Berkeley Board Fellows program.
Meeshy
Do you know of any of your classmates that were accepted with a GMAT score of 650 or below?
Morgan MBA09
Certainly, though I have to admit that GMAT scores are not often discussed by students. As you may know, the 80% GMAT average range is 670-760 so 650 is within range.
stephane88
Is there anything you wish you knew before attending Haas?
Jon MBA09
I think it is important to visit the school or interact with the current students in some way and get a sense of the culture and the type of student it attracts. For me that was the biggest factor in my decision. Seeing the type of student, the diversity of interests and the attitude they brought was key to me choosing to come here.
Pooja
Are there any tips about applications/essays/admissions you wish you had known about before the application process?
Morgan MBA09
Hi Pooja - The most important thing is to be authentic. Really do your homework on why Haas is a good fit for you. What classes do you want to take here? What clubs are most appealing? How will this culture/environment help you achieve your goals? Speaking with current students is a great way to get insight (and quotes!) so I suggest reaching out to the HSAs or club contacts.
Sabrina
Morgan--what convinced you that Haas was the right school for you? What differentiated Haas from the other b-schools?
Morgan MBA09
For me it was all about the people. Like many of the top programs, Haas has a great reputation and will provide students with a myriad of great job opportunities post graduation. So for me it was all about the people that I would surround myself with for two years. Haas people are "real", down to earth and totally genuine. We're not out to prove ourselves to one another or our professors. We're all here to really capitalize on this once in a lifetime experience, both in the classroom and out.
AndrewNYC
I think Haas would be a perfect fit for me. What do you think was most important when completing your applications and can you provide any examples?
Jon MBA09
Hi Andrew. I think it is important to take the time to really do some self-reflection on what is important to you and where you want to go. If you are able to communicate the experiences that you've had, how they have contributed to who you are, and what an MBA and this program will do for you, that is key. Also, get some people who know you really well to read your essays, etc. and help you determine if you are communicating your story effectively. Spend time on them (which I know is hard while working).
Yueting
Is Rich Lyons still teaching classes? Have any of our current students taken Rich's class? Can you describe of Rich's finance class?
Morgan MBA09
As many of you know, Rich Lyons just returned to Haas as our full time Dean (he is GREAT, by the way!). I'm not aware of any courses he is teaching this semester, but he is incredibly active on campus and has led several speaking sessions for students (particularly related to the economy as well as Haas' strategic direction). He is very visible and approachable. Like I said above, a great addition to the Haas community!
Tom
How did you pick Haas?
I chose Haas for a number of reasons. A key one is the intimate nature of the program, which is aided by our class size. I know all of my classmates very well, but it extends beyond the student body to the faculty, the administration, etc. Throughout my application process, I really found they took a personalized approach to getting to know me, and that had a huge effect on why I wanted to come here. In addition, I was able to interact with some of the other applicants through visits, info sessions, etc and was very impressed by them.
Fraser Ireland
What type of activities or projects do you do within the clubs you participate in?
Morgan MBA09
There are lots of opportunities to get involved. For one, you can choose to run for an elected position (such as President, VP of Communication, VP of Social, VP of Conferences etc), or you can be more selective about the leadership positions you want to take (such as volunteering to lead certain aspects of a panel). On the other end of the spectrum, you can opt into the mailing lists and attend the events as you please. Regardless, clubs are also a great resource for jobs. Most industry clubs (Marketing, Consulting, Finance etc) host career nights and bring in dozens of firms for panels and networking
stephane88
How many students are interested in pursuing a career in biotech or VC industry? Are there any opportunities to intern at VC firm?
Jon MBA09
There are a number of students interested in those fields. I'm actually in a class on the Biotech industry this semester and it has been fascinating. There are internship opportunities at VC firms, you just have to direct the search a little more because they usually don't have well defined internship programs. That means you will really leverage the alumni network, classmates and other resources like the Lester Center for Entrepreneurship to help guide your internship search.
Orlando O'Neill
What was the biggest surprise about your first year?
Morgan MBA09
First year is a lot harder than you think! But in all seriousness, I think that first year (first semester in fact) is all about finding balance. We all come in with so many activities we want to pursue, and most of us over commit. The best advice I could give would be to learn how to prioritize, learn what is really important to you and will give you fulfillment. There are SO many options once you get here, it's challenging to pick the ones you want to lead vs. just participate in.
Jon MBA09
I think a very unique aspect of our student body is the wide diversity of interests, both professionally and personally, of the people here. I have classmates that are either very interested in or are experts in almost any subject I can name. I think it is reflective in the type of people that are admitted as well as the type of jobs and careers people go into after school. We are not heavily geared toward one industry or function, but rather have people going into a wide range of industries and fields.
Christie
I am interested in studying marketing at Haas. Can you speak to the quality of Haas's marketing curriculum, and specifically, which classes/professors are most highly-rated?
Morgan MBA09
There are several marketing options here at Haas, both inside the classroom and out. I am particularly interested in consumer behavior and customer engagement, and there are many classes in that field. Additionally, there are lots of opportunities to get involved in real world projects through Berkeley Solutions Group, Case Competitions and Conferences. I don't have a favorite class to date, but some of the ones I've taken include Brand Management, Services Strategy, Market Strategy, Market Research and Consumer Behavior
Julia L.
Are there opportunities within the Marketing MBA to gain further technical skills for print and online media?
Morgan MBA09
Hi Julia. There aren't any elective courses specific to developing technical marketing skills; however, Haas students are able to take courses outside of the Haas school, so if this is an area of interest you can certainly pursue it at one of the other schools on the UC Berkeley campus.
joules
Hello, thank you for hosting this. Could you provide some examples of how Berkeley promotes "leading through innovation"?
Jon MBA09
Leading through Innovation really is intertwined with the entire program. A number of the courses have a strong innovation theme, but that can play out in innovation in services, in products, in business models, etc. We also have a couple flagship programs, Peers @ Haas and Haas @ Work that are geared toward Leading through Innovation. With Haas@Work, teams of students work on real business problems presented by major companies (e.g., Disney, Lam Semiconductor, Hotwire, Sun, etc.). Not only do they have to come up with a solution to present to management, but the best ideas will spend the next 100 days implementing their plans at the company. It has been a very successful program.
Tori
Does the average Haas student have time in their schedule for part-time work?
Morgan MBA09
Hi Tori, great question and many people ask this. To be honest, the answer is probably no. Some of my friends tried to work part time (usually for their former employer) but first semester is really challenging and difficult to manage without any outside commitments. If you're interested in working part time, you're more likely to have time in your second year.
Pote
How do students go about getting a certificate (say, in global management or non-profit)?
Shobha_Moderator
Certificates are earned by completing a designated number of courses and projects. You do not have to apply for them separately.
Dale P
Hi Morgan. In the brochure I was sent it seemed like everyone came from an Ivy League school. What is the actual public/private undergraduate make-up of the MBA program in your opinion?
Morgan MBA09
Hi Dale... it's interesting because to be honest with you I have no idea. Things like schools, grades, GMATs etc just aren't as relevant (or even a discussion topic) once you get here. I would think that I have just as many friends who went to a non-Ivy as an Ivy...but again, not something that is ever really discussed in our circles!
AndrewNYC
There are so many great additional groups, clubs, projects and competitions to be a part of. Is there enough time in your day to participate in multiple activities outside of the MBA core study?
Jon MBA09
The hardest thing about business school is time management and not becoming over-extended. But for the most part, we say you usually spend about a third of your time on academics, a third on career related activities, and a third on extracurriculars. At certain points in the year, it is more heavily weighted towards one or the other, but you learn a great deal through all three so it is important to maintain some balance and not just focus on one.
Tom
I'm interested in Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, and Social Responsibility. How would you choose between the specialties? Is it easy to combine and create your own customized specialty?
Shobha_Moderator
With a large number of electives and no required specialty, the student experience is quite customizable.
Brian Lyons
Thank you all for helping us today! First, Morgan, I see you went to Williams. I'm sorry about that, I'm an Amherst man myself ;). To the point, I'm interested in a career in technology. Deploying and making strategic decisions for large and complicated systems is something I find very interesting. I would love to find myself in a CIO/CTO type position. Are there many b-school students who've got similar goals at Haas? What kind of academic track do they follow there? Finally, what kind of positions do they get when they graduate, and then later in their careers?
Morgan MBA09
Hi Brian...ah, we have a Lord Jeff in the room! With regards to your career ambitions, yes there are certainly many students here along the same path. Due to our proximity to Silicon Valley and connections in the area, we attract many folks wanting to pursue CIO/CTO. You should look into the MOT Certificate (Management of Technology). Also, I'd say that every major tech firm recruits on campus so you're good to go!
Tori
Hi Morgan and Jon. Is Haas a competitive environment & how? How do you work with your classmates?
Jon MBA09
I would say quite the opposite. Haas is probably the most collaborative environment I have ever been in. We work together extensively on classes and other activities. From study groups to helping prepare for interviews, there are always people working together. People want to be successful, but they will always work together and help each other out.
EricY
Hi Morgan, I'm curious about the Fisher Center for Real Estate and Urban Economics. How did that come about? Why did Haas decide to have that specialty, and how does that focus impact the overall MBA program?
Shobha_Moderator
You can learn more about Haas and real estate at http://groups.haas.berkeley.edu/realestate/index.asp !
Ted
What was the biggest challenge you faced in transitioning from a work environment to Haas?
Jon MBA09
I think my biggest challenge was being able to structure my days effectively. You are just as busy (or more busy) than in a work environment, but you are choosing everything you are doing. You are involved in so many things that you have to be very effective with your time. As I noted before, time management is probably the biggest challenge of business school.
Shilpa
Morgan - I have seen a lot of B-school websites and seen the profiles of the people out there, and to say the least some of those profiles are very intimidating - do you find that most of your classmates have experiences that are close to those student profiles?
Morgan MBA09
Hi Shilpa - Great question. I will say that every day I am amazed and impressed by the caliber and accomplishments of my classmates. That said, we've all done amazing things in our own ways and that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to have run your own company or started a nonprofit or played professional sports...we each bring something unique and special to the table. So, think about your strengths and you total package and I'm sure you'll find that you're just as qualified and capable as the rest of the profiles. Don't worry!
Shikha_MBA09
How can I get in touch with current Haas students?
Jon MBA09
Email hsa@haas.berkeley.edu. The more specific you are with your questions or interests, the better we can connect you with some in those areas. Other ways are to come visit, sit in on classes, or have lunch with current students. All those options are listed on the Visit Haas section of our website.
Nav
I also plan to apply for the Haas Achievement Award. But as I am preparing my essays, I see that career progress essay overlaps with the one for the HAA. How would adcom view this overlap?
Shobha_Moderator
It is all right to have some overlap in essays if the material is appropriate to both questions. The essays are your chance to present the parts of your story that can't be told by numbers, so it is up to you how you use that opportunity.
Julia L.
What is the social landscape like within the MBA Program? Are Haas students close-knit in and outside of the classroom? Are they supportive of one another?
Morgan MBA09
Ah, great question and one of my favorites to answer. Haas is a fabulous place, both for academics and extracurriculars. There are so many activities going on that I wouldn't even know where to start. Because we are a small community (just 240 per class) we spend a lot of time together outside the classroom. This could be small group dinners at someone's house in the neighborhood, a study group session at the local pizzeria, our Friday Consumption Functions with live music and families, or themed parties for Halloween. The list goes on and on! I would encourage you to check out the student blog on the website to see some of the activities that we get up to.
joules
Hi - I'm concerned about my partner and what her experience will be like if I attend full time - could you share some of your insights?
Jon MBA09
One of the strongest organizations on campus is our Partner's club. They really are considered full members of the Haas community and participate in everything except possibly the classes (e.g., clubs, social events, workshops, speakers, etc.). We know it is a joint decision for many people, so it is very important to have a strong support network for those significant others that come with our students. Some of my best friends are the partners of my classmates.
wura
Can you get admitted without any work experience?
Shobha_Moderator
We generally recommend that applicants have at least two years of work experience to be competitive. Most of our admitted students have between three and eight years of work experience, with the average at five.
Ashley
How do you think the team element has fit into your experience at Haas and what types of projects do you do in that atmosphere?
Morgan MBA09
Haas is all about team, and that is one of the main reasons I chose to come here. We have a grade non disclosure policy that students vote on every year, so the classroom environment is really supportive. Additionally, we help each other outside the classroom too. Best example I can give...last year there were 12 of us interviewing for the same Google internship position. Google sent a bus to get us and take us down to their campus (a one hour drive). On the way, all 12 of us talked about potential interview questions and helped each other come up with sample answers. Talk about teamwork!
Katie
Hello Jon & Morgan! What have been the most influential classes that you taken at Haas? Also, was the first year curriculum what you expected?
Jon MBA09
I actually really enjoyed a couple of my core classes, particularly Microecon as well as our core Operations class. I learned a ton in both and had outstanding professors. I also did the International Business Development class and worked on an ecotourism project in northern Cambodia for 3 weeks in May. It was an incredible experience.
joules
Which classes or what activities would you recommend doing if you had only one day to visit Haas?
Morgan MBA09
Definitely sign up for a class (there are several offered so just pick one that fits your schedule or area of interest), do the student lunch at 12pm, and then attend the info session at 1pm. If you get in touch with any club leaders or HSAs in advance you may be able to find 15-30 minutes to chat with a student about a particular area of interest, too.
Yueting
One more question: I am interested in Peers@Haas. Is this program for everyone in Haas? How do you feel you are helped and improved by Peers@Haas?
Jon MBA09
Not all the students participate but anyone that wants to is eligible. It is really the follow up to our core Leadership class and leverages a lot of the analysis and action plans you develop in that class. It is a great opportunity to really develop your leadership skills and styles and to have someone hold you accountable to achieving goals.
Brian Lyons
What kinds of roles/functions do MOT certificate students find themselves in after graduation?
Shobha_Moderator
For more about the MoT program, see http://mot.berkeley.edu/Berkeley_Students/Main_Student.htm .
Ashley
Are either of you involved in the Berkeley Solutions Group? If so, have you found that experience challenging and in what ways? Otherwise, how does someone qualify to participate?
Morgan MBA09
Hi Ashley - I worked on a BSG project and found it to be incredibly rewarding. It is a great chance to get real world experience and apply much of what we're learning in the classroom. As for the application process...projects are posted to the entire community as they become available and you submit your resume to the BSG Board (made up of current students). A team of 3-5 people is then selected and one person is assigned as the project lead. Most projects last a semester.
Mike S
Hello--while I have visited the campus several times, I have never met with anyone in the MBA program or sat in a class. While I plan to do so in December, it will be after I have submitted my application. Will this be held against me?
Shobha_Moderator
We understand that not everybody has the chance to take full advantage of campus visits. Feel free to mention in your application why you have not yet sat in on a class and that you intend to do so soon. You can also mention what steps you have taken to learn about Haas, such as participating in these chats or visiting the campus.
Jon MBA09
We have a number of courses that focus on sustainability (although that is a pretty broad term). Some are around energy, some are around CSR practices, some are around sustainability in the supply chain, some are around real estate development for example. You also can take classes at any of the graduate programs at UC Berkeley while at Haas, so if there is a particular subject matter being served by other graduate programs you can take advantage of those as well. In any subject, I truly believe you can tailor the experience to anything you want through the classes you take and the extracurriculars you are involved in.
Sandie
Morgan, what is it like trying to focus on both general management and strategic marketing as concentrations? I'd like to do the same, and I wonder how difficult it is to balance your career search, course choices, and extracurricular activities while having two broad focuses. Also, considering your interests, why was Berkeley a good fit for you personally?
Morgan MBA09
Luckily, there is a lot of overlap between the two. Plus, the core curriculum (completed during your first year) is a great foundation for general management (accounting, finance, operations, organizational behavior, marketing, strategy, ethics). Now in my second year I am taking several other Strategy and Marketing specific courses, plus a couple of Finance electives to round out my quantitative skills.
DenverNuggets22
Are any fields of work experience preferred over others prior to applying for an MBA at Haas?
Shobha_Moderator
We get applicants from a wide range of previous industries. See our class profile at http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/community/classprofile.html to get an idea of the diversity of backgrounds!
EricY
Do you have friends/contacts who are going through an MBA right now, but at a different school? If so, what do you think is the biggest differentiator between your current experience at Haas and theirs?
Morgan MBA09
I have several friends pursuing MBAs at other schools and I have to admit that I think everyone is having a great time. The key is doing a lot of due diligence up front to determine which school is the best fit for you. MBAs are definitely not one size fits all, so I'd encourage you to go out and visit the schools before you commit anywhere (and ideally before you apply, if possible). Haas just "spoke" to me. The people here are real, down to earth and incredibly motivated to make a difference in the community.
archana
Hi Jon , how do you see a full time program different from the part time program?
Shobha_Moderator
Applicants to the part-time program generally have more work experience prior to entering. The Evening and Weekend MBA program has their own website at http://ewmba.haas.berkeley.edu/ .
Julia
Have either of you engaged in any types of international academic studies or work experiences outside of the classroom with other Haas students? What programs along this line does Haas offer?
Jon MBA09
There are a number of programs. I participated in the International Business Development program, which is a class you take in the spring of your first year. 80 students were divided into 20 teams and went all over the world (Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, Middle East). You spend 3 weeks in country after the end of the spring semester. There are also semester long exchange programs if you are interested. As well as every break there are school led trips for course credit (over winter break they are going to Brazil and India; over spring break, Chile and China). In addition, some of our international students often lead trips back to their home countries; for example, our Japanese students last spring break brought 60 of our classmates to Japan.
Orlando O'Neill
How difficult is it to effectively balance the course work, extracurricular activities, and personal interests?
Jon MBA09
It is difficult, but you get better at it as time goes on. It is just important to learn what your capacity is and structure your involvement in the many organizations appropriately. Some you will be in leadership roles, some you will be active participants, some less active.
Param1
Hi, I wanted to find out your perspective on the campus recruitment this year and how it has been affected by the market downtrend.
Morgan MBA09
Hi Param - So far recruiting is going as planned. Without a doubt finance positions have been hit hardest, but we're still seeing all the "usual suspects" out here recruiting across all the industries. Perhaps companies will be more cautious about the number of offers they give, but at this point we're still going through the interview process so it's too early to tell!
Jessi England
Hi there Jon and Morgan - thank you for hosting! Along the lines of partners - is there a specific admissions process or steps taken for partners who are both applying for admissions to Haas? I assume this is best brought up in the first optional essay - is there anything else to know about the process? Thank you!
Shobha_Moderator
Partner applications are considered separately with no different process. We have had several instances of partners both getting in.
AndrewNYC
I've been told to have someone who is unfamiliar with you review your essays to play the role of an admissions rep who will not know you at all. Did either of you use this method?
Jon MBA09
No, I tended to have people who knew me well read my essays to see if I was communicating who I was. I also leveraged a number of friends that had already been through the b-school application process. But I think use the approach that is most effective for you.
Tanuj
Hi Shobha, to prepare and write the Chartered Accountant (CA) exam one has to work as an article in a CA firm for 4 years. So will this preparation for the degree be considered as work experience?
Shobha_Moderator
Full-Time work experience done after earning an undergraduate degree is considered for the application, even if a certification was earned for it. However, assistantships or internships generally are not viewed as full work experience. You will have to use your best judgment as to what category this experience falls under.
Shikha_MBA09
Berkeley prefers high quanta score in GMAT, does that mean that a candidate with low verbal score and high quant score has a better chance.
Shobha_Moderator
The application is read holistically, so all parts are important. We are looking for well-rounded people who are good communicators, not just good quantitatively.
jeremy
Hi, my name is Jeremy Ho. I have a question regarding to management consulting. I understand that management consulting requires a broad business skill set, but speaking about working in M/B/B and Deloitte, what makes the work experience of these firms different from others? Are these firms looking for someone who has a different set of skills (namely, Strategy)? What classes and activities should I take to prepare myself?
Jon MBA09
I think one of the great things about consulting is it requires a little bit of everything. There is no one particular skillset (e.g. strategy) that you need. But there are personal characteristics (e.g, the ability to deal with ambiguity, executive level presence, self-motivating, analytical) that firms tend to look for. I enjoyed it; because it is project based, you are always faced with new challenges.
Iva
I am very interested in marketing for food and beverage, possibly wine. Would Haas be a good fit for me?
Morgan MBA09
Well, we certainly have great access to Napa Valley! And yes, this is a fine place to get a CPG (consumer packaged goods) foundation and we do have connections (and alums) at many of the wineries in Napa/Sonoma. Additionally, we have several companies who come from the Midwest to recruit for internships and full time positions, so you could also go to a bigger brand if that is your preference.
Pote
I would like to ask anyone about Haas traditional program-wide activities (if any). For example, some schools might have an annual pie race among engineering students. What are some unique Haas activities do you enjoy?
Morgan MBA09
Sure Pote. There are way too many to go into detail, but a couple of my favorites are the Saturday tailgates before home football games. We host a big tailgate in our courtyard complete with music, cookouts, competitions, cheers etc. Once a month on Fridays we also do a Consumption Function which is usually themed (eg. Chili Cookout, Diwali, Chinese New Year etc) and/or sponsored by a company. These events are open to the entire Haas community so we oftentimes see families, pets, kids and alums come back for the fun - food, beverage, games, music and general mingling.
Jon MBA09
I think Haas has made great efforts to integrate with the other graduate programs, and that should continue. Many of the centers and the programs are now interdisciplinary as are the classes. That should continue, because Berkeley is such a rich resource that we should take advantage of it. I know some of my classmates interested in entrepreneurship have scoured the Lawrence Berkeley Labs for unused patents, for example.
Iva
Would a GMAT score of 690 be sufficient for admission, all else being equal?
Shobha_Moderator
The application is viewed holistically, with all parts coming together to form a whole. We really can't evaluate an application based on one number without seeing the full profile. The middle 80% range for our current students is 670-760.
Tanuj
Hi. I wanted to know if learning at Haas is more through theories and case studies or learning by practice.
Morgan MBA09
HI Tanuj - It is a combination of both. There are very few professors who ONLY lecture. Most classes include some case reading and discussion, and some lecture. Class participation is a big part of the MBA here at Haas.
Jon MBA09
The teaching method depends on the subject matter, and is up to the professor to determine the best way to communicate the material. It is usually a mix of case based, lecture, and project learning. Some subjects lend themselves to different methods better than others (e.g., strategy and marketing use a lot of cases, while statistics and finance might be more lecture). However, the projects and the real world applications of the material will be part of every class.
AmbiSidhu
Hi. Thanks for this help. I'm planning to be in Berkeley on a Tuesday (next week) ... is there a core first year class that you would recommend I check out that day?
Morgan MBA09
On the Haas website, you can sign up for a particular class under the Connect with Haas/Visit Haas section. I don't know which classes are offered on Tuesday off the top of my head, so just select one that fits your interest or schedule
jsrider
Good evening. Is there a veterans or armed forces club at Haas? I have not seen one on the website under student orgs. Thank you.
Morgan MBA09
Hi Jsrider. Great question and in fact we are just in the process of establishing the Veterans Club, so stay tuned! In the meantime, we do have several former military folks attending Haas who are getting into Finance/Real Estate/Tech. I know they are always happy to speak with folks about related experiences so let me know if you'd like their names and I'll send along specifically to you.
Shobha_Moderator
For some insight into the military experience at Haas, read a blog here: http://berkeleymbastudents.blogspot.com/2006/10/military-at-haas.html
Travis
From what I know, Haas is very strong on the technology and entrepreneurship side. What are your thoughts on other programs and areas of focus? Strengths & weaknesses please.
Jon MBA09
I think both programs are tremendously strong, and definitely benefit from our location in the preeminent area for technology and the VC capital of the world. But the students here are tremendously diverse and I think that shows in the jobs they go into. Very few individual companies hire more than 3-4 graduates at one time because there is such a diverse set of interests. I also think a lot of work is going into beefing up in industries where maybe Haas wasn't traditionally viewed as a key player. For instance, they kicked off the first Berkeley Finance Conference last year and this year should be a fascinating event.
Shobha_Moderator
For some statistics on where Haas graduates go, see http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/groups/careercenter/05_06Stats.html.
Travis
How much does the culture and atmosphere of the city spill over into Haas vs Haas having a unique culture and atmosphere?
Morgan MBA09
Haas definitely has its own culture. We are technically 10 miles from San Francisco and although we venture over there for some events (like Fleet Week this past weekend), we spend a lot of time on campus or in Berkeley. I think we definitely benefit from the multicultural/diverse community that is the Bay Area and take advantage of local activities, but we organize and plan a lot on our own as well.
Jon MBA09
I believe the Real Estate program here is widely considered to be one of the top 2 or 3 in the country. There are some amazing professors (Nancy Wallace, Dwight Jaffe, Ken Rosen). They are both leaders in their field and excellent teachers. I have really found the quality of the teaching to be amazing here, and I think reflects the culture and the values of the school.
joules
Thanks. What made you choose this program over Stanford since they are comparable?
Morgan MBA09
Hi Joules...I'd prefer not speak about specific schools, so what I'll say is that you have to do your own due diligence and make a decision that is best for you as an individual. I actually don't think that Haas and Stanford are all that similar, other than both being in the Bay Area and being very well respected programs. Haas was right for me because I really clicked with the people, I like the small size of the class (just 240) and all of the opportunities to get involved in the Haas community. That said, I'd encourage you to reach out to as many students in your field of interest, visit the campus, take a class and then you'll get a sense of where you belong. Hope that helps.
Adithi
Who were your favorite professors?
Jon MBA09
I really loved a few of my core professors, particularly Steve Tadelis in Econ, Suneel Udpa in Accounting and Terry Taylor in Operations. They were absolutely amazing teachers. This semester, I am taking a class with Henry Chesborough, who is one of the renowned experts in Open Innovation.
joules
What is the one thing you wish you could have told yourself throughout the application process now that you have completed it and are looking at it from the other end (what a great end to be on :)?
Morgan MBA09
My best advice is to just be yourself. Don't try to be what you think the admissions committee wants you to be, because they will see right through it. Be authentic. Be real.
Serena
I'm interested in learning more about the internship opportunities of someone interested in entering the pharmaceutical/biotech industries.
Jon MBA09
There are a number of large firms (e.g., Genentech, Amgen, Gilead, Chiron etc.) that recruit here as well as a number of students that go work for smaller firms. If you want to work in Biotech, the SF Bay Area is clearly a hub for that industry.
lxn
Who can I email for information on Haas Student Consulting clubs?
Shobha_Moderator
You can find information and contacts at http://groups.haas.berkeley.edu/conclub/.
Shilpa
Is it taken badly as part of the application if somebody does not come out to visit Haas and does most of their learning about the program through chats like this, by going through the website, by reading articles, and by getting in touch with students? Sometimes distance and worklife come in the way of doing this sort of thing even though I'm sure everybody would love to have the chance to do so
Shobha_Moderator
We do understand that not all applicants will have the opportunity to visit the school, especially since we have so many international applicants. We recommend that you detail what opportunities you have taken to learn about the school, including chats like this!
Raveen
Is it common for students short/long term goals to change after taking classes in first year at Haas?
Jon MBA09
I believe it is. I certainly have made some adjustments to my short and long term goals. I think business school is a great opportunity for self discovery, and I guarantee that once you start you will find yourself involved in things you never thought you would be interested in.
Jessica
Do you have any advice regarding the interview process – should we be lucky enough to secure an interview?
Morgan MBA09
My only advice at this point is to be yourself and know why Haas is the right fit for you. You don't have to know everything about the school, just know what you want to take advantage of while you are here and how you plan to contribute to the community
Sabrina
How was the transition back to "student" life after many years in the working world?
Morgan MBA09
Sabrina - student life is great! I'd like to extend the MBA to 3 years if possible (joke). But in all seriousness, it is awesome. The transition is rough at first and requires a lot of prioritizing and time management, but you get used to it. I love being back in the classroom, studying and meeting people from all sorts of backgrounds
GOBAMA
Would you recommend applicants with a 2.9 GPA apply? I have read that Haas weighs heavily on "numbers" and will need to take special permission from its Graduate Division to admit sub 3.0 GPA applicants. I have an above 90th percentile GMAT, was active in undergrad, have received A's in recent project management certification courses, and have a statistical & quant-heavy strategy consulting job.
Shobha_Moderator
A lower GPA can be made up for with strengths in other areas. The application is viewed holistically, so no one weakness alone will sink an application if any concerns raised by it are balanced out in other areas.
Jon MBA09
I was a little concerned about my quant skills, but I feel like I have been able to keep up with the coursework. In addition, prior to first year, the school offers something affectionately known as Math Camp, which is a week of math and statistics and a week of finance and accounting. It was very helpful in bringing people up to the same level and about 70% of the students participate.
SThomas
I've heard working part time is not very possible during B-School because of the work load, but SF is very expensive and I want to take advantage of the international programs - do you think having less "disposable income" affects your experience at Berkeley?
Morgan MBA09
Yes, working part time is pretty difficult (though not impossible). San Francisco is expensive, but Berkeley is much more reasonable. The good news is that you're all in the same boat...trying to manage a budget and still enjoy yourself. I don't think that being a student has negatively affected our ability to have fun or take advantage of all that there is to see/do in the Bay Area. Everyone seems to figure it out. Again, a lot of this has to do with prioritizing. Also, in your second year you can GSI (be a Graduate Student Instructor) and that brings in a small salary.
Adithi
Can you tell me about course, activities, clubs focused on strategy?
Shobha_Moderator
See http://groups.haas.berkeley.edu/sgm/index.html for information on a student strategy club.
Shaan
How clear should I be on my essays regarding long term goals? If I have a couple ideas should I mention them all or should I just stick to what I am most passionate about?
Shobha_Moderator
You'll have to use your own judgment on how best to present yourself as a focused individual with high potential.
Mayank
Hi Morgan, I believe you moved from Boston (according to the Haas site). So I wanted to know what drove you to Haas and how has the experience of settling in been?
Morgan MBA09
Hi Mayank - Yes, I came from Boston. Haas made sense for me because I wanted to make a switch into technology and so our proximity to Silicon Valley helped. I also felt that I wanted to be in CA post graduation, so this was a good place for me to do my MBA. That said, the transition has been great (can't complain about the weather!) and I love it here.
carolinesy
I am interested in studying Social Enterprise at Berkeley. What are the opportunities to get involved in Social Enterprises outside the academic curriculum?
Jon MBA09
I would highlight the Global Social Venture Competition, which is hosted at Berkeley and the first case competition of its kind that focuses not just on business impact but social impact as well. I also did the Berkeley Board Fellows program and was able to sit on the Board of Directors of a local non-profit, which was an amazing experience. Those are just a couple of the many opportunities. The Global Initiatives at Haas club is very active if you have an international focus on social enterprise.
Morgan MBA09
There is a socially responsible investment fund that is run by students. Additionally, one of the students in my class (second year) started an investment fund (Bear Funds) and has recruited/hired several classmates to join him.
BrianR
Hi! I was wondering what kinds of specific programs exist at Berkeley for families of Haas MBA students.
Morgan MBA09
Hi Brian - We try to create many opportunities for families to get involved. We host tailgates, picnics, BBQs and Consumption Functions (see earlier posts) that families are welcome to attend. Additionally, partners are encouraged to partake in other events and join clubs. Usually about 50% of Haas students have a partner of some sort, so they are very much active and engaged in the community - and welcome!
Orlando O'Neill
What has been the most memorable experience during the program for you so far?
Morgan MBA09
Academically - traveling to Minnesota for the Elite Eight Brand Management Case Competition and representing Haas with 4 of my classmates. And then winning the competition for the 3rd year in a row! Go Haas! Extracurricular - definitely my winter break trip to Patagonia with 10 Haas students. We kayaked 70 miles from the Andes to the Ocean in 4 days. Incredible memories and friendships formed.
Shaan
How did you phrase your essays when applying to Haas? Was it more of a personal creative style or more leaning towards business style writing?
Morgan MBA09
As I've said to others, the most important thing is to be authentic and true to yourself and style. My style happens to be personal, so that is how I wrote.
Julia L.
Morgan, as a fellow New England resident, what would you say were the biggest surprises as you settled into the Berkeley lifestyle? Are the people nice to Red Sox fans?
Morgan MBA09
Go Sox! Yes, you'd be surprised how many New Englanders are out here so there are plenty of people to watch games with. Outside of sports though, I think the biggest "shock" is the pace of life. Things are much more relaxed and chill out here, which has been great! Must be the weather.
Shilpa
I took the GMAT once and got a math percentile in the low 70s but I have a undergrad background in engineering with 7 math courses and mostly As - would that balance out a lower math percentile on the GMAT?
Shobha_Moderator
There are many ways to demonstrate good quantitative preparation for Haas. Work or academic experience can make up for a GMAT which is less than ideal. There is a question which gives you an opportunity to detail your quantitative preparation. The GMAT isn't everything, but we want to make sure all our students are prepared for the academic and quantitative rigor at Haas.
paul2
I am planning a visit to Berkeley in 2 weeks time and have registered for a class visit, and will be attending the lunch and info session. Can you suggest any other activities that would give me more insight into the program and culture? Thank you.
Morgan MBA09
Check out the clubs that you might be interested in joining, and if you want you can schedule some time to chat with a current student. Most clubs list a contact person, so that would be one other touch point for you
Nui
Hello! Thanks for your time. Besides the social enterprise fellowship and Haas' partnership with REDF, are there opportunities to study social enterprise in regular coursework? Is the faculty knowledgeable in this area?
Jon MBA09
I would say Haas has one of the top programs in social enterprise. See my earlier comments on the GSVC and Berkeley Board Fellows. There is also a great project based class called Social Sector Solutions that completes real consulting projects for local non-profits and public institutions.
Jaime
What would you say is the toughest part of pursuing an MBA and how could you have prepared better for that aspect of the experience?
Morgan MBA09
The toughest part is finding balance and making decisions about how to spend your time here. There are SO MANY opportunities to get involved - as leaders, as participants - and so little time. So my advice would be to come with an idea of what you want to pursue, of what is most important to you (think - what do you want to get out of these two years?) and then be selective about where you spend your time. Otherwise you could get totally overwhelmed. That said, I'd also suggest that you keep an open mind because you never know what incredible opportunity might cross your path.
rosalyn1
What are the most popular professional and personal organizations at Haas? Do you find that the faculty and staff are actively involved?
Morgan MBA09
I'd suggest taking a look at our clubs page at http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/MBA/student/. Most students are involved in a couple of professional clubs (such as Marketing, Tech, Consulting, Finance, DMEC) and then a couple of activity/interest clubs (such as Redwoods, Net Impact, Wine etc).
Nav
How does Haas MBA experience prepare for small business consulting?
Morgan MBA09
We are taught to think through problems and really get to the core of business issues. We are encouraged to question the status quo and think about an issue from every angle. I also think our general management curriculum serves as a great foundation for consulting.
StephR
Can you describe what you felt help you set yourself apart from other applicants in your applications?
Jon MBA09
I think everyone's story is unique and it is important to tell what is different about you. I focused on some of the leadership and management opportunities I'd had in my career, as well as some of the international opportunities I'd had. However, you need to really look at yourself and find what makes you unique. Don't try and tell the admissions committee what you think they want to hear.
Julia L.
Thank you for your informative responses thus far! As someone interested in pursuing a career as a Creative or Artistic Director, are there current students interested in the same path, and how might I be able to get in touch with them to learn more about their experience at Haas?
Morgan MBA09
Hi Julia - I unfortunately don't know the answer, but I'd encourage you to reach out to the DMEC (Digital Media and Entertainment Club) and they can probably help you out or put you in touch with someone.
BrianR
Could you please comment on the role of social entrepreneurship and the Center for Social Responsibility at Haas?
Shobha_Moderator
For some of the ways Haas students are innovators in social entrepreneurship, see: http://entrepreneurship.berkeley.edu/interestedsocial.asp!
Jon MBA09
The Career Services Organization is extremely helpful, particularly for someone like me who is transitioning into a new career. We have both career counselors who work with students on everything from determining their interests to resumes and cover letters to mock interviews as well as account managers that are aligned by industry. They do a great job of bringing companies to recruit at Haas as well as communicate with the students on what is happening within their industries.
Shilpa
Does Haas make it a point to admit people from varying cultural and professional backgrounds, or does it just happen that there is a varied mix?
Shobha_Moderator
The wide range of backgrounds in our applicants is reflected in the wide range of backgrounds in our students. While we do attempt to create a diverse student class with a variety of experiences, there are no quotas for specific backgrounds.
Shilpa
I have been interested in consulting as a career but with a global twist to it - do you find that there are courses and curriculums at Haas that would help me become prepared for that sort of a career?
Jon MBA09
I think the flagship program would be the International Business Development program. I am also going after the Global Management Certificate which has a number of requirements, including a certain number of courses, a language requirement and an international business experience abroad.
Luv
I am interested in Entrepreneurship. How many of Haas students go to startups or start their companies after school?
Jon MBA09
Starting your own business is the single largest employer of Haas grads. I think 15 of last year's class went into entrepreneurship.
Ted
I am interested in pursuing opportunities in Asia for an internship. Is Berkeley's career center supportive of this? Do a significant number of students pursue International internships?
Jon MBA09
A lot do. I had friends in Singapore, China, Japan, and Korea just to name a few. One of the account managers in career services is solely focused on international opportunities, and the other account managers within their industry will also pass on many international opportunities. There is also the MOT China Fellows program you should look at.
Jon MBA09
Thank you for all your questions and thanks for your interest in Haas. Best of luck with your applications. I enjoyed chatting with you.
Shobha_Moderator
Hi all! Thank you for joining us. The chat is wrapping up and shutting down. We appreciate your questions and we apologize if we didn't get to all of them. Please check back on our website within the next couple weeks for information on future chat dates. Go Bears!
