The Berkeley MBA – Online Admissions Chat
January 20, 2009
Chat with Current Haas MBA Students
Veronica Briggs, MBA Class of 2010
Jenny Hsieh, MBA Class of 2010
Vina Nguyen, Moderator
Vina_Moderator
Welcome to the Berkeley MBA Student chat. My name is Vina and I will be moderating the chat today. I would like to introduce Jenny Hsieh, a 1st year MBA student, and Veronica Briggs, also a 1st year MBA student. Please send us your questions!
Veronica MBA10
Hello! My name is Veronica Briggs and I'm a first year in the dual degree MBA/MPH program. I was an Anthropology and Environmental Studies major at Pitzer College for my undergrad, after which I moved to San Francisco and worked as a Business Management Analyst for Blue Shield of California. My interests are obviously in healthcare, particularly in the consulting and/or international sectors.
Jenny MBA10
Hello, sorry I'm late! My name is Jenny Hsieh Here's a bit about me: I was born and raised in Strongsville, OH, a suburb of Cleveland. Staying true to my Midwestern roots, for college I attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL where I majored in applied math and economics. After graduation, I moved to New York City worked at JPMorgan Chase for three years as an Associate in the Equity Derivatives Group. My desire for my career to have more direct social impact led me to transition to a job in the non-profit sector at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA). I spent two years at RPA as a Financial Analyst analyzing the operating activities and investments of the organization. At Haas, I hope to pursue a career in socially responsible investing or social enterprise. In addition to being a Haas Student Ambassador, I am a fund principal for the Haas Socially Responsible Investment Fund, a member of Net Impact, and a Haas Board Fellow.
Nishan Boyadjian
I am from New York, and I will be attending an information session today. I want to make the most of my time visiting Haas, but because the class visitations and lunch with students do not commence until February 2nd, what additional activities can I pursue while I am visiting the campus to familiarize myself with Haas, especially the Center for Nonprofit and Public Leadership and the Lester Center for Entrepreneurship?
Veronica MBA10
Great question. My advice would be to email the Haas Student Ambassadors at hsa@haas.berkeley.edu. They can coordinate a meeting with a current student who could show you around campus a bit. Also, the admissions office will be able to direct you around campus to various buildings and centers.
tara simon
Are any of the MBA students joint degree students as well (e.g. MBA/JD)?
Veronica MBA10
There are! We currently have one student in the MBA/JD program - so that's definitely an option. As a side note on the dual degree program - the MBA/JD is just one joint degree option that we offer. We also have 15 first-year students in the MBA/MPH (Masters in Public Health) Program. And finally, the MBA/MA in International Area Studies is also an option.
Weicai Li
Hi Veronica, thanks for the time, do you know the admission process for reapplicant?
Vina_Moderator
Weicai, please visit our website at http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/admissions/specialcircumstances.html for information for reapplicants.
Caroline
I know Haas students are very active in clubs. What clubs are there that focus on environmental sustainability?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Caroline, there is a club called the Berkeley Energy and Resource Collaborative (BERC) as well as other opportunities to be involved with sustainability, such as being a part of the Greening Haas Team, which is part of our Net Impact club
John
What are your career goals and what kinds of activities and classes are you involved in at Haas?
Jenny MBA10
Hi John. I'm hoping to pursue a career in socially responsible investing. At Haas, I'm involved in the Haas Socially Responsible Investment Club, Net Impact, and Board Fellows, which are all related to my career goals. Relevant classes include the international business development program, as well as a class I'm taking this spring called "Achieving Social Impact". There is also a strategic Corporate Social Responsibility class that I'm looking forward to taking next year.
david
Hi, can the current MBA students describe your choice of career focus, and how the Haas program will help you?
Veronica MBA10
My focus is in Healthcare Management. For my summer internships I'm targeting strategy/ops positions both with consulting firms and industry companies (e.g., McKesson). The Haas dual degree program has helped me a lot with providing that fundamental business foundation I was lacking, not to mention the recruiting/career assistance.
ParkinKent
To what extent do students work with faculty advisors (informally or formally) to craft a curriculum that aligns with their career goals and interests? What is the nature of this interaction?
Jenny MBA10
There is the opportunity to take an Independent Study with a faculty advisor. There is a formal process to sign up for the Independent Study course, but the nature of the class would be specific to you and your faculty advisor. For example, my marketing professor from last fall recently posted an opportunity to work on a sports marketing project with him, which would be classified as an Independent Study.
Annie
What is the workload like for this program? Do you feel like you are more occupied than when you had a full-time job? Would someone with children be able to handle the workload?
Veronica MBA10
I definitely feel busier than I did when I had a full-time job, but my job was also a pretty typical 9-5 gig. The work is just different - you're balancing both homework, class, but also recruiting and networking. I also know that many of my classmates have spouses and children and manage it very well - probably even better than me!
Nishan Boyadjian
My long-term career goal is to create my own nonprofit enterprise. Is there a way to have a double concentration or at least take multiple electives in both the Center for Non profit and Public Leadership and the Lester Center for Entrepreneurship?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Nishan, the MBA program is a general management program so you can choose your own concentration (no need to declare unless you are choosing to pursue one of the five certificate program). You can take any combination of electives, but if you choose to pursue the certificate in Entrepreneurship, for example, you might not be able to take as many classes in other areas as you fulfill that certificate.
Caroline
Can I get an emphasis in CSR or Sustainable Management?
Veronica MBA10
There are lots of ways that you can emphasize CSR and Sustainability here at Haas - I'd say that's a HUGE focus here at Haas. While we do not offer a certificate program in either area, we have several clubs/organizations that you can get involved in outside of the classroom (e.g., Net Impact, Global Initiatives, Global Social Ventures Competition).
Meghan
How large are the classes typically?
Hi Meghan, all of the core classes that you take during your first year are 60 person classes. Electives can be no more than 60 people per class, and they are usually smaller than that.
Nishan Boyadjian
Can you tell us a bit more about the Social Sector Solutions or S-cubed offered with McKinsey and the application process associated with it? What is percentage of Haas students accepted?
Veronica MBA10
Nishan - S-cubed is a great way to get involved with a local non-profit organization, as well as network with a McKinsey contact. I believe about 60 students get accepted every year. While more than that apply (obviously), I am not sure what the acceptance rate is. Another good option you could explore is our International Business Development program, which accepts 80 students every year. Both are good options to consult for an organization either in the non-profit and/or international sectors.
Daniel
Hi. Jenny / Veronica what has been your experience around Haas? How do you feel the ambience, the classes and the different projects Haas offers to enhance your MBA like the International Business Development Consulting Projects?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Daniel. My experience thus far has exceeded my expectations. I really love the collaborative nature of Haas. In every instance where I've worked in a group setting all participants have been extremely open and willing to share their expertise in their different backgrounds. Consulting and experiential based classes like International Business Developement are a great example of how Haas continues to build a collaborative culture.
Jonathan
What would you say is the most surprising thing about yourself and about Haas that you have learned after a year at Haas?
Veronica MBA10
Jonathan - that's a tough question! I've learned more about myself while at Haas than I expected! Primarily, I had to learn to challenge myself to take risks and do things that I might not necessarily be great at but wanted to learn about. I'd say the most surprising thing about Haas is how comfortable I feel here, and how amazing my fellow classmates are. Everyone is very down to earth and fun.
Weicai Li
Veronica, can you introduce the Haas's strength in marketing, especially in brand management?
Veronica MBA10
Weicai - Haas has an exceptional marketing program. While I am not familiar with some of our more specific classes, our HSA team could direct you to a current student that could tell you more. Just email us at hsa@haas.berkeley.edu and we'll direct you to a student with a Marketing focus.
LaurentS
What is Berkeley's position on grade disclosure? Is it voted on by students, or is there a policy in place?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Lauren, each year the students vote on a grade nondisclosure policy. Historically it has been passed (with 90-95% support) by each class. This policy means that each student pledges to not disclose their grades during on campus recruiting.
Diana
Do MBA students at Berkeley get involved in the Wine Industry, considering its proximity to Wine Country?
Veronica MBA10
Diana - yes we do! Haas students have definitely learned to leverage our proximity to wine country (and use it to our advantage). We have a Wine Industry Club that sponsors trips, speakers and tastings. We also will be offering a Wine Industry Speaker Series this spring, with industry leaders coming to Haas to speak about their experiences and business.
Tim
Is there any focus on green biz/sustainability in your courses? Can students emphasize on this area?
Veronica MBA10
Tim - that is a BIG area of focus here, and many students focus on green biz/sustainability either formally through clubs and academic focus, or informally through casual interest. I have personally been very impressed with how heavily it is emphasized here, particularly since I come here with an undergrad degree in Environmental Studies.
Katie
Can I ask what was the distinguishing factor that set Haas apart from other schools you considered?
Veronica MBA10
Katie - for me personally it was 1) the students. They are amazing. All very grounded, fun and authentic. And 2) the strength of my particular interests in this program. Of course, you want to make sure that your interests are represented well at any school, but Haas is certainly excellent in many.
Meghan
Hi Jenny - Your career path is similar to the one I am looking to pursue (Associate in I-Banking, looking to do something related to social enterprise) - do you recommend spending some time in social enterprise before going to business school? I had been thinking about b-school as the bridge into a more socially focused career...
Jenny MBA10
Hi Meghan, I think that for anyone thinking about career switching, understanding the industry you want to go into is one of the most important things. But there are many ways to accomplish this. Having an actual job or internship in a field before school is a great way to understand an industry, but if that's not an immediate possibility another great way is to talk to people and network within the industry. I remember that starting out information interviews were how I got to know the industry. There are also opportunities to work with organizations during business school.
ParkinK
Hello - can you please comment on the extent to which faculty play an advisory role (informally or formally) to students in designing a curriculum that fits their career goals and interests? What is the nature of this interaction typically?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Parkin- One of the things that I love about Haas faculty is their accessibility. Aside from teaching, many of our faculty have industry experience or are leaders in different issue areas. It's really a student led initiative, so if you are willing to reach out to professors they will be receptive. For example, my fall Microeconomics teacher is a leader in Energy Policy and I know many of my classmates who are interested in Energy reached out to him during the semester and they had great feedback on their interactions with him.
Ben
I know it's a little early to ask you, but do you think your MBA program and Haas have increased your ability to connect with businesses/industries and find jobs.
Veronica MBA10
Hi Ben! Right now all the first years are in the process of applying for our summer internships, so while we hope they turn into full-time offers we're not quite sure. But I do know that throughout the internship application process the career services center has been EXTREMELY helpful - providing company/contact/alumni names in a long list of industries. The center is vertically focused by industry and tries to represent a wide variety of areas.
Kevin
Does any one of the students have a focus in Technology. Are any of you going for the Management of Technology Cert?
Veronica MBA10
Hi Kevin! Unfortunately, I don't think we have IT representation on the chat, but if you email the Haas Student Ambassadors at hsa@haas.berkeley.edu one of the HSA's can direct you to a student who is and provide much more information. Sorry we couldn't help you here!
carmelite
What classes have you enjoyed related to environmental social responsibility and why?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Carmelite. As a 1st year MBA student, I haven't had the chance to take a course related to environmental social responsibility specifically, although I am taking a course which just started entitled "Achieving Social Impact" which is about social entrepreneurship. I know that Haas also offers a class in Energy Markets and there was a student initiated speaker series in the fall around energy and sustainability. Another good resource would be to look at the Berkeley Energy Resource Collaborative website: http://berc.berkeley.edu/
Fran
Question: What percentage of courses can one take outside of the Haas electives, for example in the Urban Planning or Policy schools? Is there a maximum number of cross disciplinary classes one can take for credit? Thanks!
Veronica MBA10
Fran - Haas allows you to take a maximum of 6 credits at other schools, but you can also petition to take more if necessary.
tina
Hi there, has anyone taken the International Business Development course? Or have participated in the exchange programs offered? I am interested in working in the non-profit or NGO sector and would like to know the benefits that Berkeley has to offer.
Veronica MBA10
Tina - the IBD program is a great opportunity for you to get involved in those sectors, and I am planning to participate this coming Spring semester. 80 students are accepted into the program every year. In addition to that, you can also apply for the Social Sector Solutions program, which groups students into consulting teams that work with a local non-profit organization on an issue they have.
wgs
Veronica, with your interest in healthcare, have you had many opportunities to further explore this field and possibly find work experience in healthcare?
Veronica MBA10
Hi WGS! Wow - there have been so many opportunities for me in healthcare as a result of the program! First off, the dual degree program is exceptional and does a great job at providing both the healthcare and business foundation I wanted. Additionally, I would say the Bay Area in particular is pretty much unrivaled in the number of healthcare organizations located here. Tons of opportunities to tap into! If you'd like to talk more, just email me directly at hsa@haas.berkeley.edu.
Anthony
I would be interesting in learning about summer internship opportunities for students who plan to pursue careers in the nonprofit or public sectors. Thank you.
Jenny MBA10
Hi Anthony, there are career opportunities available through on campus recruiting, independent job postings, and also nontraditional avenues (i.e. through student initiated networking). In general students interested in nonprofit or public sector careers may end up focusing on the latter two search methods more given that most NGOs are smaller and do not have the capacity to do on campus recruiting. Haas also has a dedicated account manager in on our career services team focusing on building relationships with nonprofit organizations. A good resource is to check our career services website: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/groups/careercenter/index.html
barcelona
I am interested in MBA/MA degree in environmental issues. Could you please explain more specific about this dual degree?
Vina_Moderator
Barcelona, please visit http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/concurrentdegrees.html for further information about the MBA/MA degree. There will also be another link on that webpage that will direct you to International and Area Studies
Tom
How well do students from different professional backgrounds work together at Haas? I've heard that with some MBA programs, if you don't work in a certain field -- finance, for example -- you won't get along with most of the student body.
Veronica MBA10
Tom - well, that's a shame! :) And certainly not the case here at Haas! I think a variety of disciplines are represented very well here, and I certainly don't think students feel excluded or out of place amongst their peers. Our study groups in particular kind of force you to work with people with lots of different backgrounds, but this is really to your advantage since it brings in so many different skill sets.
hdietz
I have researched extensively on the student housing opportunities, however; are there any resources for family or spouses of students?
Jenny MBA10
Hello, yes in addition to living in off campus housing (apartments or housing) the University also offers housing for students with partners (spouses/families) in the University Village in Albany. The following link gives more detail on the different housing options: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/mba/housing.html
streicker
Could you give me a sense of what types of students are most successful at Berkeley?
Veronica MBA10
Hi streicker! I'd say the key to success here at Haas is an open mind, enthusiasm, and ability to work as a team. Haas really emphasizes team work and collaboration - you're a member of a community and not just a number. Students who are excited about working with their peers and are open to new experiences seem to do particularly well.
CAL2012
I'm interested in strategy consulting path as well. I was wondering how Haas has helped you to be competitive in your internship search (especially if an individual is a career switcher) ?
Veronica MBA10
Well, I'm a career switcher, so understand where you're coming from. I think Career Services has helped me identify my own strengths and weaknesses, and particularly has helped me "market" myself in a way that will appeal to management consulting firms.
Jeremy
How active is the Real Estate Club?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Jeremy, I'm not active in the Real Estate Club, but if you send a message to the general Haas Student Ambassadors e-mail: hsa@haas.berkeley.edu, two of our HSAs (Meredith Hoffman and Daniel Perl) are active in the Real Estate club and can answer your questions.
Ryan
Hi, I would like to hear more information about the International Business Development elective. I read about the recent visit to a travel company, which sounded very interesting. How long has this program been around, and what other types of companies/projects have students done for IBD?
Vina_Moderator
Ryan, you can visit the IBD website at http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/HaasGlobal/IBDindex.htm for further information. Also, you may want to check out our IBD student blog as well (http://ibdclass.blogspot.com/)
EDS
Would you please talk a little about the leadership experiences you have had at Haas and please give an example of when you have had to take a leadership role?
Veronica MBA10
EDS - there are literally endless opportunities for leadership here, so it's hard to name just one. But I would say that the most impactful for me has been my roles in the clubs I'm involved in as well as my experiences so far as a Haas Student Ambassador. But, with that said, I still have a long ways to go in the program so who knows what else will come!
Nedyah
I don't have a car. Do you feel it is necessary to have a car in Berkeley?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Nedyah, you do not need to have a car in Berkeley. We have great public transportation (a bus within Berkeley and then the BART train if you're living outside of Berkeley). It is also a very bike friendly city and campus. Public transportation is also easy to get into San Francisco as well as both airports (SFO and OAK).
Tom
Have you taken many courses that you already have expertise in?
Veronica MBA10
Haas actively encourages students to waive out of courses they already have expertise in. In fact, many of my classmates have done so! That way, you're able to take even more elective courses your first year and gain knowledge in an area you know less (or nothing) about. The waiver exams are given at the beginning of each semester.
ParkinK
Can you speak at all to the pros / cons of half-term, intensive core curriculum courses? Is there enough time to digest material?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Parkin, Pro: ability to take electives starting in the spring of your first year; Con: it is intensive, but you have a great support network (accessible faculty and graduate student advisors and study groups)
marym
What has been your favorite elective? Your least favorite? Why? Thanks!
Veronica MBA10
Well, that's a tough question since I've only just finished my first semester, and most of my courses were core. But as a dual degree student I did take one additional course called Intro to Healthcare. Many students in that class without a formal interest in healthcare said that was one of their favorite courses. I've also heard great things about our Negotiations and Brand Management courses.
Katie
Do you have the same 60 students for all of your core classes?
Jenny MBA10
Yes, for the fall semester we stay with the same 60 students and then for spring semester we mix it up again and you are with a new group of 60 students for the remaining core classes.
Ben
What is the worst thing about the Haas MBA?
Veronica MBA10
Hmmm...the worst thing for me so far has been the inability to do everything I thought I would be able to do. This is partially as a result of the fact that we're so busy, but also because some of the programs, such as IBD or Social Sector Solutions, are capped at a certain number of students. I think that limitation has been disappointing for some students. But on the positive side, there are lots of opportunities for you and students definitely find ways to make up for programs they may not have gotten accepted into.
Jeremy
Are any real estate certificate students working on LEED/sustainability as a general business strategy?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Jeremy, please send an e-mail to the HSAs hsa@haas.berkeley.edu, there are two HSAs who can answer your questions that are involved in Real Estate. Thanks!
MBAankz
Besides the information available on the website, where would someone go to get firsthand information about the offerings at Haas in the healthcare/biotech industries?
Veronica MBA10
MBAankz - the best way would be for you to email the HSA's at hsa@haas.berkeley.edu and I can reach out to you personally with more information.
marym
Are there leadership positions for students within the Global Social Venture Competition?
Jenny MBA10
Hello, there are many different leadership positions within the GSVC competition, such as co-chair for the entire competition or co-chair for groups within the competition. Since Haas holds the national competition, there are also opportunities to be involved as a student judge or to participate in the competition itself by submitting a business plan. Since all conferences are student run and led, there are many opportunities to get involved.
ParkinK
Do students find that financial aid disbursements are sufficient to truly enjoy all that Haas has to offer outside of class? (e.g., learning trips abroad, student activities, etc.)
Jenny MBA10
Hello, most student prepare a budget for themselves prior to arriving and apply for the appropriate level of funding (either through public or private loans) so I would say that student experiences are very case by case. If you have additional questions on financial aid, please reach out to our financial aid specialists. http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/MBA/finaid/index.html
Ben
Are there any consulting based classes?
Jenny MBA10
Hi Ben, we have a couple classes that are consulting based. There is one called Social Sector Solutions, which you apply to during the fall and it pairs up groups of MBA students with a McKinsey consultant to work with a non-profit organization. There is also a strategic Corporate Social Responsibility class which pair groups of students with a corporation on a consulting project related to CSR.
Veronica MBA10
Hi everyone! Unfortunately, I have to say good-bye (off to practice case interviews), but it was great chatting with you. I apologize if I wasn't able to answer your question, but please don't hesitate to email me or any of the other Haas Student Ambassadors at the email address given above. Thanks and best of luck with the application process!
Jenny MBA10
Hi everyone, it was great chatting! If you have any additional questions about student life, please feel free to e-mail the Haas Student Ambassadors at hsa@haas.berkeley.edu. Good luck!
Vina_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. Go Bears!
