Berkeley MBA students quickly discover that among the school's greatest assets is the community of fellow students, who form a network of friends and professional contacts for a lifetime. The relatively small size of the MBA program (only 240 students enroll in each entering class) permits students to get to know all members of their class.

The cooperative, team-oriented nature of the program encourages students to work together productively and harmoniously. Haas students are ambitious and driven to succeed, but they also understand the value of studying together and socializing together — and they always seem to do it in high gear. They embody the California mantra: work hard and play hard.

As a complement to their coursework, students get involved in clubs and community service. They organize major conferences on technology, international issues, diversity, and women in leadership; put together panels of executives; and assemble ski trips to nearby Sierra Nevada resorts. Students take advantage of the university's wide range of public lectures, exhibitions, concerts, and conferences. Consumption Functions bring together the whole school for food, fun, and camaraderie.

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A Responsible Community

UC Berkeley has a long tradition of social responsibility and a commitment to creating a better world. In keeping with that spirit, Berkeley MBA students get involved to make a difference. Almost the entire MBA class participates during the year in one of the many fun events that are part of the Challenge for Charity — talent shows, charity auctions, and sports competitions that help raise money for the Special Olympics and other organizations. Many Berkeley MBA students volunteer as mentors for disadvantaged high school students through the Young Entrepreneurs at Haas program (YEAH). Nearly 100% of these high school students go on to college, many to top schools. Over the past five years, 40% of those have gone on to pursue business-related majors.

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