Haas School of Business

-Haas is very unique because of the school and student body's willingness to explore creative solutions to some of the world's most challenging problems by not accepting the status quo. Haas students generally lack the typical b-school attitude found at other programs, but still carry the same degree of individual confidence. For example, the programs offered in clean energy and non-profit careers are best-in-class.

-Career services is more regionally focused, rather than national or international. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that many students come to the Bay Area to find a job there post school; however, this is not the case for everyone and I think a better effort could be made.

-The community of Haas students is extraordinary. I feel lucky to be surrounded by some of the most passionate, creative, and intellectually stimulating peers I've ever met. Classmates at Haas are invested in each others' success and support one anthers' ideas. It's a challenging and rewarding environment in which to learn.

-The curriculum shifted to more group projects and interdisciplinary teams, yet the administration is just revamping the facilities to keep up with demand (ex. meeting space). Also, real world projects sometimes don't allow students to meet their goals in terms of experience - though difficult, the program should select the clients better when possible.

-The schools emphasis on "experiential learning" allows you to have opportunities to apply the concepts that you learn in class to actual business problems in the real world. Excelling in these situations are a true test of your knowledge of key business principles.

-As a consequence of the program being smaller, sometimes it was tough to get all of your first choice classes. Also, a lot of good electives were at night, whereas I prefer taking classes during the day.

-In my opinion, Berkeley is a graduate school powerhouse with a strength of supplemental programs outside of Haas and research excellence that supports the business school experience better than other universities. Few schools are located in the Bay Area, an advantage that is hard to overstate (quality of life, weather, culture, city benefits, employer access, Tahoe!).

-While the new curriculum at Haas has been terrific, many elements could be more tangible or cohesive in its implementation. For example, the curriculum is designed to develop one's ability in 10 core skills, but it is often unclear as to when and how course content maps directly to these capabilities. Additional career support would also be welcome, especially for independent job searches and those seeking opportunities beyond the West Coast or outside of the US. Lastly, more opportunities to serve as a team leader or manager would enhance the program as well. Like other b-schools, students usually complete group assignments as a ""team of equals"", but there are 1-2 classes that formally appoint a Team Lead. Not only is this structure closer to actual workplace settings, but the type of learning one achieves is different and extremely helpful."

-The people and the place make Haas unique. The students are so supportive, encouraging and intelligent. There is literally not one student in my class with whom I wouldn't enjoy a long lunch. The atmosphere made by this incredible group supports learning and personal growth. Secondly, the bay area is such a fantastic place to live. Going to school here is a great way to start a new professional network for a long and fruitful career.

-I believe the administration should better allocate the school's resources to bolstering programs that are less developed or prestigious, such as investment management.

-Berkeley-Haas has a unique culture of confidence without attitude and collaboration, like no other like school. The small size of the program and the intimacy is unparalleled as well. Because of the small size each student is a leader in his space, and I guess there is less of free-rider problem when it comes to leadership in club and activities. Entrepreneurship is a big focus and the school is also especially strong in Tech, GreenTech/Cleantech, and Venture Capital. Strong on marketing and strategy as well. Exceptional students, especially from Asia and strong Asian connection and brand provides Haas graduates with unique opportunities in Asia. For me, focused on tech, entrepreneurship and VC, no other school, other than maybe Stanford, could provide better career opportunities. Haas has a very strong tech network and is located conveniently in the Bay Area.

-I think the teaching is lacking a bit, its hard with a public school budget though. Also, the class bidding system is flawed and should be reconsidered.

-Haas truly believes in its four defining principles, and it was an early adopter of codifying such principles. Again, those principles are confidence without attitude (the most important in defining the character of the student body, in my opinion), question the status quo, students always, and beyond yourself. Haas is dedicated to developing a different kind of business leader, leaders who are ethical, humble, who have an open, global mindset, and who are dedicated to more than shareholders and profits.

-While our small program has a lot of pluses, some negatives do result such as lack of electives (popular ones oversubscribed) and companies outside of California often don't come out to recruit due to the low ROI. In addition, while innovation is extremely important, we have placed so much emphasis on this, technology, clean energy and social responsibility that I feel like those seeking a more 'typical' MBA pursuing general management in a global company or finance can be neglected.

-What makes Berkeley-Haas unique is the culture and people. Dean Lyons has completely changed the way that business schools should teach. Berkeley-Haas's focus on innovation, collaboration and building leaders make it unique. Berkeley has embraced its location finally and now is focused on being at the forefront of education. Secondly its the class size and the types of students here. We are not as focused on bringing in students for the sake of numbers, but the class is put together because everyone has a different unique story. Berkeley-Haas looks at students not as a number, but as a story. I literally have never met more unique and amazing students until I came here. I have lived and worked in finance in NY, London and Miami and know incredibly smart and successful people...but my classmates here were just all around the best.