Student Perspectives

Going beyond real estate

There are MBA programs that cater to real estate professionals. But I wanted exposure to more than a real estate perspective. My cohort includes physicians, entrepreneurs, even a few who work in construction like myself. Each provides a unique perspective.

Timing is important in life. I had just built and opened four hotels at once and my next projects hadn’t started construction. The 19-month timeline of the Berkeley MBA for executives filled that window perfectly.

I can bring my on-the-job experiences to classroom discussions just as easily as I can bring what I’m learning in class back to my job. I’ve already changed my approach to leading meetings at work and giving people more opportunities to work outside their comfort zone.

Learning leadership all the time

We do so much group work in the program and I’ve come to understand that each group project is a bit like running a small company, so you’re learning leadership lessons all the time, in every class.

In our groups, we need to function as a unit, to recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and to trust everyone to hold up their end.

I lead a 250-member team and appreciate the opportunity to hone my management and leadership skills.

Connecting to the real world

When you have Elon Musk’s former right-hand man as a guest speaker, everyone’s eyes light up and the questions start forming in your head. Professor Homa Bahrami leverages her industry connections—Apple, Amazon, Tesla—to enrich our learning.

I’m really looking forward to Operations Management, Strategy, and Building Trust-Based Relationships, not to mention electives like Game Theory, Negotiations, and various real estate classes. The curriculum addresses both hard and soft skills.

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