Student Perspectives

I can do anything for 19 months

Time is the most valuable asset we have, so I struggled with the idea of committing to a three-year part-time MBA program. I am constantly considering what the best use of my time is. But I feel like can do anything for 19 months.

At this stage in my career, getting an MBA was about becoming rounded in areas of business that I wouldn’t otherwise learn in my current role. As a leader you can never be an expert in every area, but you need to know enough to make informed decisions across departments and understand the language that helps bring stakeholders together.

Silicon Valley is one of the most amazing places in the world. It’s full of optimists and misfits who want to move the world toward what it should be, rather than settle for what it is.

Berkeley Haas is a key part of this community. It was essential that I found an MBA program that embodied the values embedded in Silicon Valley culture. I am looking forward to exploring more during the Immersion Weeks.

Professors are practitioners of what they teach

There is theory, and there is practice—and this program allows us to explore both. The diversity of experience and real-world acumen among my classmates allow us to continuously contribute unique insights that are relevant to what we are learning. Also, our professors are practitioners of what they teach, making them adept at bridging theory and application.

Confidence Without Attitude means being able to speak freely, understanding that all participants are seeking truth and growth. Every business environment has a certain amount of politics that limits how direct you can be with teammates.

Space to step back from the tactical day-to-day

This program provides a positive space that allows you to focus openly on personal and professional growth. After the first block I got over my resistance to spending three days in Berkeley. Now I arrive early. It’s often rare for people at our levels of responsibility to really leave work behind. Residency gives us that opportunity.

From the very first classes, I was making mental notes to tell this co-worker or my staff about something learned in class that our company could benefit from immediately.

Working in startup chaos as I do, it’s great to have a space where I can step back from the tactical day-to-day and focus on the strategic. Time management is brutal. My husband is picking up a lot of slack and we are learning a lot about all the latest meal delivery start-ups in the Bay Area.

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