The holidays are a perfect time of year to reflect on what we’ve been given, and what we can give back. With a devoted staff, inspiring faculty, and diverse and talented students, we at Berkeley Haas have a lot to be thankful for this year. In keeping with a season that incites an attitude of gratitude, we've gathered together a list of things we're grateful for. Though we could have made a much longer list, we’re especially thankful for…
1. Unique learning opportunities
You may have heard the saying, “if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn't change you.” Life is full of opportunities to learn, to try, to be something new. We believe in providing students with hands-on experiences in stimulating environments, like this year’s tech challenge with Facebook, our executive MBA program's field immersions, and the academic retreat in our evening and weekend MBA Program.
2. Creation and innovation
Who said trying to reinvent the wheel was a bad thing? We’re thankful for those who introduce new ideas to old systems. We’re especially thankful to have some of those very minds affiliated with Berkeley Haas, like alumni Patrick Awuah, who recently received the MacArthur Foundation’s coveted “genius grant.” We welcome students, alumni, and faculty who encourage us to re-envision—and improve—what we already know.
3. Diverse voices and perspectives
The demographics of today's workforce is changing, and student bodies are becoming more diverse. We appreciate the power of a student body that offers differing perspectives and backgrounds. Our Gender Equity Initiative, which focused on admissions outreach to female applicants, demonstrates our commitment to a diverse class; as of 2015, our full-time MBA program has one of the highest female student ratios among top business schools.
4. Leaders who inspire us
Whether they’re in the classroom, the workplace, or the news, leaders have a powerful, yet sometimes quiet, way of differentiating themselves. They draw our interest and attention, and they inspire us to think of what we could be. We’re inspired by many such leaders here at Berkeley Haas, including Professor Emeritus and Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.
5. Rewarding careers and professional development
We think having a stimulating career is critical to both personal and professional fulfillment—and The Economist agrees. In its 2015 ranking of top full-time MBA programs, the publication weighted new career opportunities and personal development, along with educational experiences, as its two most important factors. The Haas School ranked #5 in the nation, demonstrating our ongoing career support for students and alumni.
6. Cooperation and co-creation
If two heads are better than one, then a community of bright and service-oriented minds is unbeatable. At Berkeley Haas, we want the educational opportunities on campus to benefit communities near and far. That’s why Berkeley Haas partnered with Philanthropy U to debut free online courses to over 100,000 students globally.
7. Breakthroughs that shake up the status quo
Every so often, research reveals something that wows us. It might contradict what we thought we knew, or invite us to view the world differently. These breakthroughs keep life interesting, keep us guessing, and unlock unknown potential. And breakthroughs don’t happen without fearless thinkers and dedicated pioneers, like Assistant Professor Ming Hsu, whose work with psychology, technology, and analytics promises exciting applications for marketing insights.
We're also thankful that this list reflects much of what students experience at Berkeley Haas. Want to learn more? You can start by comparing the Berkeley MBA programs.
