Berkeley MBA Blog

Lifelong learning and collaboration: How the Haas network keeps alumni on the cutting edge

Written by Eric Askins | 2/11/2025

The University of California Berkeley’s Haas School of Business is a part of one of the largest alumni networks in the world. With over 450,000 alumni worldwide, calling this network “expansive” might be a bit of an understatement. 

This alumni network is also one of the key advantages of the Haas program. With seasoned members eager to connect with newer alumni, MBA graduates are able to form transformative relationships with key stakeholders in their dream industries. These relationships help graduates secure mentorships, career help, and important introductions.

While this kind of connection is certainly a game-changer, it’s also far from the only benefit of being a part of this extensive network. In fact, Haas offers many special programs and initiatives specifically tailored for their alumni network in order to help support lifelong learning, collaboration, and positioning all grads on the forefront of the business world.

Join us for an inside look at some of these programs and all the different ways alumni are continually sharpening their “Berkeley Haas Edge.”

Haas amplified

Functioning as an extensive online resource hub, Haas Amplified brings together the latest articles, podcasts, and videos to facilitate alumni learning. Whether looking to grow in social responsibility, leveraging AI, or navigating international policy, this collection provides a wealth of resources.

For example, those interested in the latest technology could listen to a recent podcast with Dr. Neil D. Lawrence on the Evolution of Intelligence to learn about the latest advancements and concerns with AI. Or, an alumnus working in a more person-facing position could read G. Tomas Hult’s recent article about “maintaining a strong reservoir of customer goodwill.” 

Alumni are sure to find the latest in any and all interest areas. And, as icing on the cake, Haas Amplified is free and available at all times to encourage continual growth and learning.

Executive education

With over 150 intensive courses available for individuals, groups, or entire organizations, the Executive Education programs at Berkeley enable alumni to engage in lifelong learning tailored to evolving professional roles. These programs include offerings like “The Berkeley Executive Leadership Program,” the “Chief Executive Officer Program,” and “Business Analytics for Leaders.” Each course can be taken in person, online, or in a blended format.

a powerful way to strengthen my ties to Haas, as well as to enhance my understanding of the strategic management of nonprofit organizations.”

Of special note, one of the offerings is a comprehensive Certificate of Business Excellence program that incorporates five different continuing education courses under the pillars of Leadership & Communication, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Strategy & Management, and Finance & Business Acumen. This program is for the working professional who wants to stay sharp in the ever-changing modern world.

While these programs are open to everyone, alumni can enroll at a special rate to leverage the power of this continuing education in their professional lives. Alumni receive an exclusive 30% discount, along with a special Reunion Year benefit, making these high-caliber programs accessible at every stage of their careers. These opportunities allow alumni to continue to expand both their knowledge-base and their professional networks.

MBA alumni audit program and workshops

The alumni audit program offers Haas graduates the opportunity to audit classes at no cost each semester and participate in thought-leadership workshops. This is an incredible alumni perk that allows Haas grads to continually strengthen their skills and networks. 

After current students enroll in classes each semester, courses with empty seats are opened up to alumni. Alumni can audit open classes at no cost, based on availability after student enrollments, giving graduates an invaluable opportunity to engage with the current classroom teachings. Because these spots are limited and based on class size and student enrollment, the audit spots are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis.

One seasoned alumnus took advantage of this opportunity and had this to say about what it was like auditing a new course alongside current Haas cohorts:

“…An outstanding experience…well-structured and well-paced classes…I was again impressed with the Haas students, just as I was 23 years ago…a powerful way to strengthen my ties to Haas, as well as to enhance my understanding of the strategic management of nonprofit organizations.”

In addition to auditing classes, grads can also take advantage of another special alumni-only perk and attend thought leadership workshops. These seminars are self-paced and may include recorded sessions, other learning materials, and participation exercises.

It can be hard to keep pace with a rapidly changing business landscape. But by consistently offering these free courses and workshops to alumni, Berkeley Haas helps ensure its grads are the sharpest leaders out there and embodies its commitment to lifetime learning. 

Networking strength

In addition to the internal university-designed learning resources available for alumni, the large and ever-growing Haas network is a treasure-trove of connections, opportunities, and career acceleration. 

Alumni looking for a new position can leverage Haas’s LinkedIn, Slack, and @Cal profiles. They can also utilize their CMG Bears accounts to search for job postings, career coaching, and resources. From resume reviews to negotiations and career strategy, advisors are available to assist grads with any needs at any point in their careers.

Alumni with other career needs or concerns may benefit from one or more of the following network resources:

Career Resources:

Community and Events Resources:

Within each of these resources lies more resources—each one connecting alumni with key businesses and people who are passionate about the continued success of Haas grads. These resources ensure that alumni can leverage the power of a global network at any stage of their professional journey.

Stronger together…for the long haul

Berkeley Haas believes in long-term investment. Though a degree might be completed in a couple of years or so, the learning process never ends. Haas is intentional about equipping grads with the resources they need to be successful lifelong-learners. In the fast-paced and ever-expanding world of global business, these continuing education opportunities ensure that Haas grads stay at the top of the game and take their place in key change-maker positions in organizations across the world.

Haas makes sure their alumni are never doing this work of lifelong learning alone. The “Berkeley Haas Edge” doesn’t sharpen in isolation but within the context of powerful connections with others who are always striving for the best. With opportunities for social connections, business connections, career connections, and more, our alumni form a powerful network of collaborators and lifelong learners that understand that they are all at their best when they work alongside each other. 

At Berkeley, lifelong learning is not just encouraged but structurally supported—ensuring alumni stay on the cutting edge, connected to a powerful community. With so many social, professional, and career resources specifically designed for graduates, the “Berkeley Haas Edge” continues to thrive on the strength of a connected, supportive alumni community that’s committed to excellence. 

Berkeley Haas alumni grow stronger together…for the long haul.