Why an accelerated part-time MBA option was right for Nikhil Kumar

When Nikhil Kumar was deciding on part-time MBA programs, a 2.5-year accelerated plan was important to him.

Ultimately, having that option played a big role in his choosing of the Evening & Weekend Berkeley MBA program. “I knew I wanted to complete a program in as little as 2.5 years,” he says.

For Nikhil, a Technical Marketing Engineer at Rohde & Schwarz, the decision was a matter of personal productivity. "The way I normally function, I like to start and finish a project without taking breaks. This way, I remain focused." Knowing his best style allowed Nikhil to tap into the benefits he truly wanted from the program: from working with his fellow students in the classroom to gaining skills and knowledge he could apply in the real world.

Of course, there was also the benefit of saving a bit of time. "And, with the 2.5-year plan, I could more quickly focus on applying all that I've learned."

Most notably, Nikhil didn't feel his accelerated pace sacrificed the social aspect at Haas at all—a concern students may have about cutting their time short. "I also built a lot of relationships," he says, "and that's key to any business school experience."

I saved time...I also built a lot of relationships, and that's key to any business school experience.”

Nikhil advises prospective students to explore which timeline best aligns with their goals in the long run and execute that plan. "For me, I entered the Berkeley MBA program with the goal to finish in 2.5 years. I always knew I wanted to do this."