Berkeley HAAS MBA – Essays Tips and Deadlines for 2024-25 

Berkeley HAAS MBA – Essay Writing Tips 

Navigating the MBA application process for Berkeley Haas requires crafting essays that showcase your unique story, aspirations, and fit with the school’s culture. Berkeley Haas values leadership, innovation, and a diverse perspective. Here are essential tips to help you create standout essays for your Berkeley Haas MBA application.

From showcasing your personal and professional journey to highlighting your fit with Berkeley Haas’s unique culture, these insights will guide you in creating essays that resonate with the admissions committee. Dive in to discover how to effectively convey your experiences, goals, and the impact you aim to make, ensuring your application stands out in the competitive field.

Essay 1: What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?

1. Structure Your Response:

• Clearly describe the activity or experience that makes you feel alive.
• Explain what aspects of this activity engage and excite you.

Example: One activity that makes me feel truly alive is mentoring young entrepreneurs. The process of guiding them through the challenges of starting a new venture, sharing my own experiences, and seeing their ideas come to life is incredibly fulfilling. This activity engages me on multiple levels, from brainstorming innovative solutions to providing strategic advice and emotional support.

2. Reflect on Personal Connection:

• Reflect on why this activity is meaningful to you.
• Discuss how it impacts your personal or professional life.

Example: Mentoring young entrepreneurs is meaningful to me because it allows me to give back to the community and help others achieve their dreams. It also keeps me inspired and motivated in my own career, as I learn from their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This activity has strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced my passion for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Essay 2: How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals?

1. Clearly Define Your Goals:

• Clearly articulate your short-term and long-term career goals.
• Explain why these goals are important to you and how they align with your passions and values.

Example: In the short-term, I aim to transition into a strategic management role at a leading technology company, where I can leverage my analytical and problem-solving skills to drive business growth. In the long-term, I aspire to become a C-suite executive, leading a global organization and shaping its strategic vision. These goals align with my passion for technology and my desire to make a significant impact in the industry.

2. Discuss the Fit with Berkeley Haas:

• Discuss specific aspects of the Berkeley Haas MBA program that will help you achieve your goals.
• Mention unique opportunities at Berkeley Haas, such as clubs, courses, or initiatives, and how they align with your career aspirations.

Example: The Berkeley Haas MBA program’s strong focus on innovation and leadership, combined with its diverse and collaborative community, aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. The program’s experiential learning opportunities, such as the Applied Innovation Workshops and the Haas@Work program, will provide me with hands-on experience in solving real-world business challenges. Additionally, the school’s extensive network of alumni in the technology sector will offer valuable insights and connections to help me achieve my short-term and long-term career goals.

Essay 3 – Video: The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles. Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life.

1. Structure Your Response:

• Briefly introduce yourself and provide relevant background information.
• Explain which of the Berkeley Haas Defining Leadership Principles resonates most with you and why.

Example: Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am currently a product manager at [Company Name]. The Berkeley Haas Defining Leadership Principle that resonates most with me is “Question the Status Quo.” This principle is meaningful to me because I believe that innovation and progress come from challenging existing norms and constantly seeking better ways to do things.

2. Share a Specific Example:

• Share a specific example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated this leadership principle.
• Highlight the impact of your actions and any lessons learned.

Example: In my role as a product manager, I led a project to revamp our company’s flagship product, which had been underperforming in the market. I questioned the existing features and design, conducted extensive user research, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop a more user-friendly and innovative solution. As a result, we launched a new version of the product that increased customer satisfaction by 30% and boosted sales by 20%. This experience taught me the importance of challenging the status quo and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Essay 4 – Short Answer: Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace?

1. Describe Your Experience:

• Clearly describe the specific experience or exposure you have had in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.
• Explain your role and involvement in this area.

Example: During my tenure at [Company Name], I served as the chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. In this role, I led initiatives to promote a more inclusive workplace, such as organizing workshops on unconscious bias, implementing mentorship programs for underrepresented employees, and facilitating open dialogues about diversity and inclusion. These efforts aimed to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all employees.

2. Reflect on the Impact:

• Reflect on the impact of this experience on your perspective and actions.
• Discuss how it has influenced your understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.

Example: This experience significantly broadened my understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the workplace. It reinforced the importance of fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and heard. Leading these initiatives not only improved my leadership skills but also deepened my commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion in all aspects of my personal and professional life.

General Tips for Berkeley Haas Essays:

1. Be Authentic:

• Write in your own voice and be genuine in sharing your story.
• Avoid using overly technical jargon or industry-specific language that may be off-putting to a broad audience.

2. Show Impact:

• Emphasize the impact of your experiences and achievements.
• Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your potential for success at Berkeley Haas.

3. Tailor Your Essays:

• Customize each essay to highlight why Berkeley Haas is the perfect fit for your aspirations.
• Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the Berkeley Haas culture that resonate with you.

Things to avoid in your Berkeley HAAS Essays

• Avoid Overly Technical Jargon: While Berkeley Haas appreciates analytical and technical skills, filling your essays with too much industry-specific jargon can be off-putting. Ensure your essays are accessible to a broad audience, including those without your specific technical background.

• Don’t Underestimate the Personal Touch: Berkeley Haas values unique personal stories. Avoid focusing solely on professional achievements. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your character, resilience, and passion. Personal stories can often be more memorable and impactful.

• Steer Clear of a One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Using the same essays for multiple schools can lead to a lack of specificity. Tailor each essay to highlight why Berkeley Haas is the perfect fit for your aspirations. Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the Berkeley Haas culture that resonate with you.

• Avoid Lack of Evidence for Leadership and Collaboration: Berkeley Haas places a high value on leadership and teamwork. Don’t just claim you have these qualities; provide concrete examples. Avoid vague statements and show real instances where you led a team, collaborated on a project, or contributed to a community.

• Don’t Ignore the Global Focus: Berkeley Haas has a strong global focus. Avoid essays that don’t touch on your global experiences or perspectives. If you lack international experience, discuss how you plan to gain global insights at Berkeley Haas or why this global perspective is important to you.