A Global and Diverse MBA Class at Berkeley Haas
Berkeley Haas School of Business, part of the University of California, is in the San Francisco Bay Area, USA. Its Full-time MBA program stands out for many reasons. Most notably, it is designed to mold future business leaders and offers graduates excellent career outcomes.
Abby Scott, Assistant Dean, MBA Career Management Group, offers an in-depth look at the class of 2023’s career outcomes, emphasizing the wide range of industries, roles, and services that set the program apart.
This report reveals the extensive career support offered to Berkeley Haas MBA students and highlights why many graduates stay in the Bay Area. The complete Employment Report is accessible for further details.
The MBA Class of 2023: A Global and Diverse Cohort
The Berkeley Haas Full-time MBA class of 2023 comprised 294 students, with international students making up 37% of the cohort. The class also boasts 37% women, bringing diverse professional backgrounds and perspectives. (02:13)
Abby Scott explains, “We tend to attract students that are interested in having a big impact in the next phase of their career, and that really can come from a variety of different functions, roles, industries, and geographical areas… we are looking for people who are excited to advance in their career, to become leaders in the future, and have a narrative around not just what they want to do in the short term, but long-term.” (03:31)
This rich and diverse environment enhances the learning experience and creates a dynamic environment where students learn from each other, strengthening their leadership and global business acumen. With an average of 5.5 years of work experience, these students arrive well-prepared to engage with rigorous coursework and career development opportunities.
The program’s small size and focused nature allow students to receive personalized guidance and coaching, ensuring that each individual’s career aspirations are nurtured and supported.
Top Industries and Roles for Berkeley Haas Graduates
Berkeley Haas graduates from the class of 2023 have predominantly moved into consulting and technology roles, consistent with recent trends.
“The largest concentration of graduates goes into either consulting or the technology industry. That’s been the case for the last many years”, Abby explains. (04:28)
The school’s close ties with firms like McKinsey, Bain & Company, Amazon, and Google provide students with direct opportunities in these sectors. The school’s partnerships with Fortune 500 companies ensure that students are exposed to high-impact roles early in their careers.
Graduates who enter the tech sector often take on various roles, such as product management, finance, human resources, and business operations. The third most common sector for MBA graduates is financial services. This includes roles in investment banking, venture capital and private equity, commercial banking, and fintech. Healthcare and biotech, energy & renewables, real estate, and consumer packaged goods are other industries that graduates go into.
In addition to tech and consulting, there is growing interest among graduates in what Abby calls “impact careers.” These include roles in healthcare, climate tech, affordable housing, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing.
According to Abby, “That has been a trend that we have seen that has really exploded in recent years.” (05:51). This aligns with global MBA trends, in which business graduates are increasingly seeking meaningful careers that allow them to make a positive difference.
Compensation Packages: A Competitive Edge
Berkeley Haas graduates are receiving impressive salary packages. The mean base salary for the class of 2023 was $163,000 annually, and the median salary was $167,000.
In addition to that, “About 70% of our students do earn a signing bonus as part of their package, and the amount last year was around $36,777,” Abby shares. (11:11)
This trend demonstrates the program’s ability to secure lucrative roles for its graduates. Additionally, 40% of 2023 graduates received stock options or grants, especially in tech-driven industries like fintech and biotech, which enhanced their long-term compensation packages.
These figures reflect the competitive nature of the program and its alignment with national MBA salary averages reported by GMAC. The tech industry, in particular, offers attractive benefits packages, including stock grants and options, which are significant in the current market.
Career Services: A Holistic and Lifelong Approach
Berkeley Haas’s career services are comprehensive and start well before students begin on campus. Abby explains, “We start working with students very early on; in fact, the summer before students matriculate, we’re introduced to the class, and we invite them to start their career preparation. We have a series of weekly assignments over the summer to really make sure that the students are ready to hit the ground running when classes begin.” (09:21)
This proactive summer programming approach encourages students to build their resumes and LinkedIn profiles, start working on cover letter writing, and offers professional networking tips and tools. This ensures that students are well-prepared from the get-go.
The school assigns each student a career coach who guides them through the career journey, from identifying their goals to tailoring their job search strategies. The program also offers sector-specific Industry Specialists who bring industry insights directly to the students, helping them understand and navigate the trends in their target fields.
The Career Services team works closely with students to refine their interview skills, develop industry-specific knowledge, and connect them with key employers. They also offer broad career support, including digital and on-campus networking events, alumni networking opportunities, and on-campus recruiting.
The support doesn’t end after graduation. Abby highlights that Berkeley Haas provides lifelong career services, ensuring alumni stay connected with the school and its community. Alumni can also use career services resources to help them in their career journeys.
This long-term support is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving job market, where continuous learning and adaptation are necessary.
Geographic Preferences: The Perks of Staying in the Bay Area
The Bay Area (short for the San Francisco Bay Area), known for its innovation ecosystem, remains attractive to Berkeley Haas graduates. More than half of the class of 2023 chose to stay in the region, driven by the area’s dynamic job market and vibrant professional community. Abby notes, “Many students come thinking that they’re going to stay just for a couple of years and then head back home, but oftentimes they fall in love with the Bay Area and do choose to stay locally.” (16:30)
The proximity to tech giants like Apple, Meta, and Google, as well as many startups and venture capital firms, makes the Bay Area an excellent location for MBA graduates.
For international students, the STEM certification of the Berkeley Haas MBA program allows for a two-year work extension on their student visas as OPT (Optional Practical Training). This offers a valuable advantage, making them more attractive to employers looking for long-term talent. “We are a STEM-certified program, which allows international students to stay up to three years on their student visa, which has made a big difference with employers,” Abby explains. (17:04)
While a small percentage of international students return to their home countries after graduation, many students stay in the US for their first job, with some staying in the long term.
Global Mobility and International Opportunities
While most graduates remain in the US, many Berkeley Haas alumni pursue opportunities abroad. In the class of 2023, around 10-12 students accepted positions outside the US, primarily in Asia, which Abby identifies as a growing employment region for the school’s alumni. Countries like China, Taiwan, and India are popular destinations due to the school’s strong connections with firms in these markets.
Despite the smaller number, these international outcomes demonstrate the program’s global reach and ability to prepare students for diverse markets. The support of a worldwide alumni network allows these graduates to transition smoothly into roles outside the US, leveraging connections established through the Haas community.
The Berkeley Haas Advantage: Career-Ready Graduates
The Berkeley Haas MBA program stands out for its personalized and holistic career services, strong industry connections, and focus on impactful careers.
With robust support systems during the MBA and beyond, the class of 2023 has seen successful employment across various sectors, with technology and consulting leading the charge. For graduates seeking to maximize their ROI, the Bay Area remains a strong option, offering a vibrant ecosystem and extensive networking opportunities.
Explore the Berkeley Haas School of Business profile page to learn more about the school and its programs.
