Hi, Future Haas Student!
Congratulations! You are in for a wonderful experience at Haas, full of learning, limitless opportunities, new friendships, and expanding your mind.
Lucky for you, I have collected advice from current Haas students. Here are some tips from Amrutha Pappu, a Senior at Haas and JT Williams, a Junior at Haas, on what lessons they had learned before they started business school.
What class do you wish you had taken or clubs you wish you had joined?
Amrutha: “For classes, I wish I had taken Negotiations (UGBA 152) because it teaches valuable skills for the workforce, such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making. The course provides practical insights into persuasion techniques, deal structuring, and understanding human behavior in high-stakes discussions. Mastering these skills would not only enhance my professional interactions, but also give me a competitive edge in leadership and collaboration. The class not only has discussion of high-level theory, but you also participate in actual negotiations every class that are framed for real-world scenarios.
J.T. Williams
As for clubs, I wish I had joined a consulting club. Through this experience, I would have gained some experience in problem-solving for companies. Further, these clubs allow you to work with really smart people and build a professional and personal community. A couple names that come to mind are Berkeley Business Society, Berkeley Consulting, Venture, The Berkeley Group, Valley Consulting, and Net Impact.”
JT Williams: “I wish I had taken Alan Ross’ law class like UGBA 194 —I’ve heard it’s one of the hardest but also one of the most rewarding classes at Haas, with intense discussions that really challenge the way you think. I also would have loved to take Improvisational Leadership, just to push myself out of my comfort zone and get better at thinking on my feet. And of course, Negotiations—because who doesn’t want to master the art of persuasion and deal-making? Looking back, I feel like these classes could have given me skills that go way beyond the classroom. Also, really anything that Stephen Etter teaches — I think that he’s the best teacher in the whole school.”
What event or activity did you miss out on or wish you’d done sooner?
Amrutha: “I wish I went to Professor office hours more because a lot of people recommend doing this to connect with their Professors, get a unique insight into classes, and build connections. Further, this activity would help me collect real-world advice before entering the workforce. I would love to learn the differences between various professional careers and teaching, and why my Professors chose to teach to gain an alternative perspective. Further, I wish I had joined non-business clubs like IM Sports.”
What is something you wished you’d done sooner, later, or not at all?
Amrutha Pappu
Amrutha: “I wish I had participated more in class because it helps students engage in class and not be a passive observer. Speaking up not only sharpens critical thinking and communication skills, but also encourages deeper curiosity and spontaneity in discussions. It’s in those moments of contributing—whether through insightful questions or unexpected perspectives—that real learning and memorable connections happen.”
JT Williams: “I really enjoyed deciding to study abroad—it was one of the best decisions I made. Getting to experience a new culture, meet people from all over the world, and step outside my comfort zone gave me a fresh perspective on everything. Whether it was trying new foods, navigating a foreign city, or just learning to adapt to different ways of thinking, every moment was an adventure. I only wish I had done it sooner! I studied abroad in Spain.”
What gave you the biggest return on your time investment?
Amrutha: “Put simply, the people. Building community and meeting other people in Haas helps it feel less isolating. In the beginning, I didn’t know any Singaporeans in Haas. But when I made an effort to chat with classmates, join clubs, and simply be open, I was able to create true bonds. You never know who you will meet, where and when. In fact, I met my best friend through a random club I joined. Maintaining relationships and building connections helps you form perspective.”
JT Williams: “My biggest return on my time investment is going to class. People like to make so many excuses on skipping class and then they get to the final and are really stressed during dead week and studying really hard all at once. I think a better method is to consistently put in effort throughout the semester. Simply showing up to the class and being present, not going on the phone, and answering questions goes a long way. In fact, every single professor that I have ever still remembers who I am because I regularly ask questions and show respect. Further, I made a lot of really great relationships but just going to class. Even if it feels tedious in the moment, it really pays off.”
What is the one thing you would’ve done in the first semester of freshman year to make your transition easier?
Ayushi Bhardwaj
Amrutha: “I wish I had explored beyond the comfort of my dorm—there’s so much at Berkeley I never took full advantage of. I should’ve gone to more random club meetings, tried out the free rock climbing at the RSF, or just grabbed a late-night burrito from La Burrita instead of staying in. Whether it was studying on Memorial Glade instead of my room or taking a spontaneous trip to the Berkeley Marina, I feel like I could have pushed myself more in the beginning.”
Bio: Ayushi Bhardwaj is a senior at the University of California, Berkeley (fondly known as “Cal”), where she is studying Business Administration with a Global Concentration, along with Cognitive Science. She is interested in consumer psychology and marketing, and aims to work in Entrepreneurship on an international scale. Ayushi dreams to fuse empathy and strategy in her life trajectory, uplifting the world with intentionality.
You can often find her jotting down random startup ideas in her mind, snacking on quirky Trader Joe’s delicacies, or scrolling through way too many photos of her dog, Joey.
DON’T MISS:
THE HEART OF HAAS: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BERKELEY HAAS STUDENT
THE HEART OF HAAS: 4 DEFINING LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES
THE HEART OF HAAS: AN INTERVIEW WITH 3 HAAS STUDENTS — DIVERSITY ON DISPLAY
