Ask a Haas Senior anything.

triplectz
Fri, 26 Oct 2012 01:31:04 +0000

“Are you going to be working for a bulge bracket investment bank after graduation? How did you network to get your current job offer after graduation? Do most Haas grads who work in investment banking work in the technology divisions/teams?”

Yes. No, but I should have, because it would have been easier. Don’t do what I did haha. Sort of; most bulge brackets have their tech teams in San Francisco, and Haas kids in banking happen to end up doing tech because those are the positions available to us. It’s not like we’re uniquely qualified for them, if that’s what you’re asking.

“What kind of hazing do business fraternities do? What cheating scandals have there been that involved business fraternities?”

I’ve only heard this second-hand, but it’s sleep-deprivation type stuff. Need to be accompanied by a pledge brother 24 hours a day. Wait on your superiors. That sort of thing. Again, I haven’t been in a business frat. As for scandals, one guy from my year was caught sneaking in answer keys; they were considering kicking him out of Haas. Another dude went to the same final on different days and took it twice.

“What do you do to nail the interview. Whether it be the ABC or whatever. Is there a process for research, and then some concepts you try to follow during the interview? Anything you like to do that other may not be doing during and after the interview?”

Google “Breaking into Wall Street banking guide.” That’s the standard set of technical questions. So I learned em. I’d research a little about the specific group you’re interviewing for, as well. And obviously know your resume cold. There’s no trick; you don’t need to “stand out.” You want to be the most competent, and the “safest” guy they can hire.

“You said you world give brutally honest answers. Your response to my question was, well… soft. Should I try, yes or no?”

I was being honest. Go for it. There’s no reason not to. And you retook it, so they’ll look on it favorably. Seriously, Haas takes ~40-50% of applicants. It’s not like you’re applying to Harvard.

"Have you met anyone got who were accepted that applied during their junior year?

Still want to do Haas, but I think my chance next year would be much better/grade wise as well. As of now, I’m focused on Econ, but just want to try my luck with Haas (not getting wouldn’t be a big blow on me since I’d understand the reasons behind the decision). Just want to know since many people have said that junior applications are usually ignored/rejected on the spot unless it’s spectacular."

No, but I’m not Mr. Socialite, so I don’t think that means much. Again, there’s no harm in applying, so go for it. And again, Haas takes almost half the applicants that apply, so you have a decent shot. It’s MUCH harder for transfer students to get in (7%) than current Berkeley kids.