There are three types of classmates when I was doing my MBA at Haas:
The first type: Those who knew quite clearly what they want to do after Haas. They knew why Haas and what they will do when they get into Haas. They are the ones who had spent significantly amount of their time during the application process to think about themselves- what matters to them the most, what they are good/bad at, what they are passionate about and what turns them off. During the program, they focus only in one or two areas and are often the ones who initiate and leads.
The second type: Those who didn't know what they want to do after Haas but see Haas as a great opportunity to explore their career interests and options. These people knew what they didn't want to do after MBA but couldn't really articulate what they wanted to do. In the first year of the program, they proactively participates in workshop and networking events across different industries and functions. They have a very fulfilling Haas experience as the Haas environment encourages each student to define and pursue their own success.
The third type: Those who are just lost and overwhelmed so they end up just following what other people are doing, may it be tech marketing, PE or whatever-that-most-people-in-that-bschool-thinks-are-the-best-jobs. They are the ones who have the mindset of "entering a top MBA program" is an achievement in itself but have very little clue on what they want to accomplish after Haas. They also don't really know why Haas is a good program for them and the truth is that Haas is probably not the right program for them. I have observed that these people are highly competitive and are mainly driven by their need to feel superior to others. They are overly concern of what other people will think of them and have a weak inner strength. These people will soon realize that Haas is probably not the right environment hence they never feel quite happy about their experience
I don't encourage people who have the similar thinking as the third type to apply for Haas. If you think that going to a top MBA equals a guranteed successful career , I am deeply worried for you. MBA is a journey, not a destination. More importantly, show the MBA admission that you will be the first or second type if they admit you. I also highly encourage applicants to go read student blogs or talk to as many as alums as you can on your dream school. Unless you have a very clear sense of what the culture and the envirinment of Haas is like and what makes Haas so unique, the admission officers are probably going to be a bit skeptical if Haas is the right school for you.
