Haley Carruthers, Berkeley Haas MBA Class of 2027
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
To be honest, I did not always have a perfectly polished answer for why an MBA. For a while, I questioned whether it was even the right move since very few people from Urban Planning pursue it. What I did know, though, was that I had some missing pieces if I wanted to influence communities in a bigger way—especially around finance and strategy. The more I talked to people and learned about business school, the more it clicked that this was the bridge I needed. Now my story feels much more tailored, but it started from a place of curiosity and realizing this was how I could get where I wanted to go.
Why did you choose Berkeley Haas? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Berkeley Haas because I wanted to be in an environment that encouraged me to lead with curiosity. Coming from Texas, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in a setting that felt very different from what I was used to. From day one, Haas was at the top of my list because of its culture and the chance to be surrounded by people who care deeply about impact and authenticity. And I cannot lie—the California weather definitely didn’t hurt in sealing the deal.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My background sits at the intersection of community engagement, urban planning, and development. I have spent my career helping cities navigate the pressures of affordability crises, climate change, and equity challenges, translating complex technical planning into actionable strategies that balance design, finance, and community impact. As a Black woman who has worked in predominantly homogenous spaces, I have also learned how to not only navigate those environments but succeed in them. Getting here was no small feat, and the confidence I carry comes from knowing how hard I worked to earn this seat. That persistence, paired with my professional experience, is what I see as my differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027—and I am just getting started.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application.
I’ve been painting since high school, and it’s the space where I express the most creativity. It helps me slow down when life gets busy and gives me an outlet to express myself.
Post-MBA career interests
Right now, I am interested in pursuing a career in either consulting or real estate. Consulting appeals to me because it would give me the chance to work on a wide range of business challenges, build a strong strategic toolkit, and learn from different industries and clients. Real estate is also a natural fit given my background in urban planning and development, and I am excited about the opportunity to be part of projects that shape communities in a tangible way. I see my time at Haas as a chance to explore both paths more deeply and figure out which one will be the best platform for the kind of impact I want to make.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Building relationships early. Speaking with alumni and current students gave me invaluable insights into fit and helped me articulate why Haas was the right place for me.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently is lean into my nonbusiness background much sooner. Coming from urban planning, I was entering completely new territory where very few people pursue an MBA, and there were definitely days when I doubted myself or questioned whether I belonged in the space. At first, I focused so much on catching up that I overlooked the fact that my story was actually what made me stand out. Once I began to embrace that perspective, I realized it was not a disadvantage but a strength that made me a competitive candidate and allowed me to bring something unique to the table.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Testing. It was the most stressful and draining part of the process. What helped me get through it was accountability, as having friends on the same timeline kept me motivated and made the process less isolating.
What is your initial impression of the Berkeley Haas students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Berkeley Haas community is how close-knit it feels. With such a small class size, it can be overwhelming at first because you see everyone all the time, but I have found that it actually makes navigating social life much more digestible. It has allowed me to dive deeper into relationships, and even though it has only been six weeks, I have already made friends I hope will last a lifetime. Our class is also incredibly outgoing and supportive, and there is always someone willing to host, organize, or help in any way, which creates such a welcoming environment.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined the Real Estate Club to deepen my understanding of development and investment while connecting with people who share my passion for shaping the built environment. I am also part of the Black Business Student Association, which gives me a strong sense of community and support. Beyond academics and career, I plan to stay grounded through Redwoods at Haas, especially their wellness activities like Track Tuesdays and yoga, which I know will help me maintain balance during business school.
What is one thing you have learned about Berkeley Haas that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me about Haas is how much the social scene revolves around outdoor activities. I knew the Bay Area had great weather and access to nature, but I didn’t realize how much that would shape the community. From weekend hikes to casual runs and yoga in the park, being outdoors seems to be the backdrop for a lot of how people connect here.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to jump into case competitions during my first year. They feel like the perfect way to take what we are learning in the classroom and apply it to real business challenges. I know they will push me to grow my problem solving and presentation skills, but what excites me most is working side by side with classmates from different backgrounds. It is a chance to learn from each other, test myself in a fast paced environment, and get a taste of the kind of high impact work I hope to do in consulting.
