Tiffany Tran, Haas MBA Class of 2020
Age: 26
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: UC Berkeley, environmental science and environmental economics and policy
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 4.5 years, corporate sustainability in consumer packaged goods and entertainment
Why business school? Why now? I’ve spent the last 4.5 years working as a corporate sustainability strategist, a role that has often focused on influencing business decisions but not making them. I am ready to build stronger business acumen and management skills so that I can become the decision maker. Business school is the perfect opportunity for me to achieve this goal and learn how to drive larger impact. I am also excited for an environment filled with incredibly smart and motivated leaders aspiring to challenge the status quo.
Why Haas? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to interact with many Haas MBA students while I was an undergraduate at Berkeley. I was impressed at how willing they were to offer their time and advice.
One of the MBA students I met even volunteered to be one of my mentors for my senior thesis project. The principle of “beyond yourself” is truly rooted in the MBA program, and I knew that I wanted to be part of a school that embodied this value.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020? My experience living in Berkeley for the past eight years seems to be valuable. I’ve enjoyed giving my classmates housing advice or directions to the best scenic hikes in the area. In addition to having a local’s perspective, I’m excited to bring my unique background as a sustainability professional and passionate environmental steward.
I hope I can educate my classmates on some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems and teach them ways to help address those problems.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? Every year since 2012, I’ve donated eight to 12 inches of my hair to the American Cancer Society.
Post-MBA career interests? Brand marketing in consumer packaged goods or management consulting
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? I highly recommend connecting with students and alumni before and during the application process. Having conversations with the school’s community gave me a clearer sense of what to expect of the culture, which was a big deciding factor for me.
–One thing you would change or do differently? I started studying for the GMAT two years before I planned to apply for business school. Since I wasn’t rushed to take the exam, I was inconsistent about my test prep. This significantly prolonged my studying timeline, and I missed out on social events because I was always “studying” for the GMAT. If I had the chance to redo that part of the process, I would have stuck to a strict study routine.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? Doubting myself. The business school application process requires you to self-reflect and take a deep introspective look at your life. Though this process allowed me to better recognize my motivations and aspirations, it also led to me being too critical of myself. I thought about my weaknesses too much and had moments where I doubted my candidacy. My network of family and friends snapped me out of those moments and helped me get through the lows of the application process.
What is your initial impression of Haas’s students/culture/community? Two months ago, I planned a get together for some of my future classmates and their partners. For most of the group, it was the first time when everyone met. We spent the evening making homemade pizza and getting intensely into board games. I didn’t expect to connect with total strangers at the time, and it was a great preview of what my other 2020 classmates might be like.
One thing you have learned about Haas that has surprised you? The Haas community was extremely excited by my decision to attend Haas. I had shared my career transition on LinkedIn, and I was surprised by the number of current students and alumni who reached out to congratulate me and welcome me to Haas. I’ve never felt so supported and welcomed!
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? I am anxious about over-committing to too many extracurriculars. There are tons of clubs and leadership opportunities that I am interested in; however, I want to be mindful of my physical and mental capacity and maintain my pre-business school hobbies and relationships.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? I’m excited to connect with others who share my hobbies like running and snowboarding. I also can’t wait to travel during the program and visit the homes of some of my international classmates. Traveling with a local is always an incredibly unique experience!
