Rachael Oczkus, MBA 26
"I currently commute from Santa Barbara. I fly in on Friday evenings and depart on Sunday mornings. Opting for the in-person block schedule on Saturdays was the ideal choice for me given my inability to relocate to the Bay Area before the start of the program.
While I was initially apprehensive about the logistics of weekly travel followed by eight hours of class on Saturdays, the experience of the in-person program has been extremely enjoyable. Saturdays are easily my favorite day of the week as they're full of bonding opportunities with my classmates. I really appreciate the time we spend together during lunch breaks or after class."
Weekend Immersion Events
WE Launch (Required)
Evening & Weekend MBA Student Orientation
Weekend in July prior to program start date
Your entire class takes flight together at WE Launch, our required student orientation weekend. You will learn about the case method, meet the people who will accompany you on your academic and career journey, and begin to form bonds with classmates through team-building activities.
Mid Program Academic Review (Required)
Academic retreat, typically hosted in Napa Valley
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend in January during second year
This weekend immersion is focused on the Communicating in Diverse Environments core course. It will be taught offsite, typically at a resort in Napa Valley. The course is based on cutting-edge behavioral and social science regarding economic, psychological, sociological, organizational, and cultural insights. You will learn an evidence-based set of tools that make the workplace more equitable. This will help you develop leadership skills to increase diversity and inclusion in the modern workplace.
RE Launch (Optional)
Reconnect and bond with your classmates
Weekend in July during second year
RE Launch is an opportunity to kick start your second year in the program, building on the energy of WE Launch and helping you to think about your academic, professional, and personal goals while at Haas. This immersion weekend is designed as an opportunity for Evening, Weekend, and Flex cohorts to bond in person together.
WE Lead (Optional)
Weekend celebration and recap of your MBA experience
Weekend in May of your graduating year
Before you put on your cap and gown, this event brings your class together to reflect on where you have been and set the compass for where you are going. You will test skills and knowledge with your classmates, network with alumni, and, of course, celebrate.