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MBA Students Take Lessons From Silicon Valley

Business schools are beginning to take lessons from Silicon Valley – essential for MBA's entrepreneurial development.

Wed Aug 27 2014

BusinessBecause
MBA students are taking lessons from Silicon Valley as business schools seek to immerse their classes in the San Francisco Bay area in light of a growing entrepreneurial trend and uptick in technology firm recruiting.

Before even beginning classes, 38 incoming Tuck School of Business MBA students were flown to Silicon Valley at the start of the month.

The technology sector has become popular among MBA students as recruiters have stepped up hiring. This spurred Tuck’s Career Development Office to launch a Silicon Valley boot camp for incoming students to explore tech sector careers on the west coast.

Nearly 40 MBAs took part in panel discussions involving top tech industry recruiters, second-year students conducting internships, and alumni with Bay area start-up experience.

“This isn’t about being funnelled into a specific career or role – it’s an opportunity for students to relax and really explore Silicon Valley and the Bay area, and the breadth of its tech companies and functions,” said Jonathan Masland, Tuck’s CDO director.

Tuck tapped into its alumni network. Talks from past MBA students included a director at YouTube and a vice president at Open Table, a real-time restaurant-reservation service.

Students also toured search giant Google, Electronic Arts (EA), the video game maker, and Nasdaq-listed real estate database Zillow.

London-based Cass Business School flew its MBAs to the Valley earlier this year. They visited four different companies a day for four days, including Google and Salesforce.com, the cloud computing giant.

They also visited Silicon Valley Bank and Stanford University. “We tried to cover each stage of the Silicon Valley ecosystem, including the early stage start-ups that have grown rapidly,” said Jeanine Leuckel, a Cass MBA.

As president of the school’s marketing society, she was particularly interested in “growth hacking”, a marketing approach used by Facebook and other big technology companies to boost user numbers.

“That’s something that you can really see in action… What companies do to grow,” Jeanine said.

One of the biggest benefits of these field trips is the networking opportunities, according to Damon Koo from the Cass MBA cohort.

He met workers at Oracle, the NYSE-listed computer tech firm, as well as online ticketing service Eventbrite.

“It opened my eyes to a new horizon of creativity... Start-ups invite students to pizza parties, hoping they will ‘get to know’ the right candidates,” Damon said. He added: “It changed my perspective of entrepreneurship.”

Entrepreneurship has been gaining ground at business schools. Oxford’s Said Business School sent 30 MBA students to the Bay area during a west coast business trip.

Jim Hall, executive director of the Entrepreneurship Centre, said that countries have tried and failed to reproduce Silicon Valley's unique combination of tech development and easy availability of venture capital.

But although the school embraces the Valley’s tech start-ups, he suggested that it covers entrepreneurship in a multinational way. “What we are doing at Oxford is trying to support and develop entrepreneurship in its wider sense,” Jim said.

David Zelniker, a Canadian MBA, said: “On our weeklong student trek, it wouldn’t be unusual for me and my fellow Oxford MBAs to meet with a 25 person start-up in the morning, a VC firm for lunch and a behemoth like Google in the afternoon. The ideas are here, the builders are here, and most importantly – the money is here.”

Many other leading schools have run trips to the Bay area, including Harvard, IESE Business School and EDHEC Business School

Student Reviews

Bayes Business School

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Best Journalism school in Europe

When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home. The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe! The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro. The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd. Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer! City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.

Lydia

Verified

23/02/2023

On Campus

Learning environment

The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.

Nathaniel

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

Classes

I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London

Muhammad

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

Classes

The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.

Dorah

Verified

23/01/2023

On Campus

professors

The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather

Nora

Verified

17/12/2022

On Campus

The best university I’ve been to

The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.

Antonia

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

Bayes Business School

As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.

Muhammad

Verified

15/11/2022

On Campus

Economics and Politics

Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.

Navya

Verified

11/11/2022

On Campus

Clinical biology

I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society

Chen

Verified

5/10/2024

Blended

Unlocking My Potential at City University London

My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.

Elora

Verified

28/08/2024

On Campus

Rather interesting

The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.

Barbara

Verified

28/08/2024

On Campus

Urban campus life

At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities

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