Ashley Bienvenu is a woman with a rich career spanning Europe’s marketing business, including a cameo at New York-based BBDO, one of the world’s top advertising agencies. Now she is a Googler, working out of Mountain View for an employer dipping its toes in everything from biotechnology to driverless cars.“The Bay Area is a very dynamic place to work. It really is at the heart of technological innovation,” says Ashley, who manages strategic partnerships for Google Express, the search giant’s same-day delivery service.
“Google is a very fast-moving place where employees have ownership over their roles and careers — you won’t find micro-managers and cookie-cutter responsibilities,” she says.
Ashley is a graduate of HEC Paris, a top business school nestled southwest of the French capital. But, like a swelling number of freshly-minted MBAs, she dropped Jouy-en-Josas for the dizzying innovation found in Silicon Valley. “I personally don’t think the location of your MBA is what prepares you for a career,” she says.
The technology sector is booming and nowhere is there a bigger collection of top tech firms than San Francisco’s Bay Area, where the ten largest companies have close to $600 billion of annual sales, according to data from SV150.
With the regional headquarters of top MBA employers — including Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook — dotted along the 1,854 sq mile stretch of land, the cluster is luring talent from all over.
Susan Kline, co-director of the Career Development Center at MIT Sloan School, says: “There is significant interest on the part of the first year MBAs in technology.”
And tech groups are tapping elite business schools in greater numbers. “MBAs are very strong problem solvers and analytical thinkers, which makes them a really great leadership pipeline,” says Miriam Park, director of university recruiting for Amazon.
The e-commerce giant is based in Seattle but has offices in Palo Alto for units such as Amazon Web Services, its cloud computing business.
“MBAs are able to move across our businesses during a career at Amazon,” says Miriam, who adds that the company will recruit “hundreds” of MBAs for roles in product management, operations, retail and finance among other areas.
Business schools with close connections to the Bay Area are becoming factories for the technology titans. Maeve Richard, director of the Career Management Center at California’s Stanford GSB, says: “It’s an attractive time to be in the Bay Area and one of the most attractive industries is tech.”
She says the larger firms like Amazon, Google, and Facebook joined the recruitment party about five years ago to compete with management consultancy firms and banks. The percentage of Stanford’s MBAs flocking to tech has risen by more than 10% over three years.
Julia Min Hwang, assistant dean of career management at UC Berkeley’s Haas School, which has a campus in Silicon Valley, says the attraction comes from the school’s proximity to and ever-growing pool of alumni working in the Bay Area. More than 40% of last year’s MBAs were employed by tech companies such as Samsung.
“It's a cycle: with more Haas students going into tech that makes it more desirable for future applicants,” she says.
It is not just the Valley's neighbours that attract these companies. Tech's cyber web is being cast far and wide. Doreen Amorosa, managing director of the MBA Career Center at Georgetown McDonough School in Washington, says Amazon and Facebook began recruiting on campus for the first time last year.
At the UK’s Cambridge Judge Business School, Google and Infosys are among the top five employers. For INSEAD, both Google and Amazon are top recruiters. Christian Dummett, at London Business School, says: “A small number of high-profile tech companies have been growing their MBA level hiring rapidly.”
Angel Herrera, a former equities trader and asset manager with seven years’ experience, works at Google, managing Spanish strategic partnerships.
He says that a business education was crucial for him to make the transition from financial services to tech. Angel graduated from the MBA program at Hult International Business School, whose campus locations include London, last year.
Part of the attraction are the competitive salaries and other financial perks. Chris Weber, associate director for careers at UCLA Anderson School, says: “Technology companies are often providing similar pay, little to no travel requirements as part of the job, great perks, and increasingly better exit opportunities.”
At Stanford, tech compensation is higher than even investment banking. Insiders say stock options are common, which are even more tasty given the sky-high valuations of companies on both the public and private markets.
But most of all, it’s the culture of open innovation in Silicon Valley that is attractive to MBA talent.
“It’s the idea of things being new, fresh, and disruptive,” says Stanford’s Maeve. “You’re at the [cutting] edge of innovation.”
Yet from an outsider’s perspective, the allure of the Valley is not always so bright.
The pressure can be immense. The culture at Amazon was criticized in a recent New York Times article, which said the online retailer has a “bruising workplace”, although Amazon execs later denounced the story.
Competition too can be fierce. “There are so many companies trying to build great things that competition for people, real estate and services is high,” says Gleb Budman, chief executive of Backblaze, a Bay Area cloud computing business.
But he is clear as day that San Fran is a magnet for all things tech: “Silicon Valley is the epicentre of start-ups and technology.”
Student Reviews
Georgetown: McDonough School of Business
GWU - excellent investment for future
George Washington University is a good respected institution with strong programs in various studies, including project management, international affairs, politics, medicine and etc. The university provides students with good opportunities for internships and networking.
GWU has a diverse student body and a reputation for academic excellence.
Safety on campus
I have had an amazing experience at Georgetown University. The classes are enjoyable, the professors are exceptional, and I feel like I am receiving a worthwhile education. The people and faculty at this institution are extraordinary, and I have discovered my true self while being here. Additionally, I always feel secure on campus, as it is the safest place in town.
Georgetown is on top!
I've been enjoying this school so far. I wouldn't alter it, despite the fact that the school is on a hill and that it requires a lot of walking to get around it. For minority and first-generation students, there are a ton of services available. Even though the usual dorm rooms are modest, there is still plenty of area for storage. We have a ton of alternatives every day in the dining halls since they provide so many different dishes from so many different cultures
Physical and mental health
Georgetown is my second home. The pre-professional counselors are incredibly helpful, and I feel supported and inspired to pursue my aspirations. We are certainly ranked as the top research university in the nation. They place a high priority on the development of the students as well as their physical and mental well-being.
Wonderful university
Georgetown University is wonderful. The school's amazing diversity is one of its greatest strengths. The athletes are extremely committed to their sport, and the campus is amazing. The dorms are excellent! They are comfortable and spacious. If you ever find yourself bored on campus, you can always go off campus; it's fantastic. You'll never get bored dining in the cafeteria because the food is so delicious on campus.
Academics
The university's academics are what really set it apart; the lecturers are kind and motivating. Although it can be challenging to connect with the majority of students because they are so intense and competitive, social life and student life are what you make of them. It is undoubtedly a very difficult four years that are challenging to get through. But in the end, it strengthens you and provides you with a wealth of knowledge and incredible prospects.
Fantastic university
Georgetown university is a Fantastic university. The professors are outstanding, there are lots of ways to participate in campus life, and there are numerous groups and organizations where students can get involved. The campus is lovely and always kept clean, and there are people are willing to assist you 24 hours a day whenever you need help.
Review of Georgetown university
Being at Georgetown university has been one of my best experiences. The Professors are knowledgeable, approachable, and very helpful. You will fall in love with Georgetown because of its daily activities, the vibrant students you will encounter, the food served on campus, and the lush surroundings. The housing and dorms are fantastic. There is no better place than Georgetown University if you’re looking to study, discover new things, make lifelong friends, and have fun!
Academically challenging institution
Georgetown University is certainly an academically challenging institution, however, if you ask for assistance when you need it, the workload can be managed. Students are happy to assist one another, and most Professor want you to succeed. Student life is vibrant, the location is excellent and everyone here is friendly and welcoming.
4 Years as an Expat at Georgetown University
Georgetown University provided an exceptional environment for my academic journey as an expat from Italy. As someone who initially felt apprehensive about moving to a new country, Georgetown quickly alleviated my concerns and made my transition incredibly smooth.
One of the standout features of Georgetown is its diverse and welcoming community, particularly for international students. The campus is teeming with students from various corners of the globe, fostering a rich cultural tapestry that made me feel right at home. The vibrant campus life and numerous extracurricular activities offered ample opportunities to connect with fellow students, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling university experience.
Georgetown's unique setting within the heart of Washington, DC, adds another layer to its charm. While the university is situated in the bustling city, the campus in the historic area of Georgetown provides a distinct and almost intimate atmosphere. This blend creates a truly unique feel and contributes to an unforgettable educational experience.
Initially enrolled in the College with a desire to major in Linguistics and minor in Art & Journalism, I appreciated the flexibility and openness of the Georgetown education system. After my freshman year, I discovered my true passion lay in Marketing and International Business. The university's seamless transfer process allowed me to transition to the McDonough Business School, where I found the perfect fit for my academic aspirations.
Georgetown's commitment to helping students explore and find their academic niche is indeed one of its most commendable qualities. The ability to explore various subjects before settling on a major is a testament to the university's dedication to fostering individual growth and success. The journey from Linguistics to Marketing & International Business exemplifies the beauty of a Georgetown education — a dynamic and supportive environment where students can discover and pursue their true passions.
In conclusion, Georgetown University provided not only a top-notch academic education but also a transformative and enriching experience. From the welcoming international community to the unique campus setting and the flexibility to explore diverse academic paths, Georgetown stands out as a beacon of higher education that truly caters to the individual journey of each student.
