The titans of Silicon Valley are snapping up business school students in greater numbers as the lustre of the tech scene continues to brighten.Amazon will recruit “hundreds” of MBAs for roles in product management, operations, retail and finance, says Miriam Park, director of university recruiting for the e-commerce group.
She adds: “MBAs are very strong problem solvers and analytical thinkers, which makes them a really great leadership pipeline.”
Of the 1,481,442 people employed in the Bay Area, nearly one-quarter have a graduate or professional degree such as an MBA, according to data from siliconvalleyindicators.org.
“The larger firms like Amazon or Google or Facebook about five-six years ago started to come on campus,” says Maeve Richard, director of the Career Management Center at Stanford GSB, who adds: “Tech has been very strong and MBAs are very interested in tech.”
Daniel Macklin, co-founder and vice president at SoFi, the $4 billion fintech company based in the Bay Area, says: “We’ve hired many people from Stanford.”
At Michigan’s Ross School, Dell doubled its hiring of MBAs last year. At Cambridge Judge Business School, Google and Infosys are among the top five employers for 2015. And at INSEAD, both Google and Amazon are top MBA recruiters.
Christian Dummett, at London Business School, says: “A small number of high-profile tech companies have been growing their MBA level hiring rapidly.”
At Berkeley-Haas School, 43% of last year’s MBAs were employed in the technology industry, with Silicon Valley’s Microsoft and Samsung among the top hiring companies.
“It's a cycle: with more Haas students going into tech that makes it more desirable for future applicants,” says Julia Min Hwang, assistant dean of career management.
For MIT Sloan School, 25% of the MBA class were employed into the high-technology industry — including at San Fran’s Dell and Facebook — up from 20% in 2012.
Susan Kline, co-director of the Career Development Center at MIT Sloan, says: “There is significant interest on the part of the first year MBAs in technology.”
MBA students globally are increasingly opting for careers at tech firms — which offer lucrative salary and stock packages as well as other job perks — instead of more traditional routes.
“We’ve seen increased interest in entrepreneurship [and] technology opportunities,” says Roxanne Hori, associate dean of corporate relations and career services at NYU Stern School.
Chris Weber, associate director for careers at UCLA Anderson School, says technology companies often provide similar pay, and great perks.
“Many technology companies consistently appear on ‘best company’ lists, making them among the more desirable companies for MBAs,” says Doreen Amorosa, managing director of the Georgetown McDonough MBA Career Center.
Silicon Valley has attracted top talent from the world over. But tracking down hires remains one of many Bay Area companies’ top priorities. “Finding the right people for the right position at the right time is the most important thing,” said Phil Libin, chief executive at Evernote, the digital note-taking company, at a recent Oxford Saïd Business School event.
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.
