The Best Schools For Silicon Valley IT Jobs
It is impossible to ignore the growing need for an understanding of the impact of emerging technologies on the business world. Technological fluency and an understanding of the industry can be crucial for all b-school students, but are especially vital for those who want to be executive leaders in the industry. If your goal is to excel at one of the many growing tech companies, an MBA with a focus in IT studies could be just the thing to give you the edge you need to stand out from the pack. With companies like Google, Facebook and Adobe based in the Bay Area, San Francisco is an optimal place to earn an MBA with a focus on IT studies. We’ve laid out some of the best MBA programs in the area that can help anyone land Silicon Valley IT jobs.
Haas School of Business—UC Berkeley
Haas School of Business provides excellent opportunities for motivated, technology-minded b-schoolers. Forbes currently ranks Haas among the ten best business schools in the country. With a fresh curriculum that was completely re-written in 2010, Haas is an ideal place for competitive MBAs passionate about gaining expertise in technology. The standard MBA curriculum includes a comprehensive overview of technology management, as well as a technology management specialization for students who wish to gain extra leverage in the field. A unique aspect of this program is Haas’ esteemed executive fellows who advise the dean on curriculum and provide guidance to students through a variety of events and programs during the year. Fellows include esteemed industry leaders like Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Jelly Industries, and John Hanke, who started Keyhole, the company that provided the foundation for Google Earth. This program can open many doors for its students, as top tech companies like Google, Apple and Amazon regularly scout Haas for recruits.
F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business – Babson College San Francisco
F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business’s Blended Learning MBA is offered right in the tech startup center of San Francisco, the optimal location for landing Silicon Valley IT jobs. The Blended Learning MBA is the only MBA Olin offers on its San Francisco campus, and blends online learning with on-site classes. Olin affords students the option of pursuing one of several different “Intensity Tracks,” including Managing the Technology-intensive Enterprise. Intensity Tracks entail a series of courses combined with a specific academic experience, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The tech-focused intensity track includes Managing Technological Innovations and Marketing High-Tech products, as well as an overview of technology law, telecommunications, biotech and pricing tech products. The track also in involves a semester-long cohort-based seminar.
Edward S. Ageno School of Business – Golden Gate University
Edward S. Agent School of Business lets MBA students choose from a handful of concentration options, including Information Technology Management. The IT Management concentration provides the opportunity for students to gain an understanding of how IT informs business needs and enables and enhances a business’s value. In addition to offering IT management courses, this concentration zooms in on areas like using data analytics to problem-solve business hurdles, and understanding issues of security and privacy in corporations. Golden Gate University is known for its willingness to accommodate working students with a plethora of online options, and is a great choice for the many MBA’s balancing a full-time job with school.
