Silicon Valley’s Top Executive MBA: Santa Clara University Executive MBA Sets Enrollment Record
The Santa Clara University Executive MBA program (EMBA) enrollment increased 85% over last year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic that caused plummeting college enrollment, estimated by the Fitch Rating Group to be as high as 20%.
This is the second year running that the elite graduate program for aspiring leaders has set records. The EMBA class of 2022, numbers 37 experienced executives, many from top Silicon Valley companies including Cisco Systems, Google, Juniper Networks, IBM, Intel, and Qualcomm. Classes started on August 10th for the program that ranks 11th in the nation by US News and World Report.
This Fall’s class also stands out for its gender balance and maturity. Thirty-eight percent of the class are women, significantly exceeding a national norm of 29%. The average age is 41, topping the national average age of 38, with an average 17-years of work experience, which is higher than the nation’s average of 13 years. There are also two Ph.Ds in the class with around one-third of the class already holding other graduate degrees.
“Clearly, the high quality of a Santa Clara University EMBA experience trumped a once-in-a-century cataclysmic event,” explains Dr. Kumar Sarangee, the program’s faculty director. “Because of our excellent curriculum and seasoned faculty, we have always attracted stellar students. The incoming cohort is proof of that. We have Vice Presidents, Senior Directors, Directors, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs who want to learn how to be innovative and impactful leaders. Also, our students come from diverse industry sectors including high technology, financial services, consumer packaged goods, and consulting.”
The 20-month program, which meets twice a month from Friday evening until Saturday evening, provides the flexibility required by today’s executive candidates. Above-and-beyond a required core curriculum that has been designed according to current needs & trends, students personalize their education through a number of innovative electives.
“I opted to do the Executive MBA at SCU because the program teaches with real-world examples, an extremely unique aspect of the program,” explained Satendra Prasad, Lead Research Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific
The program also goes beyond the traditional “lecture and learn” format to feature a number of experiential elements that fulfill the needs of both the student and business community. Hands-on learning covers participation in professional communications and leadership exercises, along with change management and mindfulness simulations and executive-led innovation workshops.
“My decision to choose Santa Clara University for their Executive MBA program was primarily based on a very strong recommendation by an SCU Alumnus as well as the school’s impressive Top 11 ranking and reputation in this specific program. I am extremely excited to begin the 20-month long journey with some of the greatest and smartest people,” said Monika Salquist, Director of Finance, Accelitas Inc.
Senior Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, Dr. Toby McChesney, in the Leavey School of Business summed up the challenges of offering post-graduate, executive education programs in a distance learning, pandemic environment.
“We are very proud of our incoming EMBA cohort who represent a talented group of students. We pivoted quickly to adapt to the online environment in recruiting and we were still able to keep our personal touch to assist our students. Our enrollment team worked hard to tap local talent in Silicon Valley,” he said.
“The Executive MBA program at SCU successfully overcame challenges and ambiguities that one could never have anticipated and our incoming class is poised to exemplify those very same qualities that are needed in leaders in the new world of business,” explained Dr. Naren Agrawal, Dean, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University.
Hot MBA Jobs: Computer and Information Systems Manager
For those looking to pursue a management career at the tech end of the business world, Computer and Information Systems Manager may be a promising career to pursue.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the growth rate for this job at 12 percent over the next eight years. But, are you not sure where to begin? Below, we’ve put together a guide to help you determine if this is the career for you.
What is a Computer and Information Systems Manager?
The Computer and Information Systems Manager (or IT Manager) runs the company activities related to computers and tech. They must assess the needs of an organization to determine the appropriate hardware and software to both meet demands of and enhance the efficiency of company business. In addition to installing and maintaining hardware and software, IT Managers must stay abreast of new tech developments so that they can pitch ideas to upper-management should they identify an opportunity to implement technology that would advance the company’s mission. The IT Manager also directs and organizes the efforts of the lower-level positions in the IT department.
There are different types of Computer and Information System Managers, so duties may be more specifically tailored depending on the specific title. For example, an IT Security Manager would work with the tech as it pertains to protecting an organization’s security interests.
Am I A Good Fit?
IT Managers possess solid analytical skills. People in this role need to be able accurately evaluate a company’s needs and determine which products would enhance productivity. They must also be able to analyze any tech and management issues to ensure that their department runs smoothly. They are solid, decisive leaders and creative thinkers. Communication skills are essential, as IT Managers must communicate directions to those working under them, as well as deliver presentations to higher-level execs.
In 2017, the average base pay for a Computer and Information Systems Manager, according to Glassdoor, was $106,092 in the United States.
Education and Where to Begin
The minimum degree requirement for a Computer and Information Systems Manager is generally a bachelor’s with a tech-related major. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, companies often require graduate degrees, and earning an MBA could prove to be a huge asset. If you are looking to pursue this title, it may be beneficial to start with entry-level tech positions in your field to gain a few years of experience before applying to a manager position.
An MBA program with a top-notch tech education may be a good place to start if you’re hoping to become an IT Manager. In 2018, U.S. News made a list of the best MBA Information Systems programs. Below, we’ve pulled some of our favorite MBAs from the list:
Sloan School of Management – MIT
It should come as no surprise that MIT Sloan tops the list of best Information Systems programs. MIT has long been hallowed ground for the technologically-inclined, so it makes sense that the school’s MBA program also caters to those with a bent toward tech, with 26.2 percent of the 2017 graduating class pursuing careers in the software and internet industries.
McCombs School of Business – University of Texas at Austin
McCombs, which has a nationally-ranked MBA in Information Systems program, is a desirable choice for the STEM-savvy. According to the McCombs employment report, 30 percent of the class of 2016 pursued jobs in the tech industry.
Scheller College of Business – Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech’ Scheller College of Business is an excellent choice for aspiring IT Managers. Forbes states, “Because many students are interested in more quantitative and technical areas, such as operations management and information technology management, Scheller is often viewed as a heavily quantitatively based program.” Roughly 21 percent of the Scheller class of 2017 landed tech-related jobs.
Leavey School of Business – Santa Clara University
For Silicon Valley hopefuls, the Leavey School of Business may be a wise school to consider. With flexible options like the Online and Evening MBA’s, Leavey allows students to tailor the program to their schedule. This may be desirable for those trying to balance internships or work and family life.
Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business Online MBA Revealed
The Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business is the latest in an ever-growing list of well-recognized business schools to formally introduce a brand new Online MBA option for business students.
The Premiere San Francisco Accelerated MBA Programs
An MBA is a commitment in terms of money, energy and, yes, time. The time investment is perhaps the most intimidating, with the majority of MBA programs averaging two years. But earning an MBA doesn’t necessarily need to disrupt your life. There are a variety of phenomenal Accelerated MBA programs, wherein you can receive the same education without the daunting time commitment.
San Francisco Accelerated MBA Programs
Leavey School of Business—Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business has an Accelerated MBA option that allows students to earn their degree in less than two years. Leavey’s program holds classes on Thursday nights and all day Saturdays. The program provides a cohort experience, so students move through the core program together, though they can tailor electives to their interests and professional aspirations. Student’s must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in order to receive their degree. This is an intensive, 70-credit program that will take place over seven terms. The coursework includes 11 core classes and 23 units of electives. There are nine options for concentrations, including: Business Analystics, Digital Marketing and eCommerce, Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, Financial Planning and Controllership, Finance, Business in the Global Context, Leading Innovative Organizations, Managing Customer Relationships in Business and Tech Markets and Supply Chain Management. Leavey students have access to a variety of student network events, career management seminars, career fairs, career counseling and prestigious academic awards.
F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business—Babson College
At Babson College’s F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business, students can earn their MBA in just 12 months. Accelerated MBAs have access to all the same courses and learning opportunities as students in the standard full-time program. The standard full-time MBA is two year and requires 55 credits, whereas the accelerated program requires that students accrue just 40.5 credits to graduate. Students in this program complete 14 core course credits during the summer, and go on to complete 27 elective credits in the spring. Students tailor their electives to fit their career goals, and can earn a concentration in Entrepreneurship, Finance, Global Management, Business Analytics or Marketing. During the spring term, students are also expected to seize internship opportunities. Baboon also offers Signature Learning Experiences (SLE). These SLEs are unique courses and activities designed to expose students to the rewards and challenges of entrepreneurial decision-making.
Lucas Graduate School of Business—San Jose State University
San Jose State University’s Lucas School of Business provides a special accelerated MBA option for those who are new to the working world, and still determined to earn an MBA. This program may appeal to prospective students who have only recently realized their interest in furthering their business eduction, as Lucas’s program is open to students without an undergraduate degree in business.The Early Career MBA classes meet on the San Jose State University main campus during the evenings and on Saturdays. The program is structured in two month sessions (six to eight weeks per class). This track is specifically for students with zero to five years of work experience, and can be completed in 12 months. Applicants should have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher during their undergraduate educations. Students applying should have scores that are in at least the 50th percentile in both the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE. Students on this track take 11 core courses and four elective courses.
MBA Programs That Don’t Require Work Experience: San Francisco
Not everyone comes from a traditional working background earns an MBA for the same reason. So, in the same ways that some MBA programs don’t require the GRE or GMAT score for their applications, many business schools are also willing to consider applicants with limited or no prior professional experience. Continue reading…
Leavey School of Business Grads’ Salaries Rank 4th in Nation
Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business was ranked 4th in the country for earning potential of its business majors.
A recent study, conducted by Eric Eide of Brigham Young University and Michael Hilmer of San Diego State University, was published in the Wall Street Journal.
