At The Core of Entrepreneurship sees students cozy up to San Francisco's tech stars
Silicon Valley is one of the sexiest places on the planet to work. It is home to hundreds of large technology companies such as Google, Apple and Facebook, plus start-ups with serious growth potential — think Uber, Netflix and Elon Musk's Telsa Motors.“There's a buzz in Silicon Valley, something in the air,” says Cass Business School MBA student Chinenye PG-Ikwuemesi.
It's little wonder, then, that MBAs like Chinenye are flocking to San Francisco’s Bay Area in their droves.
As part of the MBA program at Cass, students have a chance to find out exactly what makes Silicon Valley tick with an immersive five-day module — “At The Core of Entrepreneurship”.
“We visited leading companies such as Amazon, Solar City, Airbnb and eBay, giving students a tremendous opportunity to meet living case studies,” says Marianne Lewis, dean of Cass Business School.
“We learned from ‘unicorns’ — rare start-ups which have rapidly accelerated to $1 billion valuations — to established global businesses and exceptionally creative, serial entrepreneurs,” she says.
Some of Silicon Valley's serial entrepreneurs have lambasted the degree — they see an MBA as too rigid for the fast-paced San Francisco style of scaling companies.
But the region's trash-talking of MBAs masks a clear thirst for business school talent. Pick any one of the top-50 schools and tech employers such as Amazon will likely be a top-three employer. Across the board, tech is the third most popular MBA destination behind consulting and financial services, according to a Bloomberg survey of 9,000 MBA holders.
“The culture of tech companies is mesmerising. There's a contagious sense of optimism,” says Cass MBA Steve Duttine.
It is not just big tech outfits snapping up MBAs, either. B-school grads are keen to work at start-ups, which Steve says offer roles that are varied, with the carrot of eventual global success. “That sense of accomplishment if it pays off is what I find really appealing,” he says.
On Silicon Valley's start-up ecosystem, he adds: “There’s a can do, almost reckless, attitude in tech where failure is embraced.” He met Xochi Birch, the co-founder of social media platform Bebo, and Matthew Prince, CEO of cyber security start-up CloudFlare. “It felt like a really genuine insight into the journey of a successful entrepreneur.”
While networking opportunities were in abundance, the visit also gave Cass a chance to think on how to incorporate Silicon Valley concepts into its teaching.
For example, the MBAs visited Stanford University and topics such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and robotics were explored in-depth, says MBA student Leena Solanki.
“Digital skills are required in most industries and MBA programs need to understand how to connect this into their teaching. Data analytics and computer science are vital aspects of the Silicon Valley ecosystem.”
The trek did, however, bring MBA concepts such as strategy to life, Leena says. “Companies we visited showed that they used a lot of the MBA concepts in their day to day activities, such as PEST analysis, SWOT analysis, and competitive advantage.”
While opportunities to learn from companies were in abundance, the visit gave the Cass MBAs a chance to learn about themselves, too.
Chinenye, says it taught her that she has untapped potential; to think big.
“Yeah, I drank the Kool-Aid and you know what, it only made me thirstier.”
Student Reviews
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
