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Bradshaw: Silicon Valley attracts talent from beyond the Bay Area

Dear Mr. Bradshaw,

I am a junior in high school and have been looking at colleges that offer STEM and business management programs. Following graduation, I would like to land a job in Silicon Valley and I am wondering if it might be a good idea to attend a school that is located near that center of technological innovation. I know that it is difficult to gain admission to Stanford and University of California, Berkley, but since the Bay Area is home to so many tech companies I wonder if there are other options.

Signed,

High School Junior

Dear High School Junior,

There are many phrases that are used when describing Silicon Valley — it is known as the center of the tech universe, and is said to be populated by brilliantly interesting and creative people. The area is sandwiched between Berkeley and Stanford, and attracts some of the best minds in the world. I have always said that if you have an idea that could change the world, you will be taken seriously here. And there will be a lot of money to back you up, if you have what it takes.

You are right that not all students will gain admission to Stanford or UC Berkeley. Although graduates of these universities are heavily represented at most technology companies, they are by no means in the majority. So where else do these companies find their talent? People are surprised to learn that it comes from all over the country and many parts of the world. There is an international flavor to Silicon Valley making it a haven for students who want to be around the very best and brightest.

Both Stanford and UC Berkeley have strong computer programs and very powerful and influential business schools. The combination of talent and the ability to create and sell innovative ideas that abounds in these institutions often leads to the making of very young millionaires.

Stanford is a stone’s throw away from the headquarters of Facebook, Apple and Google. The Stanford School of Business is among the best. You could say these companies are an extension of Stanford’s campus. UC Berkeley is a few miles north and famous not only for funneling STEM talent into Silicon Valley, but also for its Haas School of Business. If you are set on being in the Bay Area, you will find that Santa Clara University, located near Stanford, is also a top producer of Silicon Valley talent. Their Leavey School of Business is highly ranked and many of its graduates are employed by these companies. Santa Clara also might appeal to students who are leaning toward schools like Notre Dame, or Washington University in St. Louis, because it is less difficult to get in.

You do not have to attend Stanford or Berkeley to find your way into a major Silicon Valley company or become part of a scrappy startup. If you are in the top five per cent of your class, Santa Clara’s admissions rate of 54 percent — versus Notre Dame’s 18 percent and Washington University of St. Louis’s 15 percent makes it an attractive choice. You could also consider Mills College or San Francisco State in your search as their admissions rates are higher as well. Silicon Valley is a magnet for people who think differently, who are smart and can act on their ideas. The area is saturated with talent and rewards creativity, which is a good reason to concentrate your college search in that area.

Gerald Bradshaw is an international college admissions consultant with Bradshaw College Consulting in Crown Point.