Webinar Recap | Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business Student Sharing: Silicon Valley Experience, Program Selection, and Career Development Insights

On February 12, 2025, HYP Global hosted an online sharing session featuring a current student from the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University (SCU). The session invited Brittney Dorow, Director of Graduate Admissions at Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business, and Carina Meng, a current MSIS graduate student, to provide a comprehensive guide covering the application process, enrollment preparation, academic experience, and career development opportunities.

During the webinar, the speakers shared insights on why students choose SCU, their experiences studying business in Silicon Valley, how to adapt to U.S. graduate education, and how to balance academic life and personal development.

The following is a summary of the key highlights from the session.

Why Choose Santa Clara University?

At the beginning of the webinar, the current student shared her reasons for choosing Santa Clara University.

She explained that one of the most important factors was the university’s location.

Santa Clara University is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, near Silicon Valley. For students interested in pursuing careers in technology, business, and related industries, the Bay Area provides abundant corporate resources, networking opportunities, and career development possibilities.

Additionally, she had visited the campus during the application process and was impressed by the university’s environment and campus atmosphere, which became another important factor in her final decision.

The webinar emphasized that location is an important consideration when selecting a graduate program. Since students usually spend one year or more completing their graduate studies, factors such as campus environment, regional resources, and future career opportunities can significantly influence the overall study-abroad experience.

Learning Experience at Leavey School of Business

During the session, the admissions representative introduced Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business.

As a business school located in Silicon Valley, Leavey School of Business maintains close connections with the local business ecosystem.

The admissions representative explained that the school places strong emphasis on student development and provides resources throughout the entire journey, from application preparation and enrollment to academic success and career development.

For international students, entering a U.S. business school often requires adapting to new learning methods, including classroom discussions, group projects, and practical applications.

The current student also shared her experience after joining the business school, explaining that U.S. graduate education focuses not only on theoretical knowledge but also on practical problem-solving abilities.

Information Systems (MSIS) Program Selection and Learning Experience

During the webinar, the student specifically introduced her experience in the Information Systems (MSIS) program.

She explained that one of the main reasons she selected this program was its combination of business and technology.

The Information Systems program covers not only business management concepts but also areas such as data, technology applications, and enterprise information management.

For students interested in careers in technology companies, consulting, business analytics, or technology-driven business roles, the Information Systems program provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary learning experience.

The webinar highlighted that when selecting a graduate program, students should consider their undergraduate background, personal interests, and long-term career goals.

For students who hope to pursue careers combining business and technology, Information Systems can be a valuable academic pathway.

Career Opportunities in Silicon Valley

Throughout the webinar, the speakers emphasized the impact of Silicon Valley’s environment on students’ career development.

Because Santa Clara University is located near the heart of Silicon Valley, students have access to numerous technology companies, business resources, and professional networking opportunities.

During their studies, students can use university events, career resources, and industry connections to explore future career paths.

The current student shared that the university’s location advantage is reflected not only in employment opportunities but also in daily academic and living experiences.

Students can take advantage of Bay Area resources to expand their industry knowledge and gain early exposure to the U.S. professional environment.

Adapting to U.S. Graduate Learning Methods

The current student also shared her experience adapting to U.S. graduate education.

She explained that American classrooms differ from the learning styles many international students are familiar with.

Graduate-level study in the U.S. often requires students to:

• Actively participate in classroom discussions;

• Complete collaborative team projects;

• Conduct independent research and analysis;

• Communicate proactively with professors.

Compared with simply completing coursework, U.S. graduate education places greater emphasis on students’ ability to analyze problems and apply knowledge in real-world situations.

Therefore, international students may need time to gradually adjust to a new academic environment and learning pace after arriving on campus.

Practicum Projects and Practical Skill Development

The webinar also introduced practical learning opportunities within the program.

The student explained that the Information Systems program includes a Practicum project, allowing students to enhance their professional skills through real-world projects.

Through these practical experiences, students can apply classroom knowledge to actual business scenarios.

For international students preparing to enter the U.S. workforce, practical project experience is also an important way to demonstrate professional abilities.

By participating in projects, students can better understand industry expectations and accumulate relevant experience.

How International Students Can Plan Their Career Development

The speakers also addressed career planning concerns from international students.

They suggested that students should not focus only on academic performance during graduate school but should begin planning their career paths early.

Students can prepare through the following areas:

1. Define Career Goals

Students should consider their interests, academic backgrounds, and future goals when identifying potential career directions.

Possible areas include:

• Technology industry;

• Consulting industry;

• Business analytics roles;

• Information technology-related positions.

Having a clear direction allows students to develop relevant skills more effectively.

2. Utilize University Career Resources

The university provides various support services, including career guidance, project opportunities, and employment-related resources.

Students are encouraged to actively use these resources rather than waiting until graduation to begin career preparation.

3. Improve Communication and Practical Skills

In addition to technical knowledge, U.S. employers highly value communication skills, teamwork abilities, and practical project experience.

Therefore, actively participating in classroom discussions, team projects, and experiential learning opportunities can contribute significantly to future career development.

Living and Studying Experience in California

Beyond academics and career development, the webinar also covered student life in California.

The current student shared that California offers a comfortable climate and the Bay Area provides a diverse cultural environment.

Outside of academic commitments, students can explore local communities and experience different cultures.

At the same time, being close to Silicon Valley allows students to immerse themselves in an environment centered around technology innovation, which is one of the major attractions of studying at Santa Clara University.

Advice for Future Applicants

At the end of the webinar, the current student shared advice for future applicants.

She suggested that students should consider multiple factors when selecting a graduate program, including:

• University location;

• Program curriculum;

• Future career goals;

• Personal interests and academic background.

After entering a U.S. graduate program, students should actively adapt to new learning methods, make full use of university resources, and begin career planning early.

Through this Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business student sharing session, HYP Global hopes to help more students interested in pursuing U.S. business master’s programs gain a deeper understanding of the real academic experience, career opportunities, and student life at SCU, providing valuable references for their future study-abroad planning.