Event Recap｜HYP Global × Santa Clara University (SCU) Open Day Shanghai Session Successfully Concluded
On January 11, 2026, HYP Global and Santa Clara University (SCU) successfully hosted the “Open Day · Shanghai Session” event in Shanghai. The event welcomed Dr. Toby McChesney, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies at Santa Clara University, who traveled to China to meet with prospective students, parents, and international education professionals. During the event, Dr. McChesney provided a comprehensive introduction to SCU’s educational philosophy, graduate programs, academic resources, and student support services, offering participants a deeper understanding of the university’s graduate education system and development opportunities.
On January 11, 2026, HYP Global and Santa Clara University (SCU) successfully hosted the “Open Day · Shanghai Session” event in Shanghai.
The event welcomed Dr. Toby McChesney, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies at Santa Clara University, who traveled to China to meet with prospective students, parents, and international education professionals.
During the event, Dr. McChesney provided a comprehensive introduction to SCU’s educational philosophy, graduate programs, academic resources, and student support services, offering participants a deeper understanding of the university’s graduate education system and development opportunities.
Three Key Sharing Sessions
1. Official University Presentation: Graduate Education and Student Support System
Dr. Toby McChesney, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies at Santa Clara University, provided an in-depth overview of SCU’s academic philosophy and graduate program structure.
He introduced the university’s comprehensive student support system, covering areas such as:
Academic advising;
Campus life support;
Mental health resources;
Career development planning.
The session highlighted SCU’s commitment to holistic education and personalized student growth, particularly for international students.
2. Online Interactive Sessions: Real Classroom Experiences and Academic Practice
Faculty and Entrepreneur Perspective: Integrating Academic Research with Business Practice
Professor Lu from SCU, who also has experience as an AI entrepreneur, joined the event through an online session.
From the perspective of both an academic researcher and technology entrepreneur, Professor Lu shared insights into the integration of cutting-edge academic knowledge and real-world business applications, showcasing the dynamic learning environment of Silicon Valley.
Current Student Sharing: Real Experiences from SCU Graduate Programs
Gloria, a current student from the MSIS (Master of Science in Information Systems) program, and Zoe, a current student from the MSBA (Master of Science in Business Analytics) program, shared their personal experiences at SCU.
They discussed:
Course structure and academic workload;
Classroom interaction experiences;
Personal growth and learning outcomes.
Their sharing provided prospective students with a more authentic understanding of graduate study at SCU.
3. Career Development Discussion: Education and Career Planning in the AI Era
During the career development and industry discussion session, professionals from multinational companies, including representatives from McDonald’s and an AI-based entertainment company, joined the event to discuss current industry trends and employer expectations.
Participants and speakers engaged in discussions on several important topics:
The Value of Higher Education
The discussion explored:
Whether the value of academic degrees is changing;
How students should evaluate the choice between entering the workforce and pursuing further education.
Opportunities and Challenges in the AI Era
The session discussed whether the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) may influence the role of traditional education.
Students were encouraged to consider not only obtaining academic qualifications but also strengthening soft skills and developing the ability to apply emerging technologies in future career development.
Key Discussion Topics and Interactive Session Highlights
Discussion Area | Main Concerns from Students and Parents |
Application Requirements | Understanding GPA (Grade Point Average), English proficiency requirements, and prerequisite course expectations |
Program Fit Assessment | Guidance on selecting suitable master’s programs across SCU’s School of Business and engineering-related fields |
Internship Opportunities | Discussion of CPT (Curricular Practical Training), OPT (Optional Practical Training), and internship opportunities supported by SCU’s Silicon Valley location |
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Which graduate programs at SCU were highlighted during the event?
A:
The event introduced several popular graduate programs, including:
MSIS (Master of Science in Information Systems);
MSBA (Master of Science in Business Analytics);
as well as other graduate programs in business and engineering-related fields.
Q2: How does SCU support international students with internships and career development through its Silicon Valley location?
A:
Santa Clara University is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing international graduate students with access to a strong technology and business ecosystem.
Through the university’s location advantages and career resources, students can explore opportunities related to:
CPT (Curricular Practical Training);
OPT (Optional Practical Training);
Local industry internship opportunities.
Many popular STEM-related programs in engineering, technology, and quantitative business fields are STEM-designated programs, allowing eligible international graduates to apply for extended OPT opportunities according to U.S. regulations.
