The Leavey Difference: Business in Silicon Valley

Key Takeaways

• Leavey’s Silicon Valley location gives students direct access to top companies, emerging technologies, and real-time industry insights.
• Small, values-driven classes and hands-on experiential learning create a powerful environment for developing ethical, tech-savvy leaders.
• With strong regional alumni networks and programs built for a tech-driven economy, Leavey graduates step into high-demand roles across analytics, finance, product, and leadership.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Leavey School of Business prepares students to become leaders who combine business acumen with ethical grounding. But what truly sets Leavey apart is the blend of Jesuit values and Silicon Valley innovation—offering small, collaborative classes within one of the most dynamic business ecosystems in the world.

Whether you’re considering an MBA, a specialized master's degree, or undergraduate studies, understanding "The Leavey Difference" is the first step toward accelerating your career in a tech-driven economy.

Learning at the Center of Global Innovation

You’ve likely heard the phrase "location, location, location." For business students, this isn’t a cliché; it’s a competitive advantage. Leavey is situated in the epicenter of global innovation, offering unmatched access to top companies.

Proximity to Leading Tech Firms

Our neighbors are some of the most influential organizations on the planet. Because we’re embedded in Silicon Valley, the distance between the classroom and the companies shaping the global economy is virtually nonexistent. When industry trends shift—whether it’s the rise of generative AI or new developments in fintech—our students feel the ripples immediately. This environment ensures that your education is not just theoretical, but also deeply responsive to the market's pulse.

Networking Opportunities with Industry Leaders

In Silicon Valley, your network is your net worth. At Leavey, networking opportunities with industry leaders are woven into the fabric of the student experience. Executives from major tech companies and successful startups are frequent guests on campus, serving as speakers, mentors, and advisors. You aren't just reading case studies about these companies; you’re often discussing them with the people who wrote the playbook.

Real-World Learning

Theory is essential, but practice is paramount. The Leavey School of Business emphasizes real-world learning that goes beyond textbooks. We believe the best way to learn business is to do business, particularly in an ecosystem as fast-paced as the San Francisco Bay Area.

Experiential Projects with Valley Organizations

Our curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between academic concepts and corporate realities. Students engage in experiential projects with Silicon Valley organizations, working in teams to solve actual business problems faced by local companies. These aren’t hypothetical exercises—they’re high-stakes projects where your insights can influence real decisions. This hands-on experience builds a portfolio that stands out in interviews and accelerates your readiness for leadership roles.

Capstones Tied to Current Industry Challenges

For our graduate students, the academic journey often culminates in practicum projects tied to current industry challenges. Whether you are analyzing supply chain data or developing a go-to-market strategy for a new product, these projects force you to synthesize everything you have learned. They serve as a proving ground, demonstrating to future employers that you possess not just the knowledge, but the practical capability to drive results from day one.

Programs Built for a Tech-Driven Economy

To succeed in Silicon Valley, you need a skillset that aligns with the demands of the modern workforce. Leavey offers a suite of graduate degrees specifically built for a tech-driven economy.

Graduate Degrees at Leavey

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of programs designed to meet you where you are in your career. This includes our flexible Evening MBA and Executive MBA for working professionals, as well as specialized Master of Science degrees. Whether you’re looking to deepen your analytics expertise, advance in finance, or step into product or marketing leadership, Leavey offers a range of graduate degrees designed for high-growth, tech-driven roles.

STEM Expertise in Business

The line between "business roles" and "technical roles" is blurring. That is why we emphasize STEM expertise in business across our programs. Our curriculum focuses on skills aligned with analytics, AI, operations, and digital strategy.

For example, our MS in Business Analytics and MS in Information Systems are designed for students who want to harness the power of data to lead organizations. Even within our MBA concentrations, the focus remains on leveraging technology to create value. This STEM designation (available for specific degrees) not only signals technical proficiency to employers but can offer extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefits for international students, making it a strategic choice for a global career.

Career Outcomes: Where a Leavey Degree Can Take You

Degrees matter, but outcomes matter more. And in Silicon Valley, the results speak for themselves. Leavey graduates secure high-demand roles in tech, finance, analytics, and product management.

Strong Regional Alumni Network

When you join Leavey, you join a powerful family. Our strong regional alumni network is one of our greatest assets. With over 25,000 Leavey alumni and a broader network of 100,000 Santa Clara University graduates, you’re never far from a fellow Bronco. In Silicon Valley, it’s common to walk into a meeting at Google, Cisco, or Apple and find a Leavey alum across the table. Alumni are eager to help the next generation of students succeed.

Top Local Employers Hiring Leavey Grads

Our reputation precedes us. Top employers actively hire Leavey grads because they know our students possess a unique mix of technical savvy and ethical leadership. Recruiters value the fact that our graduates have been tested by the rigor of Silicon Valley and are ready to contribute immediately.

Your Next Step Toward Silicon Valley Leadership

When you choose Leavey, you aren’t just selecting a business school—you’re choosing a launchpad in the world’s most influential innovation hub. Our blend of Silicon Valley access, values-driven leadership education, and hands-on experiential learning creates graduates who are prepared to lead with clarity, creativity, and purpose. Whether your goal is to accelerate your career, pivot into a high-growth field, or build something entirely new, the Leavey School of Business gives you the network and expertise to make it happen.

Ready to experience the Leavey Difference? Start your application today to take the next step in your professional journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Leavey School of Business different from other business schools?

Leavey combines Silicon Valley industry access with small class sizes, values-driven leadership training, and hands-on learning directly connected to regional employers.

How does studying business in Silicon Valley benefit my career?

Students gain proximity to major tech companies, access to industry mentors, exposure to emerging trends, and opportunities for internships, capstones, and full-time roles.