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Is it true that going to school in different locations will allow better opportunities for tech?
For example, a lot of people say that going to Silicon Valley is very beneficial if you want to pursue a career in tech.
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5 answers
Updated
Cheryl’s Answer
Austin, Atlanta, Seattle or also hubs.
Seeking an internship at a tech company might be the most beneficial thing you can do. Depending on your focus, it may be remote and you wouldn't have to travel to an office. However, if you get to go to an office, people will get to know you and want to hire you full-time.
Seeking an internship at a tech company might be the most beneficial thing you can do. Depending on your focus, it may be remote and you wouldn't have to travel to an office. However, if you get to go to an office, people will get to know you and want to hire you full-time.
Updated
David’s Answer
Yes, it’s true that attending school or working in different locations, especially tech hubs, can open up better opportunities and provide valuable learning experiences. Here’s a breakdown of why location matters in tech and how you can make the most of it:
Why Location Matters in Tech
Access to Industry Hubs:
Tech hubs like Silicon Valley (California), Seattle (Washington), Austin (Texas), Boston (Massachusetts), and New York City in the U.S., or international hubs like Toronto (Canada), Berlin (Germany), London (UK), Bangalore (India), and Singapore, are home to major tech companies, startups, and innovation ecosystems.
Being in these locations gives you access to networking events, internships, and job opportunities that might not be available elsewhere.
Networking Opportunities:
Proximity to industry professionals, alumni, and like-minded peers can help you build connections that are crucial for career growth.
Many tech hubs host conferences, hackathons, and meetups where you can learn and network.
Exposure to Innovation:
Tech hubs are often at the forefront of innovation. Being in these environments can expose you to cutting-edge technologies, trends, and ideas.
Cultural and Global Perspective:
Studying or working in a different country or region can broaden your perspective, help you understand global markets, and make you more adaptable to diverse work environments.
How to Leverage Different Locations for Tech Opportunities
Choose Schools in Tech Hubs:
If you’re considering college, look for schools located in or near tech hubs. For example:
Silicon Valley: Stanford University, UC Berkeley, San Jose State University.
Seattle: University of Washington.
Boston: MIT, Harvard, Northeastern University.
Toronto: University of Toronto, Waterloo University (known for its strong co-op program).
These schools often have strong ties to local tech companies and offer robust career services.
Internships and Co-ops:
Many universities in tech hubs have partnerships with companies for internships and co-op programs. These experiences can give you hands-on experience and make you more competitive in the job market.
Study Abroad or Work Abroad:
Consider studying abroad or pursuing internships in international tech hubs. For example:
Europe: ETH Zurich (Switzerland), Technical University of Munich (Germany), or universities in London.
Asia: National University of Singapore (NUS), Tsinghua University (China), or Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
This can give you a global perspective and make you stand out to employers.
Remote Work and Global Opportunities:
With the rise of remote work, you don’t necessarily need to be physically present in a tech hub to work for a top company. However, being in a hub can still provide valuable face-to-face interactions and networking.
Research Local Tech Scenes:
If moving to a major hub isn’t feasible, research emerging tech scenes in smaller cities or regions. For example:
Raleigh-Durham (North Carolina): Known for its Research Triangle Park.
Berlin (Germany): A growing startup ecosystem.
Tel Aviv (Israel): A hub for cybersecurity and innovation.
Benefits of Going Outside Your Country
Diverse Learning Experience:
Working or studying in a different country exposes you to new cultures, work styles, and problem-solving approaches, which can make you more adaptable and creative.
Global Network:
Building connections with people from different parts of the world can open doors to international opportunities.
Language and Soft Skills:
Living abroad can improve your communication skills, cultural awareness, and ability to work in diverse teams—qualities highly valued in tech.
Unique Opportunities:
Some countries offer specialized programs or incentives for tech talent. For example:
Canada: The Global Talent Stream visa makes it easier for tech professionals to work there.
Germany: Many tech jobs are in high demand, and some universities offer low-cost or free education.
Things to Consider
Cost of Living:
Tech hubs like Silicon Valley or London can be expensive. Make sure to research the cost of living and weigh it against potential opportunities.
Visa and Work Permits:
If you’re considering working or studying abroad, research visa requirements and processes early.
Personal Fit:
Consider your preferences for climate, culture, and lifestyle. Being happy and comfortable in your environment is important for long-term success.
Long-Term Goals:
Think about where you want to build your career long-term. Some people start in a tech hub and later move to a smaller city for a better work-life balance.
Final Advice
If you’re passionate about tech, being in a location with a strong tech ecosystem can accelerate your career. However, it’s not the only path to success. Many people thrive by starting in smaller markets or working remotely for global companies.
Use your time in school to explore different locations through internships, study abroad programs, or networking events. This will help you figure out where you feel most inspired and where the best opportunities lie.
Remember, tech is a global industry, and your skills and experiences matter more than your location in the long run. Focus on building a strong foundation, and the opportunities will follow.
Why Location Matters in Tech
Access to Industry Hubs:
Tech hubs like Silicon Valley (California), Seattle (Washington), Austin (Texas), Boston (Massachusetts), and New York City in the U.S., or international hubs like Toronto (Canada), Berlin (Germany), London (UK), Bangalore (India), and Singapore, are home to major tech companies, startups, and innovation ecosystems.
Being in these locations gives you access to networking events, internships, and job opportunities that might not be available elsewhere.
Networking Opportunities:
Proximity to industry professionals, alumni, and like-minded peers can help you build connections that are crucial for career growth.
Many tech hubs host conferences, hackathons, and meetups where you can learn and network.
Exposure to Innovation:
Tech hubs are often at the forefront of innovation. Being in these environments can expose you to cutting-edge technologies, trends, and ideas.
Cultural and Global Perspective:
Studying or working in a different country or region can broaden your perspective, help you understand global markets, and make you more adaptable to diverse work environments.
How to Leverage Different Locations for Tech Opportunities
Choose Schools in Tech Hubs:
If you’re considering college, look for schools located in or near tech hubs. For example:
Silicon Valley: Stanford University, UC Berkeley, San Jose State University.
Seattle: University of Washington.
Boston: MIT, Harvard, Northeastern University.
Toronto: University of Toronto, Waterloo University (known for its strong co-op program).
These schools often have strong ties to local tech companies and offer robust career services.
Internships and Co-ops:
Many universities in tech hubs have partnerships with companies for internships and co-op programs. These experiences can give you hands-on experience and make you more competitive in the job market.
Study Abroad or Work Abroad:
Consider studying abroad or pursuing internships in international tech hubs. For example:
Europe: ETH Zurich (Switzerland), Technical University of Munich (Germany), or universities in London.
Asia: National University of Singapore (NUS), Tsinghua University (China), or Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
This can give you a global perspective and make you stand out to employers.
Remote Work and Global Opportunities:
With the rise of remote work, you don’t necessarily need to be physically present in a tech hub to work for a top company. However, being in a hub can still provide valuable face-to-face interactions and networking.
Research Local Tech Scenes:
If moving to a major hub isn’t feasible, research emerging tech scenes in smaller cities or regions. For example:
Raleigh-Durham (North Carolina): Known for its Research Triangle Park.
Berlin (Germany): A growing startup ecosystem.
Tel Aviv (Israel): A hub for cybersecurity and innovation.
Benefits of Going Outside Your Country
Diverse Learning Experience:
Working or studying in a different country exposes you to new cultures, work styles, and problem-solving approaches, which can make you more adaptable and creative.
Global Network:
Building connections with people from different parts of the world can open doors to international opportunities.
Language and Soft Skills:
Living abroad can improve your communication skills, cultural awareness, and ability to work in diverse teams—qualities highly valued in tech.
Unique Opportunities:
Some countries offer specialized programs or incentives for tech talent. For example:
Canada: The Global Talent Stream visa makes it easier for tech professionals to work there.
Germany: Many tech jobs are in high demand, and some universities offer low-cost or free education.
Things to Consider
Cost of Living:
Tech hubs like Silicon Valley or London can be expensive. Make sure to research the cost of living and weigh it against potential opportunities.
Visa and Work Permits:
If you’re considering working or studying abroad, research visa requirements and processes early.
Personal Fit:
Consider your preferences for climate, culture, and lifestyle. Being happy and comfortable in your environment is important for long-term success.
Long-Term Goals:
Think about where you want to build your career long-term. Some people start in a tech hub and later move to a smaller city for a better work-life balance.
Final Advice
If you’re passionate about tech, being in a location with a strong tech ecosystem can accelerate your career. However, it’s not the only path to success. Many people thrive by starting in smaller markets or working remotely for global companies.
Use your time in school to explore different locations through internships, study abroad programs, or networking events. This will help you figure out where you feel most inspired and where the best opportunities lie.
Remember, tech is a global industry, and your skills and experiences matter more than your location in the long run. Focus on building a strong foundation, and the opportunities will follow.
Updated
Osei’s Answer
Yes of course. Going to school in different locations allow better opportunities for tech when you don’t know more about life. For instance, how to mingle with people with each. It helps you build on your self confidence. Active.
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hi Kaitlyn,
While choosing a school in an area that's known for the kind of work you want to do can be beneficial, it's not the only way. When choosing a school, look for a school that specializes in what you want to learn. Employers are aware of what schools specialize in different kinds of educational programs and employers go to those schools for recruiting events. As technology is at the core of all types of business, there are a number of schools across the country that have strong engineering, computer science, math, and other related programs. In addition, technology companies hire for accounting, marketing, sales, communications, and operations jobs too. So, you don't need to be an engineer to work at a tech company. I see that you are in San Francisco, CA. You are in a location where you have some great options for college if you want to stay in the Bay Area.
I grew up in the SF Bay Area and love everything that it has to offer. However, one of the things I loved about college was living in a different place and seeing how things are different outside of the SF Bay Area (it's really true that we live in a bubble. Not everywhere is like the Bay Area) Living away from my family allowed me to learn how capable I was to deal with whatever came up and helped me to step into adulthood/independence. And, it was really fun to make new friends and explore a different place.
So, about going to school in a different place to target job opportunities, depending on what you want to do, it can be an advantage. For example, if you want to have a tech focused job in the film industry, you might look for a school in the L.A. area that would allow you to make contacts in the entertainment industry and secure internships in tech with an entertainment company. If you want a technology focused job working with gaming companies, you may want to look for a school that specializes in tech related degrees that are in the same geography as gaming companies you might want to work for. So if you are targeting a certain industry that is centered in a specific geography, there can be an advantage to choosing a school in that geography.
Another thing to consider is that companies generally return to the same college campuses each year for recruiting events. If possible, when choosing a college, you might want to check with the office that puts together on campus career fairs to see what companies usually attend these career fairs. That will give you an idea of which companies recruit from that college. For example, when I was involved in campus recruiting for Cisco Systems, every year, I could be found on campus at U.C. Berkeley and Santa Clara University for their recruiting events. And there were teams of recruiters going to targeted colleges across the country.
In closing, I'll say look for a school that specializes in the course of study you want to pursue and that is in a location where you want to live (and of course that fits your budget).
Good luck!
While choosing a school in an area that's known for the kind of work you want to do can be beneficial, it's not the only way. When choosing a school, look for a school that specializes in what you want to learn. Employers are aware of what schools specialize in different kinds of educational programs and employers go to those schools for recruiting events. As technology is at the core of all types of business, there are a number of schools across the country that have strong engineering, computer science, math, and other related programs. In addition, technology companies hire for accounting, marketing, sales, communications, and operations jobs too. So, you don't need to be an engineer to work at a tech company. I see that you are in San Francisco, CA. You are in a location where you have some great options for college if you want to stay in the Bay Area.
I grew up in the SF Bay Area and love everything that it has to offer. However, one of the things I loved about college was living in a different place and seeing how things are different outside of the SF Bay Area (it's really true that we live in a bubble. Not everywhere is like the Bay Area) Living away from my family allowed me to learn how capable I was to deal with whatever came up and helped me to step into adulthood/independence. And, it was really fun to make new friends and explore a different place.
So, about going to school in a different place to target job opportunities, depending on what you want to do, it can be an advantage. For example, if you want to have a tech focused job in the film industry, you might look for a school in the L.A. area that would allow you to make contacts in the entertainment industry and secure internships in tech with an entertainment company. If you want a technology focused job working with gaming companies, you may want to look for a school that specializes in tech related degrees that are in the same geography as gaming companies you might want to work for. So if you are targeting a certain industry that is centered in a specific geography, there can be an advantage to choosing a school in that geography.
Another thing to consider is that companies generally return to the same college campuses each year for recruiting events. If possible, when choosing a college, you might want to check with the office that puts together on campus career fairs to see what companies usually attend these career fairs. That will give you an idea of which companies recruit from that college. For example, when I was involved in campus recruiting for Cisco Systems, every year, I could be found on campus at U.C. Berkeley and Santa Clara University for their recruiting events. And there were teams of recruiters going to targeted colleges across the country.
In closing, I'll say look for a school that specializes in the course of study you want to pursue and that is in a location where you want to live (and of course that fits your budget).
Good luck!
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey there Kaitlyn,
Well, Going to school in a tech hub can give you better opportunities, but it's not the only way to succeed in tech. Let’s break it down so you can decide what works best for you.
does location really matter? Yes and no. Being in a major tech hub—like Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin, or even international spots like Toronto, Berlin, or Bangalore—gives you easy access to networking, internships, and job opportunities. There are more companies, more industry events, and a higher chance of bumping into people who work in the field.
BUT—and this is a big but—tech is one of the most remote-friendly industries. You don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to land a great job. Tons of companies hire remotely, and smaller cities are growing their own tech scenes.
when does moving to a tech hub make sense?
if you’re looking for hands-on networking opportunities – being in a tech hub makes it easier to attend hackathons, career fairs, meetups, and coffee chats with industry professionals.
if your school has direct pipelines to top companies – some schools are heavily recruited by major tech firms (think Stanford, UC Berkeley, or MIT). If your dream school has strong ties to the industry, it might be worth considering.
if you want to work at a company that prefers in-person collaboration – some companies (especially startups) want employees to be in the office, at least part-time.
If moving isn’t an option (or you just love where you live), you can still build a strong tech career.
1. leverage online communities – join LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Reddit, or Discord groups focused on tech. Get involved in discussions, post about projects, and connect with professionals in your field.
2. attend virtual events – many tech conferences and networking events offer online options. Google “virtual tech networking events” and you’ll find plenty.
3. contribute to open-source projects – this is a fantastic way to build real-world experience and get noticed by industry pros. Check out GitHub for projects that match your skills.
4. apply for remote internships – companies everywhere offer remote positions. If your school isn’t in a major tech city, look for remote internships to gain experience without relocating.
5. get a mentor – having someone guide you through your career can make a huge difference. Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn, ask professors for connections, or join mentorship programs.
If Silicon Valley isn’t for you (or if you don’t want to deal with insane rent prices), here are some alternative tech hubs which I can recommend!
austin, texas had booming tech scene with a lower cost of living than California. Then there is Seattle, washington – home to amazon, microsoft, and tons of startups.
And ofcourse, toronto, canada – strong job market and an easier visa process for international talent.
Now boston, massachusetts is great for ai, biotech, and Robotics. Then there is raleigh-durham, north carolina which is known as the "research triangle," this area is packed with tech opportunities.
Lastly, Berlin, Germany is affordable, startup-friendly, and big on innovation.
Now now... Moving to a tech hub can help, but it’s not a requirement for success. If you take advantage of online resources, remote work, and networking, you can build a solid tech career from anywhere. The key is being proactive—start making connections, learning skills, and gaining experience now.
so, do you need to move? not necessarily. but if you do, make sure it’s for the right reasons—not just because “everyone says so.” Hope this helps clear things out... Good luck! 🙌
Well, Going to school in a tech hub can give you better opportunities, but it's not the only way to succeed in tech. Let’s break it down so you can decide what works best for you.
does location really matter? Yes and no. Being in a major tech hub—like Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin, or even international spots like Toronto, Berlin, or Bangalore—gives you easy access to networking, internships, and job opportunities. There are more companies, more industry events, and a higher chance of bumping into people who work in the field.
BUT—and this is a big but—tech is one of the most remote-friendly industries. You don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to land a great job. Tons of companies hire remotely, and smaller cities are growing their own tech scenes.
when does moving to a tech hub make sense?
if you’re looking for hands-on networking opportunities – being in a tech hub makes it easier to attend hackathons, career fairs, meetups, and coffee chats with industry professionals.
if your school has direct pipelines to top companies – some schools are heavily recruited by major tech firms (think Stanford, UC Berkeley, or MIT). If your dream school has strong ties to the industry, it might be worth considering.
if you want to work at a company that prefers in-person collaboration – some companies (especially startups) want employees to be in the office, at least part-time.
If moving isn’t an option (or you just love where you live), you can still build a strong tech career.
1. leverage online communities – join LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Reddit, or Discord groups focused on tech. Get involved in discussions, post about projects, and connect with professionals in your field.
2. attend virtual events – many tech conferences and networking events offer online options. Google “virtual tech networking events” and you’ll find plenty.
3. contribute to open-source projects – this is a fantastic way to build real-world experience and get noticed by industry pros. Check out GitHub for projects that match your skills.
4. apply for remote internships – companies everywhere offer remote positions. If your school isn’t in a major tech city, look for remote internships to gain experience without relocating.
5. get a mentor – having someone guide you through your career can make a huge difference. Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn, ask professors for connections, or join mentorship programs.
If Silicon Valley isn’t for you (or if you don’t want to deal with insane rent prices), here are some alternative tech hubs which I can recommend!
austin, texas had booming tech scene with a lower cost of living than California. Then there is Seattle, washington – home to amazon, microsoft, and tons of startups.
And ofcourse, toronto, canada – strong job market and an easier visa process for international talent.
Now boston, massachusetts is great for ai, biotech, and Robotics. Then there is raleigh-durham, north carolina which is known as the "research triangle," this area is packed with tech opportunities.
Lastly, Berlin, Germany is affordable, startup-friendly, and big on innovation.
Now now... Moving to a tech hub can help, but it’s not a requirement for success. If you take advantage of online resources, remote work, and networking, you can build a solid tech career from anywhere. The key is being proactive—start making connections, learning skills, and gaining experience now.
so, do you need to move? not necessarily. but if you do, make sure it’s for the right reasons—not just because “everyone says so.” Hope this helps clear things out... Good luck! 🙌