Breaking into Seattle’s Job Market: A Tech Haven for the Next Generation of Innovators
University of Washington Master of Science in Business Analytics program is set between business giants and majestic mountain ranges
Written by: Julia Potapoff, contributing writer, Foster School of Business
Welcome to Seattle — the city of tech powerhouses, vibrant startups, and entrepreneurs as far as the eye can see. It’s a city that bubbles with industry but still has enough trees to make you feel balanced. Seattle is proudly home to one of the “best startup ecosystems,” “the largest percentage of tech workers,” and “a dynamic economy” that makes the city stand out in the business landscape. And its reputation as the job hub of the U.S. is only growing.
A quick scan of the industry giants that call Seattle home reminds you that you’ll soon be neighbors with Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Expedia, and Boeing, just to name more than a few. Seattle’s reputation as a top 5 U.S. city to launch a startup is also the perfect environment for anyone who would instead forge their path.
The University of Washington Foster School of Business Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program is set between the business giants, the diverse food stalls at Pike Place Market, and the majestic mountain ranges. The Foster School values industry connections and proves it by baking networking opportunities into the curriculum.
The Master of Science in Business Analytics program’s ever-expanding partner network provides students with exposure to industries of interest, mentors, and post-grad career opportunities.
Job markets and hiring trends can change with the seasons. Some years, half of the graduating class finds themselves at the same tech giant. In other years, recent graduates constructively use their resources by landing stellar roles at smaller companies, even if these companies were not on their radar when they first started their degrees. What hasn’t changed is the location and the proximity of these high-quality companies (and the industry leaders within them) to University of Washington.
Visiting many corporations that bring people to Seattle is a pivotal part of the program, and chatting with the industry leaders at mixers, networking events, and job fairs is an undeniable perk of the location. University of Washington students have access to the cutting edge of what’s happening in one of the top tech cities in the U.S. — just by walking onto campus. Being in the tech industry’s backyard allows Foster students unique access to like-minded students and professors and their future co-workers and employers.
But you don’t have to wait until graduation to start gaining experience. In 2023, a group of Foster Master of Science in Business Analytics students worked with General Motors (GM) to conduct a study on the future of electric vehicles.
While the Foster students got to play with new tool sets, collaborate with the analytics innovators of a major automotive giant, and take their data learnings with them to future careers, the GM team received “analytical and creative solutions” to an industry-wide dilemma.
Beyond the practical benefits of living in one of the fastest-growing cities (U.S. Census), the city’s safety is worth mentioning. Seattle’s crime rates are shrinking and are lower than those of many major American cities. The active efforts of Seattle’s police and public safety departments and the dedication of the local organizations and outreach workers have provided residents with a safer city for living, working, and adventuring. We also can’t pass up mentioning the city’s impressive sports teams and unmatched food scene. Cultural activities are available too for those who prefer Monet to the Mariners.
Learn more about Seattle’s flourishing business and tech culture HERE.
