Help or Push?

A recent article in the Pacific Standard provides an important reminder about something that every incoming student to a business or entrepreneurship program should be looking at.  This is the culture of the programs you are considering.  The article highlights two major cultures of entrepreneurship programs:  so-called “Push Schools”, which focus on commercialization of student ideas (sometimes at the expense of student learning) and “Help Schools”, which focus on practice-based learning (sometimes at the expense of fostering innovation and actual successful startups).  

 The author looked at eight elite schools, some of which have 100 year old or older management programs. There he found programs fell on one side or the other with little to offer in between.

  I would argue that a more balanced approach is not only possible, but also desirable.  And, in fact, that is just what we have created with the Master of Technology Management Program at UCSB.  The MTM combines both approaches into a single, unified whole--wrapping up deep experiential student learning and interdisciplinary practitioner-led classes with opportunities to commercialize student-led ventures through our affiliation with the Technology Management Program (TMP) in the worldwide top 20 College of Engineering at UCSB.

  Thus,  the MTM Program offers the best of the “Push” and “Help” approaches to graduate education. There’s an emphasis on innovation and creation of bona fide companies---in fact more than 35 student-led companies have come out of TMP so far, including one IPO.  However, the focus on student learning, depth of curriculum and breadth of opportunities for students in technology management is also unparalleled.

  So, as you look toward graduate programs, take a moment to consider the culture, imagine the outcomes and what you are trying to achieve in your own personal career path and life.   Then, find the program that is right for you, whether it be a “Push School”, a “Help School”--or maybe a balanced program like the MTM.  Whatever you choose, I wish you success!

 

--The Master of Technology Management (MTM) program at UC Santa Barbara is designed to catapult engineers and scientists into leadership positions — within both startups and established companies. This 9-month, intensive program is designed to teach the frameworks, skills, and techniques you need to be a successful technology manager. No fluff, no filler.  The MTM degree will get you further, faster.