My MIT Classmates Thought I Was Nuts for Going Into Tech

Russell Rothstein
Jul 24, 2017 · 2 min read

After finishing business school in 1996, only 4% of my graduating class went into tech. And that was at MIT, mind you.

When I decided to work in tech, my MBA classmates thought that I was crazy. Not only was tech considered riskier than finance or consulting, but it also paid less. Why would I give up a cushy job at Goldman Sachs or McKinsey?

Flash forward to 2017: Seven out of the top 10 global brands are now tech companies.

Seven out of the top 10 global brands are now tech companies.

To quote Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella “Every business is becoming a software business.”

Back in 1996 after getting my MBA, I followed my heart. I was passionate about tech — and the late 90s were an exciting time to be so. MIT was at the center of the tech world during a massive web explosion. It was clear that something special was happening and I wanted to be a part of it. Today, the economic landscape has changed and tech is among the most reliable and lucrative industries. Yet, in essence, every industry is becoming tech. Technology is disrupting everything from retail and finance to transportation and agriculture, and this trend will only continue.


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Russell Rothstein

Written by

CEO of IT Central Station. Product reviews are eating the world of B2B enterprise tech. www.itcentralstation.com

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