I'd say that's a consequence of the nerd generation entering the workforce. The kids today see the nerds working "cool" jobs at "cool" employers like Microsoft,

I'd say that's a consequence of the nerd generation entering the workforce. The kids today see the nerds working "cool" jobs at "cool" employers like Microsoft, Google, etc. and become goals to strive to. Granted, that impression is probably on its way out with how much reputation/"cool factor" the tech industry is losing in recent years.