i hate economics.

I'm transferring from a semi-target to Columbia University to begin my sophomore year. This summer, my freshman summer, I am working in the principal investment group of a top BB, so my resume will have some relevant work experience on it. My question is regarding my major at Columbia: I want to major in philosophy because I think it's interesting and I can do well in philosophy courses. Am I putting myself at a disadvantage by majoring in something non-quant and non-economic, given the competition for IB gigs at Columbia? I'm sure it's been asked a hundred times, but any help would be really appreciated.

Also, sidebar, anyone know if Greenhill, MoCo, or Evercore recruit on-campus at Columbia?

Thanks guys

11 Comments
 

If you were able to get into a principal investment group as a freshman... you are well connected enough not to worry about anything.

 
Best Response
iambatemanghl and Evercore generally only recruit at ugrad bus schools (i know specifically they go to wharton, ross, mcintire)

yeah that's pretty accurate. most of the boutiques, specialized banks, or whatever else they're being termed as nowadays (i think) have less extensive training programs than the BBs, so they stick to kids who already have a half-decent idea as to what they're doing. i know ghl, Evercore, BX, and laz have presentations and recruit for SA and full-time at stern, except bx which is just a resume drop

 

hey - my sense is that you can get a job at a bank more-or-less regardless of your major if you go to a top school. That said, you should keep doing internships and make sure to show that you can do quantitative stuff - perhaps you'd like math, if you think you're good at philosophy. But when you're applying for jobs and you have 2 or 3 or more internships on your resume at solid companies, will people care too much what your major is? you've shown interest and shown that you can do the work. in fact, a non-businessy major might help you stand out...

 

Yea no kidding, how the fuck did you get into a PI group of a BB as a freshmen? Either way, good for you man. Majoring in econ I think does give you an advantage as it somewhat expresses your interest and dedication in the field.

Two points regarding a major in philosophy: 1. You're attending Columbia, your marketability is pretty up there regardless of what you major in. 2. Majoring in philosophy is requires a relatively tougher explanation you have to provide during the interview process.

If you were able to transfer to Columbia after freshmen year and also have such a highly regarded internship (and if it really implies what most people on this forum are thinking), I think you're a high caliber student and you have a bright future ahead of you.

Congrats on the transfer and the internship. Best of luck homes.

 

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