Software Engineering/ Comp Sci vs Finance/Accounting/ Econ
Hello everyone,
This question is about kind of a heated topic....I was able to find some information but it wasn't clear enough...
My question is...Salary wise ...who makes more money of the two? ( Software Tech industry vs Financial services industry. Taking into consideration all ends of the spectrum...mostly the middle... try to not think about Wall Street big shots who make a crazy amount. more like your average Joe in both trades one vs the other...
Also taking into account that usually (from what i heard) people in financial services work a lot more than 40hr weeks.
Depends I think if you're just looking at the middle, it's probably still financial services. However, you're looking at working somewhere around 60-70 hours in financial services, where as you'll probably be working fewer if you're into software tech. Also, the work is probably more rewarding, less stressful, and less bureaucratic in the tech industry.
If you're going for overall lifestyle, go with tech
The two careers are very different, and you should choose one based on which job's type of work you prefer. The types of personalities you will encounter in these two fields will also vary widely.
I work for an engineering company, and, while I still work mainly in Excel and Powerpoint and do quantitative research and analysis like a finance guy, I at least get to hold physical parts in my hand, and visit factories (the best part). In engineering, you get a similar feeling that you did when you were a kid and played with Legos. In finance, there is a lot less tangibility, at least on the surface, in looking at balance sheets and tax statements.
I think you'd have to better define financial services industry. Around here, when you say finance, everybody thinks IBD/PE/HF/etc... In that case, even in the middle (median/mean), finance probably makes more than your average software engineer. Outside of WSO, people think finance could be anything from bank teller to financial advisor to portfolio manager.
Thank you so much Ipso Facto. In that case, how much does a financial advisor or portafolio manager at a medium company like for example Dealer.com make compared to their software engineers?
This is stupid, and you've shown you know nothing about the financial services industry at least. The jobs in finance that pay a lot are usually based on your ability. If you're good, you can make millions. If you're bad, you won't make shit because your ass will get canned.
Software engineer/comp sci is stable. If you have a clue as to what you're doing, you'll probably start around 70k and probably never make more than 200k. That is, unless you start your own company and it's successful, then you could be the next Zuckerberg.
Coming out of college, a software engineer at a top company like Google or Facebook would make roughly the same amount of money that an analyst at a BB would (maybe the latter would make a little bit more). Finance has a much higher ceiling, however, but tech people generally aren't concerned about that... other than salary, the tech lifefstyle is actually really nice if you can break into the exclusive Silicon Valley Club. Companies there give all of their employees an extremely fun and enjoyable work experience.
The vibe I get on WallStreetOasis is that if you work in tech, you're a loser. If you work at Facebook/Google you're a loser. If you are currently working at Facebook/Google and you move to a technology role at a financial firm, you're a loser. Bottom line being, you have sinned for taking up computer science during undergrad.
CS or Econ for undergrad? (Originally Posted: 12/16/2012)
Hi guys,
Currently a sophomore at a target, and I like computer science, but I got into relatively late (last semester). I've done well in the two classes I've had in the department so far, and more importantly enjoyed them, but I'm wondering if it's "too late" for me to really do computer science at a high level by the end of undergraduate career.
On the other hand, I've also liked and done well in my economics courses, and I can still get a computer science certificate if I wanted, but I doubt it would be nearly as helpful. I could switch into the operations research and engineering and financial engineering program at my school, but I'd be behind for some of the core departmentals, and I don't like the department as much.
So, WSO, what is the better major choice for Wall Street - economics or computer science, given that I like both? One final thing: I might not do quite as well in upper level COS courses due to a lack of experience as compared to economics classes.
Thanks!
If you want to be a quant - definitely go for C.S. If possible also minor in econ or learn independently. Or major in both..
I majored in both in undergrad, and it was really rewarding. if you can major in both and get a GPA > 3.5 , i would highly suggest it.
hmmm, i'm not sure these are close enough together for this to be a decision. I'll struggle to think you're equally interested in both, and you actually just want the degree that pays you the most. That isn't how it works. People that take those degrees because they love those subjects, get paid a lot if they choose that career path. Pick which one you are best at. I've not met a single person who picked their degree just to get a specific career (medicine aside), and done well at it.
Do what you love most. CS will def help with quants
Aut fugit suscipit et odio. Ut voluptatem dolorum non quia non laborum. Quas nostrum quo et est quia.
Deserunt sed et reiciendis illum dolorum vitae quo hic. Ratione cum officia et id. Dolore eligendi dolor officia saepe.
Voluptatibus harum aliquam est tenetur vel. Impedit aut reprehenderit repellendus. Rem nemo error assumenda ab aperiam. Ab eos natus quo omnis. Aliquam qui perferendis quae ducimus eos possimus velit sint.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...