CS/Bio Major for Better Understanding Tech/Healthcare Industry
Sophomore at a target school, aiming to prepare for high finance opportunities like BB / EB IBD, MF PE analyst programs, Citadel CAP / Point72 Academy. Currently planning to double major in computer science and economics.
I have a few questions and would appreciate insights from industry veterans:
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CS/Bio Major Relevance:
If I can maintain networking and a solid GPA, how valuable is a computer science or biology major for understanding tech or healthcare transactions in the long run?
How does the usefulness of such a background differ across IBD, PE, and HF (MM, SM, LO, etc.)?- The trade-off: pursuing these majors leaves less room for humanities and social sciences like history, philosophy, and psychology, which I also value and enjoy—especially as someone from a middle-class background with a STEM focus.
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Economics Courses:
Beyond intermediate-level economics, are advanced electives (e.g., industrial organization, economic development, international trade) helpful in the long term?- I’m debating whether to stick with an economics major, switch to a minor, or just take a few electives. For context, I already struggle to see the real-world value of intermediate microeconomics, and feel those electives a little repetitive.
Since learning is a lifelong process, and much can theoretically be self-taught later through online resources, I’m curious about what academic content could be prioritized in college to maximize long-term self-learning efficiency for a finance career, assuming interests do exist in all of them. I know this is an open-ended question, so any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Also student at target, so take it with a grain of salt. Phd-level versions of economics may be helpful for global macro hedge funds.
None of the graduate hedge fund programs you listed will care about your major for recruiting. Frankly you don’t really need them to understand the sectors, or you shouldn’t anyway. If you end up pursuing something niche like biotech or even pharma you might need a specialised degree, but undergrad wouldn’t be enough.
Nah you really don’t need an advanced degree for biotech… some of the best biotech investors are non science guys
Same, same, good question, love to hear some great answers. People often say that majors at target schools don't matter and students should study what they enjoy most. Not saying that's incorrect, but want to know the specifics on what kinds of courses/classes could play what kinds of roles in a long-term career. For example, for those want to do semiconductor/SaaS and any deep/hard tech PE at Silver Lake/Vista/Thoma Bravo, it could matter I think.
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