Adding a history major. Is this bad?

Hello all,

I am an economics major. I have an IB internship lined up for next summer. I'm adding a history major because I am interested in the subject. I was wondering if this may have any repercussions down the line with regards to recruiting. 

Appreciate your thoughts!

10 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, adding a history major to your economics major should not negatively impact your recruiting prospects for investment banking. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Interest and Passion: Pursuing a subject you are genuinely interested in, like history, can make your academic experience more fulfilling and can also reflect positively on your personal development.

  2. Relevance of Major: While economics and finance-related majors are more directly relevant to investment banking, having a diverse academic background can also be seen as a strength. It shows that you have a broad range of interests and skills.

  3. Double Major Advantage: As suggested in a discussion about majoring in architecture and econ/finance, having a double major can be beneficial. It demonstrates your ability to handle a rigorous academic workload and can set you apart from other candidates.

  4. Networking and Clubs: Your success in recruiting will also heavily depend on your involvement in relevant clubs and networking activities. As noted in the context, on-campus clubs and business fraternities play a significant role in securing interviews and offers.

  5. Technical Preparation: Ensure that you are well-prepared for the technical aspects of investment banking interviews. Your economics major will provide a solid foundation, but you may need to supplement it with additional technical prep.

In summary, adding a history major should not harm your recruiting prospects, especially if you maintain strong performance in your economics major and stay actively involved in relevant extracurricular activities.

Sources: Accounting major, can't seem to break into IB, UMich Undergrad For IB Recruiting, Current IBankers: What would you do if a summer candidate reneged another offer to sign with your firm?, Current IBankers: What would you do if a summer candidate reneged another offer to sign with your firm?, UVA Undergrad for IB Recruiting

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I recruited with just a History major (but from Ivy) and nobody ever raised my major as a concern

 

Mollitia deleniti facere totam dolorem. Atque ut maxime expedita dolores et ut. Dolor enim natus vel quod. Neque ducimus consequatur ducimus quia est id tempora. Eos nobis eos qui officiis.

Ea ut possimus illum corrupti totam est. Tempore consequatur debitis distinctio qui voluptatibus. Praesentium et id dolor ipsam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”