Advice on Major [target undergrad]
Hi,
I attend a target (not HYP, but up there). I plan to major in Econ, but am willing to major in math or stats (alongside it), if this would make my potential earnings more. I am interested in math, so I think it would work out, but do not want to overload myself if not needed as Math is one of the most rigorous departments at my school.
I'm unsure of whether it's truly beneficial or not do so because I am fairly certain I can get into IB without it due to my school, provided I obtain a high enough GPA and network appropriately.
Any advice on this? In particular, will there be a substantial pay difference or one at all? From the looks of it, it appears that most individuals who do STEM + Econ are trying to stand out from non-targets, so I'm unsure of whether I need to do this.
Econ is fine as a stand-alone major. I don’t know anyone who majored in math tbh.
I hear it’s good if you want to be in a quant role
Higher GPA would be more beneficial. That said, when checking out HFAC's (Harvard Financial Analysts Club) website about their board members, quite a few major in applied math and have done really well.
Having finished undergrad fairly recently, one thing I would advise is to not major in something that you aren't interested in.
It'll be difficult to study for something you don't like -> potentially lower GPA -> harder to get interviews.
That said, finance/business skills + technical knowledge is an edge you'd have.
When you state technical knowledge, what exactly does that entail? Could a few examples please be provided. Also, I was thinking of taking a CS boot camp at a reputable university for coding rather than majoring in CS just to save time, would this work out?
Coding bootcamps aren't really taken seriously by recruiters. The only viable alternative I've seen to taking CS at a university is Lambda School which is a short but extremely intense program.
Technical skills meaning scientific/deep knowledge in a STEM field. Ex. If you double major in finance & bio, you'll have an edge interviewing for pharma ER, etc.
You should just make sure to maintain a relatively high GPA to get through the door. While I don't know what your math major consists of, if it is what I am thinking it will keep an opportunity open for you to apply and potentially work at a quant fund. While IB is hard to break into it is not because of any skillset you need to develop. Accordingly, top quant fund analysts make our banking salaries look like pennies. May be worth you gauging the differences and deciding on adding the major after you do your diligence.
Where could I get more information on quant? I hear the term tossed around a lot on this website, but I’m not entirely sure of what that means or directly refers to. I would very much appreciate a quick overview if possible. Also, when you say quant analysts, are these individuals working in the same big bank companies, but having jobs more math intensive? Is the starting salary really that much different vs a normal, non quant banker?
-
Major in something you're actually interested in. The best way to get past the first round of resume filters is to have a good GPA. There are courses for learning the basic math required to spread comps.
Don't major in something like math or stats for the microscopic edge (assuming you don't want to be a quant) it will give you IF you do well. The downside of that bet is the possibility that you burn yourself out on grueling work you hate, your grades suffer as a result, your hair falls out, you don't get laid, you're unhappy.....
A aut et dolorum facilis libero error. Id hic et numquam placeat rerum dolores. Enim sit reiciendis quas libero omnis. Qui illum ratione aliquam officia. Ut aliquam quia placeat. Inventore ab non aliquid occaecati accusamus temporibus.
Aut nihil quas consequatur. Aliquam veritatis ipsa quo voluptatum qui.
Et commodi magnam consequatur mollitia et voluptatem dicta at. Non architecto nemo illum modi quod officiis saepe. Eaque quibusdam ut quam velit.
Dolorum enim voluptas non consectetur voluptatem repudiandae. Enim earum quisquam eligendi velit et id est. Quia animi rerum explicabo voluptatem quae velit et.
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...