Is a focus in Econometrics going to be looked upon more favorably than Biostatistics?

Either way I intend to major in Applied Statistics, the question is whether or not to focus in Econometrics versus Biostatistics. The thing is that with the focus on Econometrics, it really just sounds more applicable but the only real difference is that the focus requires Macroecon, Microecon and Econometrics (all of which I've already taken). Wheras the major in Biostatistics requires less elective stats courses and more biology courses (which I would really like to take).

My only fear is that banks and consulting firms may look at a biostatistics degree as a less applicable type of niche academic discipline, wheras I don't believe anyone would knock an econometrics degree.

I really appreciate any input.

4 Comments
 

Go with biostatistics if that's what you're interested in. Just be prepared to answer why you chose that focus and spin that into an interest in IB or consulting. At the end of the day, it will be a combination of networking, prior work experience, and fit that gets you the interview and ultimately job.

With that combination, it sounds like you are qualified for IB, consulting, trading, or quant.

As a heads up, most people in IB are finance or business majors who will have zero idea what econometrics is. But the traditional economics majors who will understand (since econometrics is folded into the requirements for an economics major).

 

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