Is it better to "Major" in Finance or Concentrate in Finance for IBD?
I was told by my dean that employers don't really know the difference between "major" in finance vs "concentration' in finance. The different is in major, you're required to take 10 classes relating to finance. In concentration, you're only required to take 4 class ( senior levels) relating to finance.
So my question is, does these employers even care? Would it look better on my resume if my concentration is Finance and my 2nd concentration is Math / Information system / Accounting.
Anybody familiar with this debate? I was recommended to study two concentrations since it will make my resume more attractive as a prospective candidate. Thanks
It probably depends on your school...if your school is a target school...then the ppl reviewing your resumes..are going to be 2nd year analysts that are alumni. So, if at your school concentrations are kinda bs...than do a major..
Ask around at your school...w/e is standard procedure, should be fine...
but to me concentrations should kinda bs, if possible major in finance and accounting or math
Major in Finance. Looks better than concentration.
Just triple major finance/accounting/econ and minor in applied math. Cannot go wrong with that combo.
No one cares, knows the difference or even gives a shit.
what would you major in if you just had a concentration in finance? what is a concentration in finance at the undergrad level anyways? is that like a minor? just major in math.
if he is good at proofs yes if not no
I think the argument is, what would you rather do for the same amount of credits? Major = 10 classess and Concentration = 4 credits. What would look better on a resume? Major in finance (10 classes) vs concentration in finance and accounting ( 8 classes total)
Which look better on resume?
XYZ University Major- Finance
OR
XYZ University Concentration: Finance and Accounting
Keep in mind , its easier to obtain the bottom degree since its only 8 classes total versus 10. Less effort and looks better on my resume? I think that's the argument here.....Not if its better to triple major Finance-Econ-Math or whatever, cause obviously that's a lot of work and time spend in class.
bump
If the question is resume-related, then state your degree on the title line, and under "Major: XXX" it would look better to write "Concentration: Finance and Accounting" rather than "Major: Finance"
That said, the difference is very marginal and your Relevant Coursework matters more than what your concentration is - the slight exception to this is regarding complete non-target business schools. In that case, you want to showcase your finance and accounting degrees and coursework as much as possible in your education.
In short, whichever is easiest for you to obtain and maintain the highest GPA is the option you should go with. From there, Relevant coursework will cover any questions on the material you know and having a Finance major or fin and acct concentrations will send the same message - "business student, should know his technical crap"
You should really just take as many finance courses as you can get your hands on. Banking classes, derivatives, securities, PE/VC, portfolio management...whatever. Oh, and get good grades in those classes.
After that, I'd stop worrying as much about the academic side as much, and start focusing more on networking and internships. Having a concentration vs. major on your resume probably won't be the deciding factor of whether or not you get an interview, but how much you really know about finance will definitely determine whether or not you get the job.
If the OP is after IBD, not S&T, then derivatives and portfolio management aren't going to be that necessary. It would be better to take some sort of financial statement analysis or accounting class.
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