I'm an incoming freshman at a top LAC (CMC/Middlebury/Bowdoin) probably a semi-target) and I want to recruit for IB or S&T. Originally I was planning on double majoring in math and Econ, but recently I've found an interest in philosophy and I was wondering whether doing math+philosophy will put me at a disadvantage over just math+econ?
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Math+philosophy would not put you at a substantive disadvantage versus math+econ. As long as you're doing the math major, banks will know you have the quantitative skills. Getting in the right clubs and getting a good GPA are much more important than your second major being in econ versus philosophy.
Why not do economics + philosophy?
Math + philosophy is not bad by any means, but Americans tend to be a bit more conscious about degrees
I’ve always been interested in math, it’s mostly just a matter of personal preference. I’ll have to work harder to maintain a good GPA tho
Ok here’s my view, it’ll be slightly unconventional but fwiw I’m speaking from experience and having seen the trajectories of similar others. the only difference is that I’m at a target, but please hear me out, as I have a case to make for you following your interest in philosophy.
the issue here is that these ppl are ALL copy and paste, to the point where units of labour on the market are practically homogenous. (This is in no way meant to slander these people, it’s just a valid observation)
here’s your case: differentiation
- if you place yourself in the same vertical as the target Econ guys then they beat you in every way conceivable.
- if you instead differentiate yourself by doing a slightly unconventional major (for finance/IB) you stick out in an oversaturated and highly homogenous pool of candidates, in a good way.
- everyone actually viable in this process has the GPA, clubs, prior work experiences and technicals. What they don’t have is a differentiator. You are refreshing to the Lazard VP at the superday who has had to sit thru the 7th identical Wharton kid they’ve interviewed that day.
Long rant because it’s an under appreciated advantage, doing what you’re interested and what is likely a less demanding major compared to Econ.
To substantiate all this, my father is an MD at a mid BB, ie BofA/Citi, in NY and has always said that this is the secret ‘super power’ so-to-speak that no one seems to notice. Following his advice, I did an unconventional degree at a target and, with no nepotism involved (he is strongly principled and refuses to help outside of chatting and giving advice, which I recognise is, on its own, already a huge advantage), bagged some front office EB IBD offers. Similarly, a History major and Anthropology major got a top EB IBD summer offer this year too. Waldron (President of GS) majored in English I believe, Solomon majored in Political Science, Dimon did Psych with Econ, Harvey Bracken Smith (host of a cool podcast) did Sociology and broke into GS S&T etc. etc.
Long comment to essential say: Go for it, but make sure you are flawless ie perfect GPA, as much involvement in clubs and top positions if possible and of course do the basics of knowing all your technicals, practicing behaviourals and networking as much as you can.
TLDR; pick Phil because it’ll help you stand out in a highly saturated homogenous group of people. lots of people get IBD @ top firms with unconventional degrees including aforementioned examples, just make sure your profile is flawless and do the basics of grinding technicals, behaviourals and networking.
Thank you so much for the detailed response!
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