UBC BA ECON, QUEENS BAH ECON, Or WESTERN ECON?

I got into all 3 and I hope for a career in Investment banking or anything really finance related. I live in BC so UBC is definitely what I'm strongly considering but I wanted your guys thoughts on this? Some people say Queens econ is a lot better? is that true?

 

In Canada, it's a lot more difficult to get in with an econ degree. Unlike the US, the big banks don't have the resources to put their analysts through rigorous training programs. So they prefer if you study finance and have that background.

If you are set on I-banking, 100% go to Queens/Ivey. UBC has done better in the last few years for placement but still is nowhere near the level that either of those 2 schools are at. Vancouver has a tiny banking industry. I know people from UBC who took trips back and forth from Toronto just to network that were way more qualified than some of their Ontario counter parts.

I recommend not doing an economics degree and going into commerce and specializing in finance. Vancouver is a great city, but their just isn't much for finance. Your best bet is to try and get into Queens/Ivey commerce. If you do not want to make that big of a move, transfer into Sauder at UBC and look into PMF. It's very hard to get into but arguably the best program in Canada. They have some mentorship programs available and I know a lot of Sauder grads who have done very well. Grades are also very important in Canada and have the biggest impact, so take that into account when making a decision.

Best of luck

 

I didn't get AEO, so I might be stuck with a Econ degree at both queens and western. If I do Queens Econ or Western Econ, would that still be fine? Like if I can't transfer into business am I basically screwed

 
Best Response

I am not sure how it works between the departments at those schools because I am in BC. I've heard queens econ is a better program. With that being said, the reason these schools do so well it because of the network you get at these schools, it really doesn't have much to do with that you actually learn in class. So as long as you go to the school, I am sure a lot of alumni would help you out, regardless if you study econ. I was in the same boat and studied economics because I enjoyed it more. Just make sure you stack up and take as many accouting/finance courses you can concurrently with your econ degree.

Now you won't have as many opportunities as the Commerce kids, but you are definitely not screwed. You could probably go to a lot of the networking sessions and make a lot of the same connections. I'd do some research and see if they let econ students in some of the same clubs and events as the Commerce students.

 

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