Incoming college student worried about the future
This fall, I will be attending Texas A&M as a business major. I want to work my way into IB, but considering it isn't a target school it may be likely I won't be able to do that. I've been considering majoring in CS since it has always been an interest of mine and I have experience in it. I've heard of people leveraging their CS experience to work into VC, so I was thinking about doing that instead of majoring in business.
Thoughts?
CS > Business. If you have a CS degree that's almost better than a business degree because people will assume you are smarter. I've never seen a CS person have trouble getting an IB job because they are CS, trouble in excess of a business person. You will always be as well positioned as better so long as you take the time to learn the finance job interview prep materials.
For VC, it's tough to get a job out of undergrad, I would honestly say CS is great to preserve optionality if you can find a VC seat or want to do banking or PM/SWE at startups. The latter converts often to VC whereas just finger in the wind most of the VC jobs out of undergrad are H/S grads. I didn't do CS and did tech PE and VC and startups since graduating and I still wish I would have done it.
So just thinking out loud I agree CS is a great choice, can preserve optionality, but I'd figure out what you want to do within the first year so you can start moving in the right direction. I'd get a great mentor in the industry who can help shepherd your thinking and help you understand what VCs think about early on so you can start thinking like them.
Or just crush it and get a 4.0 and transfer but honestly A&M sounds sick go have a cool fratty experience unless you are really a career hardo (which if you are nothing wrong with that you're in good company on this website).
Thank you
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about leveraging a Computer Science (CS) major for a career in finance, particularly in venture capital (VC) or investment banking (IB):
Versatility of CS Degree: A CS degree can indeed open doors in various sectors including VC and tech-focused roles in IB. The technical skills acquired through a CS program, such as programming and understanding complex systems, are highly valued in finance for roles that involve financial modeling, data analysis, and algorithmic trading.
Breaking into IB or VC: While Texas A&M may not be traditionally viewed as a target school for IB, your background in CS can set you apart. Many firms value the analytical and technical prowess that CS majors bring to the table. Additionally, networking within the finance clubs and leveraging any finance-related internships can significantly enhance your profile.
Dual Major Consideration: If you are still interested in a direct route to IB, consider a dual major in CS and business or finance. This combination can provide a robust foundation for roles that increasingly rely on technology and data analysis.
Leveraging CS in VC: In VC, your CS background can be particularly advantageous. VCs often deal with startups in the tech sector, and having a solid understanding of the technical aspects can help in assessing the viability and potential of tech investments.
Networking and Extracurriculars: Engage actively in finance or investment clubs at your university. These platforms can provide valuable networking opportunities and practical experience through simulations and competitions.
Internships: Seek internships in both fields if possible. Internships in tech companies can provide insights into the industry dynamics, while those in financial firms can offer direct experience and networking opportunities in IB or VC.
By strategically using your CS skills and seeking relevant experiences, you can effectively navigate towards a career in VC or even break into IB from a non-target school like Texas A&M.
Sources: Undergrad: Is computer science 'hotter' than a business degree?, Reconsidering banking after receiving offer... help?, Dual major in Finance and Computer Science?, What College Major ??, IB VS. COMP SCI
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