Major Specialization?
Hello, I'm currently majoring in Economics and have the opportunity to take a specialization in Quantitative Analysis. From what I've seen it's mainly econometrics and calculus-based econ classes.
What kind of job would that be relevant to? I'm interested in credit analyst, equity research, and investment analyst roles if that helps.
Thanks!
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Quantitative analysis classes would definitely help you. Even better if you can squeeze in a finance-related focus, and even some accounting classes. This is because all three roles you are interested in will require a strong understanding of financial statements. My friend is a credit analyst at UBS, and his first interview had a take-home of analyzing financial statements. I think Q&A will help more for the equity research and investment analyst positions.
Honestly, for the three roles you're looking into I would look at taking the specialization at a minimum. If possible, and not sure about the degree options you have, consider a Math Minor or Statistics Minor. Those are going to teach you a bit more abstract, but powerful mathematical concepts. You might not ever use it, but having the tool-kit and "ability" will more than pay for the time invested.
Always view everything as an investment. The time trade off between the specialization or a minor, might be a bit more, but overall you're opening up more routes (even graduate schools if you plan to ever go back).
Finance Degree with Specialization - Weakness? (Originally Posted: 07/05/2016)
I'm a rising junior at a southern non-target. My university offers specialization within finance in oil & gas. Would you as a interviewer see this specialization as a weakness if I was recruiting for SA positions outside the oil & gas industry, such as consumer or TMT? I don't want the specialization to restrict my options to oil & gas investment banking and I'm curious to see if you guys think it will.
No it wouldn't necessarily unless all your internships have been O&G which then it could require more explanation, but if your goal isn't to get into O&G then I would ignore that specialization and focus on an accounting specialization/minor or maybe something quantitative.
Perfect. Thank you for the advice!
A specialized major question (Originally Posted: 01/26/2015)
I'm from a top 50 liberal arts school hoping to break into Wall Street. I'm undecided what major I should pick: A.B. in Mathematics & Economics or a B.S.in Math.
On top of that, though, I'm considering getting something my school offers called a Certificate in Financial Policy and Analysis. The following are the main courses I'd take for that:
Financial Accounting and Reporting Financial Theory and Analysis corporate finance Investments Options and Futures Financial Mathematics
I imagine the Certificate would be a significant boost as a Math major, but as Math & Econ already, would it be worth taking a couple extra courses for the Certificate to say "yes, I'm a very very financey kind of guy"?
I'd be happy with any of these, but I'm leaning towards the Math & Econ with the Certificate. Is there a particular combination that you guys would recommend?
Probably, these classes would be useful. Financial Accounting and Reporting Financial Theory and Analysis corporate finance Investments I am surprised that your college don't have just purely "Economics" in Bachelor Degree
@FUMoney: My school does, actually. It's just that the Econ major requirements aren't rigorous enough for someone not afraid of calculus, and I want to differentiate myself from the less smart athlete fratboys (we have no Business major, ergo they're all in Econ). I suppose that wouldn't matter to a recruiter who knows nothing about my school, though.
Would you recommend I major in Econ instead, and just go above and beyond by taking the useful courses described above?
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