Uni in Australia for IB; UQ
Should I study the Bachelor of Advanced Fin and Econ (BAFE) at UQ, or could a dual commerce/arts degree possibly also work? I've read that IBs in Aus don't want cookie cutter robots, would the dual commerce (finance major) and arts (probably history and international relations) give me a shot at standing out from all the BAFE kids? (provided i get involved in finance co curricular activities and societies, and that I would be maintaining a very high WAM in the dual)
Based on the most helpful WSO content, both the Bachelor of Advanced Fin and Econ (BAFE) and a dual commerce/arts degree could potentially lead to a career in Investment Banking. It's true that having a diverse background can help you stand out from the crowd.
However, it's important to remember that regardless of your degree, you'll need to acquire finance skills and get deals under your belt. This could be achieved through internships, co-curricular activities, and societies, as you mentioned.
Maintaining a high WAM is also crucial, as it demonstrates your academic prowess. But remember, it's not just about the grades. Your ability to network, your understanding of the industry, and your practical experience will also play a significant role in breaking into Investment Banking.
So, whether you choose BAFE or a dual degree, make sure you're passionate about what you're studying. That passion will drive you to excel and will shine through when you're networking and interviewing.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best path for you will depend on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Good luck!
Sources: Australian Non Finance Pathways?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/liberal-arts-vs-undergraduate-business?customgpt=1, This is going to be a special topic (Highschool Junior), https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/dilemma-quantitative-finance-vs-finance?customgpt=1
A couple of thoughts from me (only opinion from a uni student so please take this with a grain of salt).
The best person to answer what you should study is you. What are your interests? Do you want to study law and arts? The one question I would have is if you're interested in finance/investment banking, why would you choose law + arts rather than BAFE or law + comm? If your reason is just to set yourself apart from the 'crowd' I would think carefully about that decision. If it is for another reason that makes sense, then what you study doesn't necessarily matter but it can signal a lack of interest if you're unconvincing. I'm also assuming you're intending to study in Qld, as the discussion regarding BAFE vs USyd Law double would be different to BAFE vs UQ law double (but I'm not saying UQ law is bad by any means).
I also don't believe being cookie-cutter is inherently bad - there is a reason degrees like USyd LLB/BCom and UQ BAFE ETC place well. It's a tried and true path that many have travelled before. This means employers recognise it, you have degree connections who may be more willing to help and there is a group of people all working towards the same goal (for better or worse). Further, the entry requirements indicate that you were smart enough or worked hard enough to get into these competitive degrees.
It's also important to remember that your degree, grades and extracurriculars really only really matter in getting interviews, once you're in the room your interview skills set you apart.
I don't want to be that person who doesn't give an opinion. So, if I was making your decision, I would study BAFE. But that's because I like and studied finance and wish I studied economics instead of law.
Also read this discussion which addresses a very similar question: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/best-uni-courses-for-b….
Agreed with above. Use the tried and tested approach
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