Undergrad Major Decision: Computer Science vs History vs Information Science
I was fortunately admitted as a transfer to a target (not HYWSP, but an Ivy right below that group) and need to decide what I will major in. I’ve already placed for my junior summer internship (top group at a mid-tier BB IB) and so the value-add of transferring is hypothetically found in potential IB->PE transitions and b-school admissions. With this said, because I want to be able to go full-time with the group I’ll intern with next summer, it’s also imperative I graduate on time and so I’ll have to fit my remaining general university requirements and all major requirements into two years (four semesters) of study.
After IB, I’d like to go into either tech-focused MFPE or growth equity (Insight, GA, BXG) with hopes of continuing my education via an MBA (HSW + MIT and Y) . I am considering three different majors to accomplish these ends:
Computer Science - 37 points (+remaining generals) in 2 years Pros: deep level understanding of software, rigorous coursework, area of genuine personal interest Cons: rigorous coursework, high per-semester point load, lowest expected GPA
History - 26-33 points (+remaining generals) in 2 years Pros: shortest major, low-moderate course difficulty, humanities major opens doors to EA MBA programs and provides better story (maybe?) for MBA admissions, highest expected GPA Cons: “soft” perception when compared to finance or CS, no connections to tech
Information Science - 33 points (+remaining generals) in 2 years Pros: interdisciplinary major which is technically a subsection of CS, exposure to tech/software backends, relatively low # of credits, moderate course difficulty Cons: “JV” perception when compared to CS, worry as to whether it will carry same weight when interviewing at tech PE shops
For those who have gone through the IB->PE transition and MBA recruiting process, I’d love to hear your thoughts/advice.
Just pick between 1 or 2. 1 might help you in margins for tech investing roles with story. But do what you want. It doesn’t actually matter. Just learn what you want to learn. This is one of your only real shots at that, don’t waste that by trying to optimize your career. I know you’re trying to optimize your career but just do what you want. You’ll be happier you did and your career will be just fine.
I think between 1 and 2 I’d pick 2 to protect my GPA. Do you mind if I ask why no 3?
Definitely don’t do Information Science. Personally I lean toward CS but if it’ll kill your GPA, that would hurt you way more for recruiting than a fluffy major. Remember, your GPA starts from scratch when you transfer.
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