Can't decide on my major
So I'm an international from the UK who will be attending a non-target this fall so I already have very slim chances.
However, I'm stuck between choosing Econ, Business Admin with Finance, or Comp Sci as my major. After conducting some research online it seems banks don't tend to value econ very highly if you have finance/accounting courses available. However, I will be hopefully applying for OPT 24month extension in order to try to increase my chances of being sponsored. Unfortunately my top choice of Business Admin with finance will likely not fall into the STEM category, and a STEM minor isn't sufficient.
So do I take my top choice major but have fewer sponsorship opportunities or take the less-related major but have 2 extra years to try and gain the H1B visa.
I'm new to WSO so I apologise if I'm coming across as stupid or naive. Thanks in advance for your reponses!
First of all, welcome to the WSO. I will give my point of view, however, take it with a grain of salt.
Business Admin despite having finance classes + being easier one than other 2 majors you mentioned (easier the major, higher the GPA which is good), will not give you a multiple Visa chances which is pretty risky case in general and much riskier considering the fact that you are at non-target.
Comp Sci will give you solid Visa chances. However, it is pretty hard major (subjective opinion), so your GPA can be hurt. Additionally, as your major is not finance related, you need to show "interest" in finance via extracurriculars.
If Econ is STEM verified, I think it is the best option. It is harder than Business Admin but easier than Comp Sci. I assume that no bank will reject you just because you are an Econ major (it is an assumption + in some colleges banks mostly recruit from Business Departments, and Econ instead of being there, is placed in Arts/Science Department). If you are concerned about not having finance + accounting classes which depending on the college some econ majors have, you can still pick them as a free elective, minor, or a double major.
Note: Do a quick Linkedin search to see what majors did the students who work in your area of interest have.
Good luck.
if you're non target, just go for comp sci. it's more meritocratic, you can come from a bad uni and still work at FAANG or quant firms and you will earn similar amounts if you jump through all the right hoops at uni.
Mollitia officiis sint at totam. Cupiditate at repellendus non quod. Totam asperiores a ad quam eaque pariatur.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...