I don't know what to major in?
Hey everyone,
I'm a 22-year-old international student from Austria, playing D1 soccer at the University of Akron on a full scholarship. Next week I have to tell my academic advisor what my major and minor will be, and since I have to finish my bachelor's within three years, I don't have much room to change my mind later. Honestly, I'm pretty lost.
Right now I'm leaning toward a major in Business Administration with minors in Entrepreneurship and International Politics (or International Business). My long-term goal is to end up in a leadership position, but I don't know yet in which industry. Besides business, I'm genuinely interested in politics and international relations, and at some point I might want to start my own company. Math is okay for me, but it's not my strength, which is why I'm hesitant about something like Finance or Economics. I also have to keep in mind that I might end up back in Europe after graduating, so I'd like a path that works on both sides of the Atlantic.
What worries me is that Business Administration might be too general to land a good job, and I keep wondering whether AI will make a degree like this less valuable over the next few years. I'm also not sure how much GPA really matters for someone in my situation.
Would you choose this combination, or go for something more specialized? And if you were in my position, what would you focus on to set yourself up for a strong, well-paid career? I'd especially love to hear from anyone who went from a non-target school into consulting or a corporate leadership program.
Thanks a lot for any honest advice!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:
Major Selection: Business Administration is a solid choice, especially if you're aiming for leadership roles. However, it’s true that it can be perceived as too general. To stand out, consider pairing it with a more technical or specialized minor, such as Data Analytics, Computer Science, or even International Business, which aligns with your interest in global opportunities.
Minors: While minors are less critical than your major, they can complement your career goals. Entrepreneurship is a great fit if you’re considering starting your own company. International Politics or International Business could also be valuable, especially if you plan to work across Europe and the U.S. However, keep in mind that minors are often not a significant factor in hiring decisions—your skills, internships, and network will matter more.
Math Concerns: If math isn’t your strength, avoiding Finance or Economics might be wise. Instead, focus on areas like Strategy, Marketing, or Operations within Business Administration, which are less math-intensive but still valuable for leadership roles.
AI and Future-Proofing: While AI is transforming industries, leadership roles will always require strong interpersonal, strategic, and decision-making skills. To future-proof your career, focus on developing soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership) and technical skills (e.g., basic coding, data analysis) that complement your major.
GPA Importance: GPA matters, but it’s not the only factor. For consulting or corporate leadership programs, a strong GPA (ideally 3.5+) can help you get your foot in the door, but internships, networking, and extracurriculars will often weigh more heavily.
Actionable Steps:
If you’re still unsure, consider speaking with professionals in fields you’re interested in or exploring career services at your university.
Sources: Deciding on quantitive majors/career path?, 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice), Entrepreneurship or IB... How do you choose?, What College Major ??, Should I change my major from finance to math if I love both subjects? Why or why not?
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