Startup

Just a quick question, trying to create a startup in the near future and will be enrolled in Stanford in the fall. Would it be better to major in Economics or try to do a CS double major? Or should I do an MBA later on? 

9 Comments
 

Based on the insights from the WSO dataset, if you're aiming to create a startup and are enrolled at Stanford, integrating Computer Science (CS) into your education could be highly beneficial. Here's why:

  1. Technical Foundation: CS provides a solid technical foundation, essential for understanding and leveraging technology in your startup. It equips you with skills in programming, algorithms, and data structures, which are invaluable in today's tech-driven world.

  2. Product Development: With a CS background, you can play a more hands-on role in the development of your startup's product or service. This could range from building a minimum viable product (MVP) yourself to effectively communicating with engineers and developers.

  3. Marketability: A CS degree, especially from a prestigious institution like Stanford, adds significant value to your profile. It demonstrates your ability to handle technical tasks and innovate, making you more attractive to investors, partners, and potential customers.

  4. Flexibility: The tech skills gained from a CS major offer flexibility in pivoting your career or startup idea. If your initial concept doesn't work out, your technical skills can open doors to other opportunities within the tech industry.

Regarding an MBA, it can be a valuable addition later on, especially if you're looking to deepen your understanding of business strategy, management, and entrepreneurship. Stanford's resources for startups are impressive, and an MBA there could provide you with access to a vast network of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors, as well as a deeper understanding of business fundamentals.

In summary, a CS major or double major could provide immediate technical skills and benefits for your startup journey, while an MBA could offer valuable business insights and networking opportunities later on. Your decision might depend on your current skill set, the nature of your startup, and your long-term career goals.

Sources: MBA: Stanford or Harvard?, Undergrad: Is computer science 'hotter' than a business degree?, Why You Should Launch a Startup Instead of Going to the Buyside, MBA? Go to Wall Street NOT a Start Up!, Majoring in Wall Street?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

You’re better off double majoring in CS and a hard science (physics, math, chemistry) because entrepreneurship in this stage of capitalism is driven by scientific innovation.

For IB, you can acquire all your knowledge through IB guides. The ECON degree is overkill and won’t actually give you skills you can monetize for entrepreneurship. 
 

Macro 101, a sliver of micro 101, and accounting 101 and finance 101 is the maximum you need. After that, it’s about practical knowledge.

 
jodav

You’re better off double majoring in CS and a hard science (physics, math, chemistry) because entrepreneurship in this stage of capitalism is driven by scientific innovation.

For IB, you can acquire all your knowledge through IB guides. The ECON degree is overkill and won’t actually give you skills you can monetize for entrepreneurship. 
 

Macro 101, a sliver of micro 101, and accounting 101 and finance 101 is the maximum you need. After that, it’s about practical knowledge.

Dumb advice, totally wrong.

 

The economics degree is functionally useless for a career in Finance or Entrepreneurship. If you are not paying for your time there, I'd do Management Science and CS with a minor in Econ. If you are, I'd do just CS and minor in Mgmt sci.

 

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