Choice of Major (not the typical situation)
I have been accepted in University of Maryland and my major is still undecided so I can take the courses I like and apply to the specific program,my goal is to end up in sell side M&A,purely because I like doing deals and like the competitive atmosphere (money is not a big motivator for me ). Given all the info above here is what makes my situation a bit different:
1)I do not have a green card but want to work in the U,S or some other country with sophisticated capital markets the middle eastern country I come from is not so sophisticated in those terms and I just want to experience the thrill of working in wall street,so some company has to sponsor my Visa.
2)I am 27,my previous work experience was in Oil & Gas ( deal intermediaries ),this job made me very well rounded and due to several reasons I climbed the corporate ladder fast,so I do know how to layout a deal and present stuff to clients.Also it gave me a very thorough office politics education in a way so I believe it makes up for the Age.
3)Due to family ties I do have a network of people working in finance or finance related roles both in the U.S and in the home country,but due to the ever changing nature of networks &to stop myself going lazy I do not give this Item too much weight.
Majors:
1)Accounting:The only reason I consider this is the corporate finance nature of Banking and the high amount of accounting skills it needs,plus if I get my CPA license I think I have a higher chance of Big4 recruitment if banking jobs is not available at that time,I just do not know if getting a CPA could help you get a H1 Visa sponsor.
2)Finance:My network is stronger in finance,generally speaking in the Middle east finance is much more highly sought after than accounting,I could do a minor in math with this major.
3)Any quantitative major(Computer science,mathematics):I hear you have a higher chance of H1 Visa sponsorship with Quant degrees however my assumption is you will end up working in tech which is not where my abilities are.I am not the kind of a guy who sits in front of a computer 10 hours a day and also my previous experience does not help at all here.By the way Maryland has a very decent CS program,but then again my dream is to be Lloyd Blankfein & not Bill gates.
Sorry for the long post guys.
Best
Gabe
I would go with whatever simply interests you the most. Choice of major is not necessarily as important as how you manage the path you pursue. However, do take courses that span each of these options, even if you don't pursue those specific majors. It's good that you've recognized the importance of being well-rounded; this applies to academic backgrounds as well. Be open to learning a broad variety of things, and don't sequester yourself within one area. For your major, just pick something that you will enjoy. The more you like what you're learning, the easier it is to talk about it and the more you'll actually learn..
@Op-Thanks for the info.I guess this is one of those obvious advises that you miss due to it being so obvious. Anyone else share their wisdom ?
Since you're a little older in age, it might make more sense to think more practically. Accounting isn't the most enjoyable major, but I'd argue that what you learn there will be exponentially more helpful than a major in political science or history. Double majoring with Finance is a solid move, and if you're dead set on IB, I think this is your best move
don't listen to anyone who says "major in whatever you want!"
accounting, finance, or both, then minor in something that interests you. and milk that network, try to get internships every summer.
sorry about your terps last night btw, GO HEELS
Thanks guys,any input on my chances of getting sponsored for a H1 Visa afterwards with the accounting degree ? I am planing to sit for my CPA as soon as I am employed.
As far as likelihood of receiving sponsorship, that's a pretty variable answer.
Regarding your major decision, and given your future career goals of getting into M&A, finance seems like the no brainer. You aren't barring yourself from M&A if you major in accounting, but finance seems like the logical, well-traveled path. I agree with thebrofessor - you should minor in something you're interested in: political science, french, LGBT studies, whatever... You'll have the technical skills developed through your major.
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