Is it better to "Major" in Finance or Concentrate in Finance for IBD?

I was told by my dean that employers don't really know the difference between "major" in finance vs "concentration' in finance. The different is in major, you're required to take 10 classes relating to finance. In concentration, you're only required to take 4 class ( senior levels) relating to finance.

So my question is, does these employers even care? Would it look better on my resume if my concentration is Finance and my 2nd concentration is Math / Information system / Accounting.

Anybody familiar with this debate? I was recommended to study two concentrations since it will make my resume more attractive as a prospective candidate. Thanks

 

It probably depends on your school...if your school is a target school...then the ppl reviewing your resumes..are going to be 2nd year analysts that are alumni. So, if at your school concentrations are kinda bs...than do a major..

Ask around at your school...w/e is standard procedure, should be fine...

but to me concentrations should kinda bs, if possible major in finance and accounting or math

 

what would you major in if you just had a concentration in finance? what is a concentration in finance at the undergrad level anyways? is that like a minor? just major in math.

 
bsa-bsps:
what would you major in if you just had a concentration in finance? what is a concentration in finance at the undergrad level anyways? is that like a minor? just major in math.

if he is good at proofs yes if not no

 

I think the argument is, what would you rather do for the same amount of credits? Major = 10 classess and Concentration = 4 credits. What would look better on a resume? Major in finance (10 classes) vs concentration in finance and accounting ( 8 classes total)

Which look better on resume?

XYZ University Major- Finance

OR

XYZ University Concentration: Finance and Accounting

Keep in mind , its easier to obtain the bottom degree since its only 8 classes total versus 10. Less effort and looks better on my resume? I think that's the argument here.....Not if its better to triple major Finance-Econ-Math or whatever, cause obviously that's a lot of work and time spend in class.

 

If the question is resume-related, then state your degree on the title line, and under "Major: XXX" it would look better to write "Concentration: Finance and Accounting" rather than "Major: Finance"

That said, the difference is very marginal and your Relevant Coursework matters more than what your concentration is - the slight exception to this is regarding complete non-target business schools. In that case, you want to showcase your finance and accounting degrees and coursework as much as possible in your education.

In short, whichever is easiest for you to obtain and maintain the highest GPA is the option you should go with. From there, Relevant coursework will cover any questions on the material you know and having a Finance major or fin and acct concentrations will send the same message - "business student, should know his technical crap"

 

You should really just take as many finance courses as you can get your hands on. Banking classes, derivatives, securities, PE/VC, portfolio management...whatever. Oh, and get good grades in those classes.

After that, I'd stop worrying as much about the academic side as much, and start focusing more on networking and internships. Having a concentration vs. major on your resume probably won't be the deciding factor of whether or not you get an interview, but how much you really know about finance will definitely determine whether or not you get the job.

 
Best Response
prettyreckless:
You should really just take as many finance courses as you can get your hands on. Banking classes, derivatives, securities, PE/VC, portfolio management...whatever. Oh, and get good grades in those classes.

After that, I'd stop worrying as much about the academic side as much, and start focusing more on networking and internships. Having a concentration vs. major on your resume probably won't be the deciding factor of whether or not you get an interview, but how much you really know about finance will definitely determine whether or not you get the job.

If the OP is after IBD, not S&T, then derivatives and portfolio management aren't going to be that necessary. It would be better to take some sort of financial statement analysis or accounting class.

 

Molestiae sequi vel quisquam autem eligendi. Voluptatibus dolore voluptates sed deserunt. Et nihil et aliquam quo assumenda. Est perspiciatis excepturi quas.

A repudiandae nisi quos expedita accusantium. Esse voluptatem tempore consequatur ut impedit recusandae. Aliquam non deleniti error et accusantium commodi consequatur nam. Non minima velit reprehenderit quis maiores ullam voluptatem quia. Quis magnam ut beatae itaque pariatur consequatur.

Cupiditate dicta ad illo et. Reprehenderit vel magnam repudiandae.

Ut sit est rerum velit. Eos illum dolorum in. Voluptatem rerum eius esse odio ea eius. Id cupiditate aut quis est maxime.

Pretty women make us BUY beer. Ugly women make us DRINK beer.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (145) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”