Major/Minor Advice
Hello everyone, finally made an account to ask you all a question.
I'm currently a sophomore at U of Michigan. My plan, at least for now, is to major in Economics and Mathematics (our Math department offers sub-concentrations, so technically that degree would read 'Mathematics of Finance & Risk Management') and I am considering pursuing a minor in Computer Science.
Now that I'm getting further along in the level of my coursework, I'm wondering if this combination of concentrations is truly necessary. My goal for after undergrad is to go to a European MS in Finance program, possibly at LSE or HEC Paris. I've looked through some other options both domestically and abroad, though.
What sort of options might I have with regards to my major? I enjoy all three areas of study, but I'm starting to think that it may be best to cut one of them out in order to keep my GPA in the 3.7+ range. I'm open to any and all suggestions, as I really have no idea wether cutting one or the other out will hurt my chances of admittance to a decent graduate program down the road.
Thanks in advance!
I think that simplifying all your majors is best, it doesn't really matter how many majors, double majors, minors, emphasis, focus, specialties you have... I believe a high GPA & relevant internships speak louder than anything else.
Focus on one major and find a way to boost your GPA as high as possible. From experience, I don't think people really care that you double/triple majored; the only exception are well know dual-degree (different from double major) programs like Wharton's Huntsman or M&T. Other than that, a higher GPA will stand out more than any sort of double/triple major
the only reason you should be attending michigan is to do the BBA program at ross if you're serious about recruiting and want to go into IBD or any kind of buyside role, there's no question about it
I'm not necessarily certain I'd like to go in to IBD. I'm more interested in pursuing the masters degree abroad and seeing what avenues that may open up later on. I have an opportunity to intern with EDF Trading (Energy markets) the summer after my junior year, and I don't want to do the BBA. I am familiar with Ross and it is undoubtedly a great program, just not for me.
This is more of a question concerning graduate school admissions and the best possible approach to that opportunity. I hardly think that the 'only reason' one should attend U of M is Ross.
What should I minor in? - Junior next year deciding on a minor (Originally Posted: 04/08/2013)
I'm going to be a junior next year. I'm deciding what to potentially minor in. I'm an Econ major, and I'll be doing to bulk of my Econ major requirements next year. I'm deciding between minoring in something along the lines of the public sector/policy, or possibly a computer programming/Internet design type of minor.
I'm pretty sure the programming/design minor is more difficult, but it might give me a few added skills on my resume. Both the minors seem pretty interesting. Not sure which one to go with. Thoughts?
Most likely nobody is going to care.
Do you mean here or in terms of recruiting? I was thinking both.
What are you trying to do when you finish? I'd say something like statistics or accounting will be most useful for you, if you want to get into finance. Econ programs don't generally cover much (if any) of either of those topics, and they're both pretty important for practically any of the investment related jobs.
Honestly... have you ever heard someone ask, "What did you minor in?"
Do it for interest, sure, but honestly you'll get farther in life if you take some art history classes so you have something interesting to talk about over drinks/dinner. The real world is not filled with rapacious tools who will agonize over every choice you made in college. Seriously.
Stat Minor: increases job prospects? (Originally Posted: 09/10/2013)
I'm a rising junior econ major at a USNWR top 5 school. Investment banking at a BB bank, like all of us monkeys, is my top choice for a job upon graduating college. In the event that ibanking doesn't work out, would having a stat minor significantly increase my job prospects? If so, what jobs would be available to me with a minor that otherwise would not? I'm deciding if I should do a stat or comp sci minor.
Get as many minors / majors as you can - you rarley need to spend more for them, builds your transcript and skill set. I would reccomend comp sci. many jobs seem to be going that way.
Major/minor combo for IB/VC (Originally Posted: 04/17/2015)
I swear the answer to this question seems to change every day. Do I major in finance with a minor in stats or poli science or do I major in economics with a minor in poli sci/ stats.
The guy from the business department of the school told me to major in finance and minor in poli sci or stats, but I am afraid that is more of the CPA track.
I want to work in IB in Charlotte or maybe Houston, and I want an exit into VC. (I have pretty decent VC connections already due to my own startup)
What would YOU suggest I do here?
No one gives a shit about majors unless you're at a non target in which case just be a finance major. Accounting sets you on the path to be a CPA not finance.
I am at a nontarget, so I guess finance will be the way to go
Also, the minor you get, if you get one, doesn't matter to employers, so just choose something you're interested in, provided it doesn't keep you in school for more than four years.
I don't know why CPA has anything to do with what you're thinking as you're clearly not interested in it and no one is forcing you that route...
My advice, no matter what take 2-3 accounting courses. I wish I just did an accounting minor personally... Like others said though I don't think your major is overwhelmingly that important.
Minor or honors? choice (Originally Posted: 04/12/2013)
Hey all, I will be a BB summer analyst this summer and I'm currently majoring in Finance and Econ. I can add a math minor in my senior year OR do honors in economics due to time constraints.
Which is better preparation for b school in your opinion? Thanks guys!
prolly honors even though itll be very slight
I would say a math minor. Honors in economics is great but a math minor shows that you have the logical and quantitative understanding that bankers want. In other words, anyone can get an honors in economics if they work hard enough but not everyone can get a math minor.
But, if you get a FT offer from the BB, why would you want the extra work/pressure of a math minor/economics honor during your senior year? If it was up to me, I would be straight chilling with 12 hours or less if I got a FT offer.
Neither. Kick back during your senior year with your FT offer, take easy/few classes, and relax while everyone else is panicking about FT recruiting.
What minor to pursue? (Originally Posted: 05/01/2013)
I am currently a sophomore majoring in economics at a state university and I was contemplating whether or not to pursue a minor. I heard that minoring in statistics will be beneficial but I want to know any other suggestions or advice from anybody that's gotten experience in the consulting industry.
[ ]
^ Insert joke about Catholic priests here
In all seriousness - why not Accounting? Accounting as a major is little bit much, but it's definitely good to have a strong grasp of basic accounting for anyone looking to go into IB/Consulting.
What do you want to do with your career? Accounting, stats, finance would all be quality minor choices. Accountants have plenty of jobs and job security and it can help out if you are looking into banking/consulting. Finance and stats are a better fit if you are looking to do something more markets related.
A few other points, minors are usually only 3 classes and usually only the most basic of the topic. You would be better served structuring it so that you take the classes that would benefit you the most with what you want to do rather than what will qualify you for the minor. I have always thought that public speaking courses that teach you how to debate/express ideas and force you to talk in front of a large audience were great for one's future development.
For resume purposes, no one will care. Consulting firms don't even care that much about majors. Statistics might be helpful actually doing the job down the line, though.
Get a minor in something that doesn't make me dread the idea of interviewing you. I get physically ill whenever I have to talk to some kid that was Finance Econ double major and math stats minor. Major in shit that matters to the world, minor in shit that matters to you.
Ditto. I'm minoring in Philosophy and Music - you'd be surprised how many liberal arts people there are on the Street. One interview I had with JPM the associate was a philosophy major and we just talked about philosophy for like 20 minutes.
Minors make you interesting - you're paying for college, take time to learn about and enjoy things that you like. Plus, it'll make you a more interesting person. "Finance Econ double major and math stats minor."-type kids are a dime a dozen.
Minor in something that interests you because you will keep a high gpa and you will learn more that way because you will be much more motivated.
My Major/Minor choices (Originally Posted: 05/21/2013)
Hi everyone...
I am an Economics major.... I also speak two languages fairly well Spanish/English( College/ University educated person level...) and speak and understand a 3rd one (Portuguese, though I can't write in it very well).
I would like to know your opinion on whether a double major Econ/Computer Science BA would be better than a major in Econ and a minor in Psychology, for me.
I am would like to end up in a position where I get to use my language skills and my liberal art and multicultural skills...rather than a quant position, since I am not terribly good at numbers by any means...
Please please adice. :)
If you don't want to do much with numbers or any quant work, why even consider comp sci? Any decent comp sci program will require a good bit of math/logic and is hardly useful for the typical IB/Consulting/whatever jobs. Psychology wouldn't help you in any way, but do it if you are really interested. I doubled in Econ/Art History. Art History was "useless", but actually a great conversation starter and is more memorable than another Econ major with minor in Stats/CS/etc..
I am actually VERY good at logic and verbal reasoning...what i am terrible at is CALCULATIONS and MATH iseld :( ...i feel like i have dyscalculia almost... because I am great at learning languages i feel, but when it comes to numerical reasoning..i an utter dummy.
Please please adice. :)
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So you want to get into ibanking? I hope you do since this is a finance/ibanking forum. if not you should probably ask college confidential.
I would highly not recommend you to take a double major in econ/comp sci especially if you are not 100% sure about comp sci and say yourself that your math is bad.
most likely your GPA will go down and realistically if you wanna be competitive for IB you should keep your GPA as high as possible. Minor in psychology if its what you like and can either increase or atleast sustain your GPA. once these minors start pulling your GPA down you know its not worth it.
I would take some minors that are interesting and can be conversation starters or show diversity. Psychology is just too generic imo.
But again, do what you are genuinely interested in.
What should I minor in? - Junior next year deciding on a minor (Originally Posted: 04/08/2013)
I'm going to be a junior next year. I'm deciding what to potentially minor in. I'm an Econ major, and I'll be doing to bulk of my Econ major requirements next year. I'm deciding between minoring in something along the lines of the public sector/policy, or possibly a computer programming/Internet design type of minor.
I'm pretty sure the programming/design minor is more difficult, but it might give me a few added skills on my resume. Both the minors seem pretty interesting. Not sure which one to go with. Thoughts?
Stat Minor: increases job prospects? (Originally Posted: 09/10/2013)
I'm a rising junior econ major at a USNWR top 5 school. Investment banking at a BB bank, like all of us monkeys, is my top choice for a job upon graduating college. In the event that ibanking doesn't work out, would having a stat minor significantly increase my job prospects? If so, what jobs would be available to me with a minor that otherwise would not? I'm deciding if I should do a stat or comp sci minor.
Major/minor combo for IB/VC (Originally Posted: 04/17/2015)
I swear the answer to this question seems to change every day. Do I major in finance with a minor in stats or poli science or do I major in economics with a minor in poli sci/ stats.
The guy from the business department of the school told me to major in finance and minor in poli sci or stats, but I am afraid that is more of the CPA track.
I want to work in IB in Charlotte or maybe Houston, and I want an exit into VC. (I have pretty decent VC connections already due to my own startup)
What would YOU suggest I do here?
Minor or honors? choice (Originally Posted: 04/12/2013)
Hey all, I will be a BB summer analyst this summer and I'm currently majoring in Finance and Econ. I can add a math minor in my senior year OR do honors in economics due to time constraints.
Which is better preparation for b school in your opinion? Thanks guys!
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