Hey guys, I'm deciding between studying abroad or double majoring in finance and business analytics, currently just business analytics. I can’t do both if I double major.
Here’s some info to help you know where I’m at: Currently a sophomore at a large state school (non-target), not sure on what path I want to take yet but I’m interested in management consulting, business development, corporate strategy, and corporate finance. Would like to find a junior summer internship at a solid company in any of those fields as a short term goal. This summer, I’ll be interning at a tech startup focused on big data, mostly managing datasets and may get some bizdev work.
Now to the point: I would love to study abroad and it would be great to experience another culture. I also heard that it shows employers you’re not afraid to try new things and can step out of your comfort zone, although that’s not my main reason for wanting to do it. I just want to travel the world.
The thing is I’ve always been interested in finance and the markets. A finance major would make me more marketable to corp fin positions. In addition, I think a double major would help me compensate for my average GPA (3.3). Messed up this past semester, but I’m confident I can improve it even with a double major.
Also, would like to get my MBA in the future from a Top 15 school. So what would adcoms like more, study abroad or a double major?
I know I’m one of those people who’s going to be on his death bed saying, “I wish I studied abroad and saw more of the world.” Even with this in mind, I’m still really on the fence with this.
Appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
I think in your situation you should rather go for a double major. This would just signal employers that you are hardworking and could partially explain a low GPA given a high workload. This seems important for you because you go to a non-target otherwise I'd say go for study-abroad.
Study abroad. It's a ridiculous amount of fun and makes you a more well rounded person.
If you are really worried about showing a finance interest, take and pass CFA Level 1.
Study abroad, you might not get this chance for a while once job, women, children, mortgage gets in the way. After you study abroad then how really working on your GPA and laying off the booze/videogames/job/women and pick up the text book.
Keep your GPA up, no one cares if you have two majors
Okay, a few things to think about:
1) Why not just switch to finance for your major? If you're a sophomore, you can do that pretty easily... and it's a smart move if you're interested in corpfin. Also, you should check out the WSO guide to FLDP s. Finance Leadership Development Programs are a great way to start a career in corpfin and some companies offer rotations in bizdev, corpstrat/internal consulting, corpdev, etc.
2) How strong of a state school are you at? Top 50 USNWR? Top 100? School does matter to an extent, even if it isn't as big of a deal as some make it out to be.
3) Get your GPA up stat. It matters for MBA admissions (though it's definitely not the only thing that matters, it does help). It also matters for management consulting (MBB like to see 3.7+, KPMG/Deloitte/etc probably want a minimum of a 3.5, those are both anecdotal and not set in stone. People with worse GPAs have made it work).
4) The double major won't make up for you GPA, nobody really cares about a second major. Get your GPA up. If you can get it up to a 3.4 after this semester (that looks a lot better than a 3.3, you'll need a ~3.7 GPA to make that happen). If you can pull out a 4.0 this semester, assuming you have 45 credits going into the spring, that brings your GPA to a 3.48 which rounds up to a 3.5.
Lastly, studying abroad would be a great experience. I can't tell you not to do it. Just make sure you set yourself up well for recruiting. If you can't get your GPA up to a 3.4 before going to study abroad (I'm assuming Fall study abroad), then I wouldn't do it. I'd focus on getting my GPA up. You can always backback through Europe after you graduate if you want the international experience.
Study abroad. Travel and drink a lot. Double majors are nerds
Study abroad and take classes in the prospective second major. For finance, just read up and study on your own.
Didn't read your post (only the headline) and didn't have to. Study abroad, without question. No one gives two shits what you majored in (at least after your first job). Double major is pointless. Study abroad will literally be the best 3-4 months of your life, and you will remember it a heck of a lot more fondly than some extra classes that really have no impact on your life. Not to mention, study abroad looks a lot better on a resume than an additional major. When I was interviewing for jobs, I'd often spend 1/3 of the time talking with my interviewer about my experience. When I started interviewing people, that's something I'd look for. International perspective is really valuable, and it's just a shit ton of fun.
Please study abroad. I still haven't gone a week without thinking of my semester abroad this past spring.
Double major.
No one gives a shit that you spent 3-4 months spending absurd amounts of money drinking and partying overseas. Everyone knows you don't learn much except a slight cultural differences which are never applicable to your (first) job. If you want to travel that badly, go during winter break on your own. It will be cheaper and you can see more things.
People in finance lack advanced math and programming skills. Do analytics and finance.
Tons of advanced math and programming skills required for those jobs...
Basically OP, ignore this guy. Go abroad, and not because you think it will make your resume look better. Then bust your ass to get that GPA up and network like a maniac.
Thanks for the replies everyone, didn't realize double majoring doesn't make as big of a difference as I thought. Looks like going abroad will be a decision I won't regret.
^ Smart choice. Depending on when you're planning on studying abroad, make sure you make some friends in your career services office, get a Skype premium account, and try to network with people at prospective employers that you'd like to work for prior to leaving. Feel free to PM me, as I landed a junior summer internship when I was abroad last summer.
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