<p>First of all, let me state that i am a hs senior w/ 0 college experience.
There seems to be a general perception (which might not be true) that undergrad business schools don't teach anything other than some very basic models coupled with 9th grade math, and that the only benefits of being in b school is the networking opportunities that it provides. Also, certain state-flagship b-schools are magnets for engineering drop-outs, which puts a question mark next to the academic quality of the business degree.<br>
Applied mathematics, on the other hand, is a major requiring very strong analytical, quantitative, and problem solving skills. However, math departments are usually not famed for their career services, and it is likely that there will be fewer networking opportunities. Also, some would argue that Applied Math majors lack the necessary specialized knowledge which can only be gained through a finance major.<br>
So, when it comes down to getting a job in MBB or a BB firm, does an applied math major grant more opportunities than a business major, or vice versa? (Fin/Econ)</p>
<p>If you go to a top business school, your career services center may, as you said, give you a significantly greater advantage over other degrees. However, if you go to a non-top business school, an applied math degree will absolutely be better than a business degree for IB. However, if your university allows it, taking specific accounting/finance electives (mainly accounting) that IB employers perceive as directly relevant, would be helpful as well.</p>