Hey. I am planning to go for standard admission to Kelley. But I want to look out for backups too. Since getting into the arts and sciences is relatively easier , and Economics is being taught there, I was thinking about doing a course there if I dont get into Kelley. Please answer the following questions - Is it good for economics? What are the job opportunities after doing a degree in economics ?
You will be able to get a solid education in economics at IU. If you are interested in a business career, you should check out the certificate offered by the Liberal Arts and Management Program (http://www.indiana.edu/~lamp/) . Also, even if you are not a Kelly student, the Kelly School offers several minor and certificate programs for students in other schools at IU (http://kelley.iu.edu/Ugrad/Academics/MajorsMinors/page39060.html). Another option for electives to supplement are the management and HR courses offered in the School of Public & Environmental Affairs, although the emphasis here will be on public and nonprofit management. It is relatively easy to complete double majors and minors/certificates across schools at IU.
@zapfino can you tell me more about SPEA. Also what job opportunities do a degree in Econ provide you with?
You can find out more about SPEA here: http://www.indiana.edu/~spea/
Many students who do not get into Kelly, do a major in SPEA. At the graduate level, SPEA is very highly ranked in its areas of emphasis.
Here are some links on jibs for econ majors:
https://www.aeaweb.org/students/Careers.php
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/career-transitions/201009/branding-your-economics-major-the-job-search-part-1
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/career-transitions/201009/branding-your-economics-major-the-job-search-part-2
http://econ.wisc.edu/ecdo/career_ops.html
http://www.pdx.edu/careers/what-can-i-do-degree-economics
http://www.niu.edu/careerservices/weblinks/majors/economics.shtml
http://sa.gcsu.edu/students/econreward.pdf
http://careercenter.depaul.edu/_documents/Economics%209.26.12.pdf
http://www.env-econ.net/five-top-career-opportunities-in-environmental-economics.html
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/05/why-are-college-students-flocking-to-economics.html
http://ualr.edu/economics/2014/01/28/national-survey-shows-61-5-of-economics-majors-receive-job-offer-upon-graduation/
http://www.binghamton.edu/economics/undergraduate/whyecon.html
http://www.are.uconn.edu/carreerprofiles.php
http://www.uwstout.edu/socsci/upload/Handbook-for-Preparing-for-Grad-School-in-Economics.pdf
https://tuftseconsociety.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/tag/jobs/
If you are an Indiana resident, you also should consider Purdue for economics. While the Krannert School of Management at Purdue isn’t ranked nearly as high as Kelly, Purdue’s economics is arguably better.
Students with an interest in economics and business should also consider agricultural economics as a potential major, which is a program at Purdue. The food and ag sector is a big part of the US and world economy. Ag ec also includes coursework in ec development, international trade, and resource economics, all of which are important in certain areas of business. Ag ec programs often have an applied focus and many of them require a core coursework in basic areas of business. Another applied major to consider is financial planning, also a major at Purdue (http://www.purdue.edu/hhs/csr/undergraduate/majors/fcpl/index.php). Often FP programs are found in schools of family & consumer sciences/human ecology; some others are found in the finance depts. at schools of business.
I’ve seen more than a few Econ students get the same jobs that are recruiting Kelley students over the years. Econ + LAMP + Kelley involvement/networking should help you become aware of these opportunities. It would just take more proactive work on your part whereas Kelley students (at least accounting/finance) basically get jobs handed to them if they have a 3.2+.
The thing is that I am an international student. I will be spending a lot , and I just want to make sure that I am making the right decision, career wise and education wise . @zapfino and @hkem123
All I can say is that economics is seen as a solid and respected major. I think this perception holds in international contexts as well. No doubt Kelly graduates with good records are sought after, but apart from top business schools like Kelly, undergraduate business programs often are perceived as less difficult and prestigious than economics. So, economics as a backup could be a good choice. While it has less applied emphasis than business, it is not without applicability in a wide range of private and public sector settings. Only you know whether that will meet your needs.
At the undergraduate level, you can find sound programs in economics at any number of schools, including Indiana. I think a more important consideration for undergraduate applicants should be the overall fit of a school, rather than a focus on a particular department. Fit would include size, location, affordability, etc. While IU has many positive features, you should also consider factors such as its size.
Since you have no in-state tuition advantage for Kelly as an international student, are you also applying to other business programs in the region (e.g., Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, DePaul)?
@zapfino I applied to uMass , ASU , purdue and penn state
Also, I would like to say that I can afford IU’s education . And in comparison to some other schools , its a bit cheaper. I just don’t want to think that I made a wrong decision by going to IU.
bump
@ParNeel I doubt you would be disappointed by an education at IU. Check this out: http://kelley.iu.edu/About/Rankings/rankings.html
Kelley’s Undergraduate Program was ranked #1 by recruiters in 2013 and 2014.
For economics, this quote: “Our graduates are in high demand: On average, 95 percent of BEPP seniors find jobs before winter break, starting exciting and challenging careers in a variety of specializations, from economic consulting to investment or corporate banking. Some of our students go to law school after graduation, and other graduates find government positions working for the Central Bank or International Monetary Fund.” can be found using this link: http://kelley.iu.edu/BEPP/Undergraduate/page14135.html
The problem with an economics undergraduate degree is that you’re kind of limited. Economics is a rather complicated subject and the most intensive study usually takes place in a master’s or doctoral program. It’s similar to how many top private universities don’t offer undergraduate business degrees because they feel the information is best learned in a master’s program (e.g. Duke). However, an economics degree, at least from my observations, seems to be solid for business jobs and gives you a unique edge in comparison to other candidates. Supplementing your econ major with another major or a minor or whatever you can work out with the university seems to be the best to provide a bit of direction for what you might use the economics information in. For example, at Kelley, you could get a second major in “Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation”, or “Information Systems” depending on what would be in line for what you want to do in your career. They also have co-majors (I’m not sure what that is) that you can choose from.
I plan on majoring in Economics and Public Policy, Finance, or Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation at IU if I get accepted, if that helps. Not sure what my chances would be with a 3.8+ GPA and 1110 SAT score (Math + Verbal).
You also may find this link useful for salary statistics and jobs for Kelley Undergraduates: http://kelley.iu.edu/UCSO/Statistics/salaryStats/page40582.html
@Hopeso1 For Direct Admission,they ask for 1300 ( Math+Verbal) I missed that score by 30 . My GPA is fine, but I wasn’t given direct admission to Kelley.
Also , for BEPP you have to be eligible to go to Kelley first. I was talking about Economics major in School of Science and Arts.
Also you will definitely get selected to IU, but your chances for Direct Admission look bleak
@ParNeel I would call the university to get information on both programs. I’ve had to call them a few times, they’re pretty nice. It’s difficult to find undergraduate economics rankings for IU that are separate from business (which I imagine is a reason why you asked) so calling them would be the best route for accurate information. I wouldn’t be surprised if the job outlook is similar for students who have an economics degree from the School of Arts and Sciences.
As for direct admission to Kelley, I’m not really worried about that, I would like to have the opportunity to explore other subjects like Neuroscience before I commit to a particular school. You can still get into Kelley later if you don’t get in by direct admission. My main concern is that I don’t reside in Indiana so getting in may be more difficult as an out-of-state student.
@Hopeso1 well, I am an international student . I am sure you will get in. Also , should I ask them about the rankings of economics or not?
@ParNeel Yep, I’d ask them about rankings and for them to give you an overview of their economics program
Same boat! Made it to Economics in October. Choosing USC over Indiana though.
@jazzdancer2102 USC is better than IU. So its a no brainer lol
@jazzdancer2102 do you think IU is good for economics?