<p>Hi, I will be an incoming freshmen at Duke in the fall. I have a serious dilemma on my career choice. For a long time, I was set on being pre-med and going to medical school. However, lately I have been more and more intrigued by investment banking. Don't get me wrong, I am not basing my career choice on money. I have genuine interests in both the sciences and in economics and finance. </p>
<p>I am thinking about majoring in math to sort of combine my two interests. I know Duke is a target school for top IB firms so I feel as though I would be wasting an opportunity if I don't try to do IB. </p>
<p>This is my plan now - I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but I am wondering if its feasible. </p>
<p>Major in math and fulfill my pre-med reqs. Hopefully have a high enough GPA to get an internship in the summer between jr. and sr. year. After graduation, get a job as an analyst at a BB, and after two or so years apply to MD/MBA programs. This way both career paths are opened up for me.</p>
<p>I came into college with the same plan as you. I found after my first year that I really didn't want to be a doctor so I just dropped premed. After a few years you'll figure out if you want to be a doctor or go into business. It's smart to start on premed requirements freshman year because you never know. However, for your first two years focus on trying out different things like science research, shadowing a doctor, interning at a business, or some other stuff.</p>
<p>i'm not sure if you can really have your cake and eat it, so to speak. the serious premeds at my school do research, often lab work over the summer. the serious finance kids at my school try to get work at banks over the summer. ibanking and medicine are two very different tracks, and you'll probably come to see that you're more interested in one than the other. as for major, you'll hear, at least that's the way it went at my school, that it doesn't really matter, so long as you demonstrate interest and complete your requirements (for med school).</p>
<p>To chime in on the pre-med track, you will have to maintain a high GPA and MCAT score to gain admission to medical school, especially one with a reputable MBA program. </p>
<p>As previous posters have said, most pre-med students are involved in heavy research or medical volunteering, which might conflict with your IBanking goals. Not to mention, you will have to pass the MCAT and GMAT which will require planning is advanced and a great deal of stress. </p>
<p>Make sure you research your M.D/MBA programs to see if you can have all the qualifications.</p>