<p>I am currently a college freshmen and know I want to pursue a double degree in order to stand out when it comes time to find a job. I know I want to major in finance, however, I'm not sure about the second degree. I have always been really strong in math so I was thinking about majoring in mathematics. First of all, is this a good decision or should I go for something like accounting or economics? If I do go for mathematics, there are a few different tracks, one of which is mathematical economics. Would I be better off going after that track or just the pure mathematics track? Thank you for your advice!</p>
<p>you really cant go wrong majoring in math. you will find a job come graduation time with a degree in math. also you will be qualified for almost all graduate programs with the math degree..</p>
<p>If I was in your shoes I would major in pure mathematics and finance, the math degree should come first imo..</p>
<p>sdmatt, thanks for the reply. Any input from others would also be greatly appreciated. In addition to my original post, I have a second question. In order to complete a finance degree and a mathematics degree, it will require me taking courses all three summer semesters throughout my four years here. This would mean I wouldn't have time to work at an internship, which I have heard is a key aspect in getting a decent job. What are your thoughts on this matter?</p>
<p>Once again, thanks in advance to anyone who shares their advice!</p>
<p>do some internships and make one of ur majors into a minor.</p>
<p>my 2 cents</p>
<p>daman, thanks for the input. My only problem with that route is that having just a degree in finance from my school doesn't seem strong. I don't go to a very reputable school, and I've heard the prestige of the university is a big deal. Is this true?</p>
<p>tsingle, I've read some threads here before about people wanting to double major and someone(who works as an HR for a Big 4 firm) said that double majors may not necessarily give you an advantage. Interviewers may see that you are indecisive. Then again, I'd go ahead and see what you can do.</p>
<p>As far as the prestige of a university goes, it's all about your ability to network outside of your school.</p>
<p>Idont think yoiu can really go wrong here.</p>
<p>Get as quantitative as you want...it will only help. I'm doing a Mathematical Economics and Mathematics double major, and I'm a freshman at a top 20 school, that isn't necessarily considered a top place for IB like Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, etc.</p>
<p>I appreciate the replies from you all. Still looking for more input from others.
westsidewolf, what are you planning on going into?
JHB, thats an interesting viewpoint on the double major. I haven't thought about it that way. I'm not doing it due to indecisiveness, but rather because I want to expand and enforce my knowledge more than I would with just a single degree. Any advice on how to explain this to potential employers?</p>
<p>tsingle, just tell your employers what it is you want to do with you career in your interview. For example, if you want to work as a financial analyst, tell them that and the reason you pursued a degree in mathematics was like you said "enforce my knowledge." I don't think that will hurt. Don't give them any hints that you're secretly planning to do something else with a mathematics degree(i.e. teach high school math).</p>
<p>westsidewolf1989, I assume you go to UT-Austin seeing that you are in Texas and that you mentioned that you go to a Top 20 business school. I believe the undergrad at McCombs is among the elite considering it's usually in the Top 10. Due to that(along with it's top ranking in MBA program), I would assume IB is popular for UT-Austin within its respective region. However, I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of them are working within the Northeast area considering that it has a top Accounting and Finance program.</p>
<p>Na I go to Rice JHB619. I meant a top 20 school (like university) not b-school, seeing as Rice doesn't have undergrad business. </p>
<p>Tsingle, I want to do energy trading or IB. Like JHB619 said, McCombs is great, but its a lot tougher to get interviews for IB if you aren't in BHP. That said, accounting there is top notch, bar none. I also agree with JHB because I am pursuing math to give myself an edge and to give myself more quantitative knowldege. I have no intentions whatsoever of going to grad school or teaching.</p>
<p>Some business schools offer BBA with majors in specific areas like accounting, finance, marketing, mangement etc. Others offer a BS with major in business, and you'd would concentrate on a specific area. Either case, be careful with what you choose to major/concentrate on. A general business degree would probably worse off than a economics degree. As a side note, I am always wondering why many business schools, especially those at lower end (tier II and below) offer way too many BS majors like management, marketing... for example.</p>
<p>^^ Sorry, didn't intend to post here! Long day!</p>
<p>i would just like to ask a question...will i find some great job opportuinities and by great i mean a good salary if i did major:economics and minor:mathematics????</p>
<p>Depends what you mean by good salary. I think it will all depend on the organization you work for.</p>
<p>but i mean is it considered a good major and minor???.......and will i find some good job opportunities?</p>
<p>That all depends on how well you market yourself in terms of finding good job opportunities. Any major/minor combo can be good depending on how you sell it.</p>
<p>Do the Math Econ option. Or Math major/Econ minor. </p>
<p>I don't really see any point to double majoring, honestly.</p>