I am a junior in high school and starting to narrow down my college choices. My passion is computer science, but I also enjoy aspects of business such as finance and economics. I may eventually want to open up my own software development company and I think a background in business would be extremely beneficial in helping me succeed. I could also see myself working in finance if for some reason computer science does not work out. Would it be better to obtain a double major in computer science and another business related major, or should I just stick to computer science and get a job after I graduate without having to attend more college. Going straight into the job market would likely help me return to school sooner and get my MBA rather than having to work more before returning to school because I earned a double major. Or, are both things valuable enough that I should plan to earn both a double major and an MBA. The reason I am curious is because I am looking at some colleges that are very strong in engineering, but do not have a business programs. As a result I want to know if I should avoid them because I wouldn’t be able to double major.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Short answer: Focus on the comp sci and pick the right school for that, don’t worry about business.
Longer answer: Double majors almost never pay off - they can distract you from performing well in either area, deter employers who are looking for commitment to a field, and can cost you time and money without returning you anything for it. As to the MBA, doing it right out of school is all but career suicide unless you want to go straight into finance or consulting - anything else you would need experience along with the degree. So focus on CS at first. If you want to lean partly or entirely into business or finance, you can go to grad school for an MBA or something else after a few years in the field. This path not only gives you more perspective, it also gives you better credentials without making things very difficult right out of college.
Good luck!
I would agree with cosmicfish’s advice. Do well in CS, in a reputable program. Gain employment and experience. Then, if and when the time comes, look into a solid MBA program.
Rather than a double major, I’d suggest taking a few business classes (or maybe a minor on the side), that address some of your related interests. You should have room for a few electives without wearing yourself thin at the undergrad level.
You may want look at other ways to feed your goals. One way is to looks at entrepreneurship programs. I’ll offer the example at NCSU http://housing.ncsu.edu/entrepreneurs-village as an example. In this case, students from multiple disciplines live in a building together and work on projects outside of their normal coursework.