I currently hold two offers, one from Durham (economics) and the other from Warwick (International Management). I need to pick by the 8th of June and I’m currently struggling to decide. Which do you guys think will give me the best career options? (don’t want to be an economist)
Interesting. Tell me how you applied, such by early June you have to such a choice to make?
@elguapo1, I imagine that the OP is looking at fall 2016 entry- deadline for replying is the 8th.
@justinian, I am a little biased towards Durham as a collegiate experience, and Economics as a subject (b/c it has a reputation as a solid subejct), BUT Warwick has a strong reputation and their Intl Management program is well regarded. In real life, you will be able to go lots of directions with either course, both are well respected by people who know them, neither has a particularly high profile in the US.
There are two pieces you might consider: long term (where you think you want to go), and short term (how you think you want to get there).
Some questions to ask yourself about the long term: what direction do you think you would like to go with your undergraduate program? what kind of work are you interested in doing? do you have /want to have language skills? are you looking at graduate school?
As for the short term, have you looked at the modules for each program? you will have very little choice, so if one looks better to you than the other, go for it. Also, the Warwick program is 4 years, with a year abroad. Do you have ideas of what you would like to do with that?
I’m leaning towards Economics at Durham (due to the slightly more quantitative and analytical skill-set it will supply me with), I’m aware of the year abroad at Warwick which is part of its main attraction; I’d like to use the opportunity to improve either my Chinese or French by spending time studying in that country, which would be harder at Durham as the year abroad opportunities are far more limited.
I’m aiming for either a career in strategy consulting/corporate strategy or a job in asset management with the possibility of either doing an MBA down the line (or if my priorities change down the line after university I’d strongly consider a PhD).
I vote for the Warwick management option if you have no interest in becoming an economist. Yes, quant skills in the econ course, but wouldn’t Warwick have some pretty quantitative finance electives? And you’d actually take some strategy and finance classes.
I see now, both offers are unconditional I take it. As collegemom states both are highly regarded in the UK a little less known in the states. It is a tough choice for sure, Durham is one of those places that has long been held in high regard, Warwick is a little bit more modern having really come on strong in the last 20 years or so. Have you visited at all?? Warwick is a campus university in a town called Coventry whereas Durham is collegiate set up in the town of Durham, I would side with collegemom and go Durham but I think its what you think is the best course is for you; use the virtual tours/videos on line for both universities if you have not had the chance to visit, get a feel for the different environments. Good luck.
Huh. Durham’s econ degree looks like a blend of econ with some business classes.
So it comes down to whether you want the year abroad + extra cost.
You should be able to take plenty of quantitative classes in both.
Warwick’s a bigger feeder in to the City, but unless you have an EU passport, not sure that matters much.
I’ve indeed visited both and prefer the atmosphere and culture of Durham overall but at the same time I’d like to go to the university that will set me up best for the future.
To PurpleTitan; I do have an EU passport if that makes a difference
Thanks for all of the replies guys, I really appreciate it!
@Justinan Good luck and well done. Durham/Warwick will both take you where you want to be, at this stage your success will depend on your performance in university and ultimately your final degree grade. Enjoy!.
Then, assuming no Brexit or if you have a UK passport, you should be able to work in the UK. Warwick sends more to the City, but yes, it will come down to you, mostly.