I’m a first year Industrial Engineering major at Tech, but I’m considering switching to Economics. My reasoning is that I loved AP Econ in high school, and I’m not sure if I’ll like IE (though it sounds pretty interesting). Also (and more importantly), I have what’s probably an insufficient background in calculus and a completely insufficient background in physics for IE. I’m struggling in Calc II right now and I’ll probably drop Physics I soon. Additionally, I’ve never taken a computing class before, and have zero background in coding. I’ll be taking my first intro CS class soon, but I’m pretty confident I won’t like and won’t understand coding.
My concerns about switching to econ are as follows:
- Is the program decent? I know a third year who's majoring in International Affairs, and all he talks about is how incompetent and mismanaged the leadership at Ivan Allen College is. Also, I feel like there's kind of a stigma associated with majoring in liberal arts at Tech (especially outside the International Affairs and Public Policy programs). I get the impression that there's kind of a "Why are you here?" attitude towards Ivan Allen students. It definitely seems to be Tech's least prestigious college, and that bothers me.
- Would I get a good job, and doing what? I'm not sure what you can really do with econ degree. I don't want to go into government, and I can't afford grad school. Are there any good, $50-60K+ starting salary jobs out there for econ majors, and what would you be doing?
- Would I jeopardize my co-op? I'm signed up to co-op with a company starting in the fall (so in six months), and they hired me as an IE. It's a consulting firm and I would be doing analytic stuff. What would be the consequences of switching between now and during the first round of the co-op?
I need answers fast, so any input is appreciated!