<p>@Oyama: thank you so much for the great links!</p>
<p>right now, I’m pretty set on the econ/math joint major. If i want to go on to become a financial analyst or consultant, would you recommend getting a masters in finance or MBA?</p>
<p>If you’re going for an MBA, no major matters. Any MBA program that places considerable emphasis on type of degree isn’t worth attending (I’m going to be starting my Ph.D. at a top business school next year, and am well aware with the B-School model by now).</p>
<p>During undergrad, if your goal is to be in business/earn an MBA from one of the “A8” B-schools (HBS, SGBS, Sloan, Kellogg, Wharton, Booth, Haas, Tuck), then the only things that matter are: having a cumulative GPA over a 3.5, having at least a 700+ GMAT, and most importantly, quality full-time work experience (typically 3-5+ years).</p>
<p>To get jobs that lead to top MBAs means starting early in the internship game. Find channels to work with well-known corporations and firms as soon as possible. This typically means working unpaid internships during the school year (when less people apply) to get your initial experience in the business world. This is something you put down on your r</p>
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<p>If you’re going to go for FA positions, get the M.Fin/MS in Finance; consulting means you get an MBA.</p>
<p>An analyst position is more technical and specific, so getting more coursework and exposure is key for that.</p>
<p>An MBA is really a piece of paper that opens doors for you. Consulting isn’t a very technical field. One just has to be able to network to get hired by a consulting firm – and hiring typically comes from networking/on campus interviews during one’s MBA.</p>
<p>If I had to choose to keep both options open, I’d personally get an M.Fin.</p>
<p>@Oyama: Thanks! That really cleared up my confusion. Are you still in UCSD? What are your plans?</p>
<p>I graduated from UCSD this past year with a double in Math/Econ and Psyc (and double minors in Bio and Spanish), spent this past year working as a research associate at the school of medicine, applied to doctoral programs in economics and marketing, and am going to start my Ph.D. in the fall. Going to travel a bit before school starts and either work in SF or Chapel Hill (my old REU site) for a couple months for extra cash.</p>
<p>Thank you Oyama. I’m very grateful for the advice, and now I know what to aim for :)</p>