<p>Hey all-</p>
<p>I am attending Vanderbilt University, which most consider to be a pretty great school. I'm not at all the economics "type," however, I have an extensive music background and would like to be able to continuing to record my own music when I graduate as well as making enough of a living to live in my own house and have time left over to work on my music skills.</p>
<p>So here is the question - though I'm not exactly the typical fraternity boy (actually, I'm a girl) in the economics department, if I DO decide to major in economics, what do you think my opportunities are for a job and at what salary when I graduate? Of course, most people are expected to network in this major. How important is this aspect if one is not hoping to become a major business-person, but just wants a nice and sturdy job after graduation?</p>
<p>All reality-checks are welcomed! Crush my dreams if you must - I want to know the truth here.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>bextehude, I see a couple of issues here. You say you aren’t at all the econ type, but are considering majoring in econ to find a job so that you can pursue your real passion, music.</p>
<p>First, I’d never encourage someone to major in something they didn’t like. That’s setting yourself up for a job you don’t like. (Of course, every major has some courses people hate. That’s OK, if the overall topic is interesting and the careers are also interesting.) Even if you get through the degree program, with no passion for the major or the work you’ll have difficulty finding a great job and progressing in your career.</p>
<p>Also, an undergrad econ degree doesn’t directly qualify you for any specific jobs. It’s kind of like a business major in that respect, but likely without the option to have a somewhat marketable area of focus like marketing or finance. Businesses do, of course, hire plenty of business and econ majors, but these majors aren’t like, say, engineering or computer science, where new grads have sought-after skills that can be employed directly.</p>
<p>Have you thought about combining your interests? For instance, music and business/marketing? Baylor has an actual program like that:
[Baylor</a> University || Marketing || Music & Entertainment](<a href=“Center for Professional Selling | Baylor University”>Center for Professional Selling | Baylor University)
Perhaps you could cobble together something like that at Vandy. They do offer a music business program with an MBA/BA:
[Joint</a> Degrees | MBA Program | Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management](<a href=“http://owen.vanderbilt.edu/vanderbilt/programs/mba/joint-degrees/]Joint”>MBA Dual Degree | Joint Degree Programs | Vanderbilt Business School)
And in terms of internships and part time work opportunities, it seems like Nashville would be the perfect place.</p>
<p>You might find biz topics more interesting if they related to music, and your ability to speak the language of music would be a real leg up in finding a job. Good luck!</p>
<p>I agree with the post by Roger.</p>
<p>It is not a good idea in general to major in something just because you think it will get you a job.</p>
<p>You will be miserable in that job, and won’t do a good job.</p>
<p>I made that mistake in my own life. I am a lawyer. I had a choice between two jobs.</p>
<p>One doing international tax law, which I knew would be lucrative, and another job that would have been perfect for me. I took the international tax law job, and was horrible at it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies everyone!</p>
<p>In reply to Roger -</p>
<p>Unfortunately, in the midst of my emotional ups and downs last year, I left the music program. It wasn’t inspiring to me, it felt like drudgery, and I rather enjoy learning here on main campus. Maybe this was a mistake, but I’m afraid it’s too late to turn around now and pick up classical music again since the program is rigorous and the community tight-knit (I have a successful fourteen-year history in classical music, but regret to say I’ve always dreaded the community, which is why I’m planning on free-birding this one and finding my own personal outlets for music where I have more creative freedom).</p>
<p>This is why I feel like I’m in a weird position. Perhaps I should try to network within the Nashville music scene to secure myself a job when I graduate in a few years.</p>