I am currently a second year biochemistry major considering switching into economics. I have taken many classes in chemistry (up to 30A) and one economics class (Econ 1). Although I find science, especially physical science, very interesting, I find the classes very difficult. I do kinda poorly in my science pre-req classes and did okay in my economics class (could of done better but had a lot on my plate that quarter). Since I do not want to go to medical school, but am considering some master programs such as biotech, I am not sure if the job market with just a B.S. in biochemistry would be stable. A B.A. in Economics seem a bit easier and way more marketable than a biochemistry major; especially, since I am considering a masters in finance if I do go into economics. I was also considering minoring in a science to not let my classes go to waste and still enjoy science. My career goal is to go into pharmaceutical companies or biotech companies and help with the administration side of these firms.
I wanted to ask for people opinion if I should switch into economics?
Should I take classes in the economics department even if I stick to the biochemistry major?
Should I minor in a science instead of majoring in a science?
Would biochemistry be better if I do a graduate program?
The vast majority of people in the pharma industry have technical backgrounds, meaning they received some degree(s) in science. Some departments I can think of off the top of my head that don’t require technical backgrounds include internal audit, accounting and marketing but I don’t think any of these are what you had in mind.
I’m not really sure what this means: “My career goal is to go into pharmaceutical companies or biotech companies and help with the administration side of these firms.”
If you mean being an administrative assistant, you’re already overqualified.
I strongly recommend doing what you are more interested in and what you enjoy most. Even if you don’t do as well in the classes, you will be better off in the long term. Grades don’t matter once you are done with school anyways.
Just keep in mind though, a bachelor’s degree alone is likely not enough to advance very high up the corporate ladder these days. You will likely need advanced degrees if you ever want to advance beyond the Scientist/Technician/Specialist role in the pharma industry.
When I mean by the administration side I mean the ones who run the money inside these firms. I heard these forms are huge corporations that need people to do the financial side of these industry. But I don’t mind what corporation I work as long as I am able to apply my degree and work with data (I do enjoy using excel a lot)
You mention that I won’t do anything with just a bachelors and grades do not matter. But if I want to get higher degrees, I need good or at least decent grades. I also heard that pharmaceutical scientist tend to have Ph.D. (Idk if I will have the money or grades for that)
@SwaggyP69
why not go talk to a counselor in the career center? Make sure you see a bona-fide counselor, not a peer counselor.
Most Phd programs pay you actually…
Yes you do need good grades to get into grad school though.
It sounds to me like you just want to work in finance or accounting, and would just prefer to work at a pharmaceutical company. If that’s the case you probably don’t need any advanced science degree.
@SwaggyP69 So a bachelors in economics would be more useful than say a biochemistry degree?