Freshmen Undergrad, need help with a major and planning for the future...

College Majors Business Major
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<p>I am a freshmen at Hofstra University and applied as an undecided business major. I really don't want to just sit here taking classes with no plan on what I want to major in, do after college, do for graduate school, etc. So I've been thinking a lot about it and mainly interested involving i-banking, analyzing, accounting, and other careers in along those lines.</p>

<p>(I have my main questions outlined at the end, if you don't want to thread through my somewhat long thought process and explainations)</p>

<p>So, I'm now trying to think of a major and then graduate school.</p>

<p>I want to at least double major, considering you need only 128 credits for all business majors (152 for accounting to help towards CPA) and most only need around 30-50 credits hours, why not double major? It seems to make much more sense.</p>

<p>I am pretty set on becoming an accounting and finance double major, staying for an extra semester to get 152 credits so I only need 1 year of experience for my CPA, would you all recommend that? I would need 24 credits (8 classes) in finance, 54 in accounting (18, only 10 without the extra courses towards the CPA), then 33 in cores. That is 111 credits with 41 remaining.</p>

<p>Does this seem like a good route to go? I would think the double major BS in both majors would really help, and I'll also be close to a CPA, which I'd get as soon as I could (I'll be interning each summer hopefully and then seeing where I can go afterwards).</p>

<p>So now, if you notice from above, i have an extra 41 credits, which is enough for another major (even in some liberal arts majors as well). Would getting another major be a good idea? What would you recommend? It wouldn't really be extra hours or anything, it's just making my classes more focused and some will probably be harder as well. </p>

<p>So with 17 credits a semester for 4 and a half years (9 semesters) I'll have 153 credits, 2 (or maybe 3) majors and hopefully above a 3.5 GPA, as of now I'll hopefully have somewhere around 3.7-3.9 GPA when finishing my first semester. Then work experience and a CPA.</p>

<p>I then also really want to go to a top business school. However, then I'm thinking about my majors here... if they are worth it. </p>

<p>I'll have a BS in finance and accounting (and maybe something else) then get my MBA in one of the two (or both), I'm curious if there is a point. Since you can get an MBA in accounting and finance without having a BS in them. So does it look better to say have a BS in Engineering and Mathematics (if you double major), then a MBA in Accounting and Finance? Or will it help me more in the business world I hope to enter into.</p>

<p>I realize many schools don't even have an undergraduate business program, so it makes me wonder if there is a point to it. However, I'm just not sure. Especially coming from a not so great school (how good is Hofstra and will it make it harder for me to get into a top B school if I'm here??), I would think that it would help to get my degrees in Business-type majors.</p>

<p>So, what should I do? (I'm sorry for the long post)</p>

<p>My questions basically...</p>

<p>-What should I be majoring in as an undergraduate??
-If I should be majoring in Business, is Accountaing and Finance double a good choice??
-What about a triple major?? (does this help with getting work or grad school? Any big benefits from the double?)
-Does having a BS and MBA in the same thing good or bad? Would it be better to have them in seperate subjects so you know more?
-Does the undergrad school I go to matter for grad school?
-If not, what GPAs do I need for the top B schools (wharton, etc)? I'm hoping to keep up my 3.7+, and then I know I need to take GMAT or GRE tests as well, and I will study A LOT for those. Since coming from top B schools will give you many options.</p>

<p>So please, help me out... I'm confused :(</p>

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<p>"So please, help me out... I'm confused"</p>

<p>I'm a little confused, too. You've presented a lot of different senarios and no goals. It's hard to tell you what you should do without knowing where you want to go.</p>

<p>So, what exactly is it that you want to do after you graduate? If you're talking about getting a CPA, then you HAVE to go into public accounting for at least a year or two. Additionally, if you decide to stay in public accounting, you may not need to worry much about grad school (as there are people who don't go back for their masters). Having the finance major will be nice, but, is definitely not necessary (though a nice way to help fulfill your 150 hours).</p>

<p>Yes, your undergrad school plays a role in your grad school admissions, but not as much as your work experience.</p>

<p>If you're looking for something that will give you lots of options later on down the line, going into public accounting (with the Big 4 or a large regional firm) is a good way to go. You'll be interacting with lots of important people at large firms and you'll have work experiences that are in high demand. You'll be able to switch into lots of different fields after 3 years in public accounting. </p>

<p>But, still, is that what you want to do?</p>

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<p>Well, that is one of the problems... </p>

<p>See, I'm not passionate in anything specifically (altohugh I wish I was).<br>
There are people who NEED to be an actor, athlete, singer, teacher, engineer, astronaut, lawyer, or whatever they love, but I'm not one of them. I've realized the only thing that I enjoy is to have something to strive for. Many times it could be to learn something new, or achieve something I have to work for, but that's all I have. I have no certain career I want, except for the fact that I want money(it's shallow... I know). I am great at math, and I'm pretty creative and talkative people person. I've tried a lot of different thing, but never one thing I had a passion for. </p>

<p>So, with that... I thought about things that make money and that I can hope to have options open for me after school and I can, with determination and hard work, always have something to achieve.</p>

<p>And overall, I jsut think business is fun--the countless aspects of it--and I would love to at some point in my life start something of my own, maybe with my father who has the same love (he has his own business). But other than that, I don't know what to do (any suggestions with the characteristics I wrote above?), I've thought about physcology (I'm good with people), engineering (great at math), acting, music (play piano/guitar and sing), architecture (mathematic and can use my creativity - i love drawing). Yet, none appeal to me so much more than the others, so I finally decided to do something which makes me money and leaves lots of options, you know? </p>

<p>So, that's where I stand with that.</p>

<p>Now, Hofstra isn't some amazing school nor is it ****ty, but if I take 152 hours and get my CPA, will I be able to get that 3 years of experience from a good firm with a GPA of 3.7+ (and if clubs and such count) and whatever other majors I have? Or would I need to be in a top school? I realize determination makes the difference, but how much harder will it be for me?</p>

<p>I would plan on getting my CPA, now with that my next question is... what does going to grad school for accounting help with? Anything? If not, then I will stick with my degree here and if I went to grad school (more so to learn more, because I enjoy learning and get another degree to help careerwise) I'd get it in something else.</p>

<p>Also, if I can just get my MBA in finance at a good grad school with no BS here, will that mean just as much as having the BS and MBA?? (or will having both be much better?)</p>

<p>However, regardless of whether I do financing or not, I don't see a point in not double majoring. I need 152 credits, accounting takes care of 54 and my cores take care of 33... then I have 65 credits left. What would you suggest I major in? I could major in a liberal arts... except I'd guess something like engineering would be more important than something a useless like music. I do enjoy mathematics and physics, I think it's really interesting being able to apply mathematically theories to real world examples and such. So would engineering be a good option? I enjoy architecture as well and if I ever went to grad school I could contemplate getting a degree in architecture and having the engineer/arch combo would be interesting. I think one thing that makes it all so difficult is the fact that I love everything equally, lol. I just enjoy learning new things and just having something to achieve--whatever it is. </p>

<p>Anyway, I think the accounting route my be my best option, but the next question is... what in the hell do I double major in? There is engineering, math, english, economics, philosophy, etc... with those you need a lot of liberal arts credits (some you don't though) so that would fill up everything most likely. However, I could still do something within the school of business - finance, marketing, management, entreprenuership, international, etc.</p>

<p>Does that clear anything up for you? Thank you so much for your post, it was helpful and sorry I was unclear in my original post. I'm unclear in my mind, so it just has an effect on the post, lol.</p>

<p>Oh well... I just will keep working to figure out what I need to do, and help from anyone here is really appreciated. </p>

<p>Thank agian</p>

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<p>I cannot answer your double major questions, but from what I know if you are a graduate of an AACSB accredited school, which Hofstra is, and have a good gpa, you should be fine getting into a graduate school. What puzzles me is that you should have an advisor that can sit with you and answer these very important questions. Have you made an appointment? Is Hofstra well connected with businesses in NYC to help you get a good internship? I would also make an appointment with the career center. Do not be intimidated b/c you are not a junior yet. It is never too early to visit the career center. You are wise to plan everything now, before you get further along at Hofstra. Are you happy with Hofstra, and your education there so far?</p>

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<p>Well, I do have to make an appointment, however, I really wanted to see how far I could go myself making decisions before seeing an advisor. Since this was more of making my own mind up then anything else. I will monday, hopefully, see an advisor and go to the career center. </p>

<p>Well, being able to get into a grad school with a good GPA from here is good news. Also, I do like it here, it's a nice campus and I've met a lot of nice people and the location is nice, however, there are problems. Mainly, the students are annoying, I think it is mainly because I'm not taking major specific courses yet, but it annoys me that some people don't care at all and are morons. However, my professors have been able to teach me a lot (mainly english) and with the exception of my math class being a bit too easy (I want to be challenged) I'm having a good time.</p>

<p>And also, I don't have an actually advisor because I'm undecided, however I'd have to go to the advisement office and wait a while for an appointment, which is hard because I have class through the day until around 3-4, then I need to eat, work out and I also have a rehearsal (club) after that. So I will just take out time and make sure to go because it is important. </p>

<p>About Hofstra being well connnected, I'm not exactly sure... however, being quite close to NYC, I'd hope so. I am hoping to get internships over the summers while I'm here and that will help me a lot. </p>

<p>And well, I think the CPA route seems best for me... I just need to go to an advisor and figure out what to double major in, what to do in terms of grad school, etc. And any help from you guys would still be appreciated. I'm already very grateful for the two replies who took the time to read my lengthy posts (sorry).</p>

<p>Anyway, I'll leave it at that and get going to the gym and then dinner then work. Maybe when I get back I'll have a reply or 2 :) but who knows. Well, we'll see if I can get my life to begin to shape in a way that I can be satisfied with, it's up to me though... and well, I think I'm determined enough to do it.</p>

<p>Lastly, if only I had this drive during highschool. I'm a bright kid, with determination, yet never used it, I just managed to do nothing and end up with a 3.5 GPA, 1200 SAT and then since Hofstra offered me the most money and was close to NYC and home (leave in westchester), I came here. However, I definetly think if I applied myself I could be at a very good school. It is the past though and have to do the best I can with what I have now... and I think I can do it.</p>

<p>Thanks again for those who replied. It's really appreciated.</p>

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<p>I'm not sure I understand why are you worrying about grad school so much...if you're thinking about going the CPA route, then focus on fulfilling the requirements before you graduate. Interview for jobs during your senior year, graduate, take the exam and then start your new job. You don't need to worry about going to grad school for some time (if you're going for business, they won't even take you without two years of work experience). You may even decide that it's not necessary.</p>

<p>In terms of a second major...just choose something that interests you. Finance complements accounting rather well, but choosing something non-business related can help make you more well-rounded. It's up to you. I chose to get a business degree (concentrating in accounting and finance) and a psychology degree and most of the recruiters I interviewed with responded well to the idea of the psych degree--in all honesty, the primary concern is that you're able to sit for the exam.</p>

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<p>JayF, I sent a pm to you.</p>

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<p>Thank you Ryan...</p>

<p>Well, I was concerned in the first place just because for the sake of other job options and the fact that I want my undergraduate degree to be useful even after getting a degree from grad school. </p>

<p>However, since I'm plannin on going the CPA route, I think I'll be ok without worrying about that for now. However, I will figure out a good double major... and something that will compliment it well or make me well rounded. I guess it's up to me and advisors to figure that out.</p>

<p>And well, 4 1/2 years here (maybe 4 if taking winter courses will help me), while interning over the summer and then CPA exam (although need 1 year experience, dunno if interning for 4 summers counts, if not I'll just work after school until I get enough experience). Study, study and then study even more, take my CPA... hopefully pass... then go into NYC and into the job world. I luckily don't have to worry about paying rent because I will live with my parents after school lol, which is 45 minutes by train from NYC. I just will pay off my financial aid stuff back (which isn't going to be too much) and that's really all. The rest of my money I can do whatever with... although it will go to good use, help parents, buy a house, etc.</p>

<p>Lets just see if this plan turns out well... </p>

<p>And well, if I keep my GPA up high and get enough work experience, I can always go to grad school when I went for an MBA in something like finance I could attempt to be something like an i-banker. However, if I'm comfortable with my other job, then as you said Ryan... I might find that there is no need. However, I'm always eager to learn more and don't think there is any downside to going to grad school (other than the money).</p>

<p>Anyway thanks for all the advice, I'm thinking better now.</p>

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<p>You don't need a year's experience to sit for the exam--you just need the experience to be certified (actually be able to sign off on an audit). Any experience (if any) that you acquire before you graduate won't help much in that area.</p>

<p>If you get a job in public accounting, you'll most likely start working the August after you graduate. You don't need to actually take the exam until you make manager (usually three-four years later)--its just better to use the summer off (assuming you graduate in May) to get the exam out of the way. If you take the exam right before you start working, you'll be certified one year later (assuming you pass). That's the most efficient way to do it.</p>

<p>Also, you're most likely not going to go from public accounting to i-banking. I don't know how much you know about the two professions, but most people don't want to go from a job where you work 80 weeks to another job where you work 80 weeks. You'll also find its hard to pursue a masters when in public accounting (it is done, but by very few, as its hard to balance a good business school and work even when you're on a part-time schedule).</p>

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<p>ok thank you</p>

<p>Yea, I would want to get the CPA done right after school. I understand now though, you can pass the exam but get certification after you get the experience. So if I take it after i graduate, then get work experience, I'll have the certification one year later.</p>