Hi:)
I’m a future college student (not American nor Canadian) wanting to study in Canada. Since the Canadian education system is quite similar to the US one, I thought of using this website since I have no one to ask questions to. I just want to know if an economic degree in a public university is worth it? Does it open large paths of successful careers? Can I be a CEO with it? Is a business degree better? I need radical honesty, please.
Thank u !
Where do you plan on making a living?
There are some notable differences between the two systems, but largely with respect to applications; an American college will tend to want to see more extracurricular activities, while a Canadian university will tend to care less.
As for your question about choice of degree, there’s a strong tradition of the study of liberal arts in both countries; literature majors have gone on to become CEOs (in fact, I’m happy to know some of them). Instead, think of your choice of major as a chance to explore a field you love while expanding your critical thinking abilities and other transferable skills.
There are a few people on this web site who are familiar with the Canadian education system.
However, there is another issue, which is what you intend to do after getting a bachelor’s degree. Becoming a CEO is quite unusual and is a difficult goal in multiple different ways. People usually become a CEO because they have quite a large amount of experience in business and have distinguished themselves in their abilities. Occasionally someone will become a CEO by starting a business, although this is less common.
There are some university degrees that lead directly to a job. Getting a bachelor’s degree in computer science is one example. There are some university degrees that provide a strong grounding in a subject that may be useful in any one of multiple possible careers. Perhaps my bachelor’s degree in mathematics is a bit in the middle between these two options. Economics might be similar (as a math major one of the hardest but most interesting classes that I took in university was not a math class at all, it was econometrics).
IMHO either a bachelor’s in economics or business (or math) is worthwhile. To me it seems preferable to pick a major that is a compromise between what you are good at, what you want to do, and what can lead to a promising career.
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I plan to study in Canada to hopefully get a great job so I can continue my life there.
Well there aren’t any classes that I really like, I picked economy because that’s what I’m good at ! ( thank you for your answer)
I thought of becoming a CEO because I like to be in charge of things, organizing, and take decisions. I’m diplomatic and controlling (not in a bad way). In some cases, It pays well. But if there’s a career similar to my expectations, I’m all ears ! (thank you for your answer)
This is like saying I want to be an Olympic medalist because winning suits me, so tell me what sport to play so I can get there.
Being a CEO is an endpoint. You can pick any major to get there, but it will be a long path no matter how you start. Major in what you find interesting. Get a job that you are interested in and plays to your strengths. Maybe someday eventually, you will become a CEO.
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Btw you also have CTO and CFO… but that usually takes decades of work experience.
At this point, you want to study a subject you’re good at and not only have excellent grades compared to your peers but also experiences that show your range of skills (you could work, do research, volunteer, join a club and show leadership there…) including good time management and self discipline.
If you’re good at economics (and math) apply for that major. All good universities in Canada are public and once you’re successful (grades, experiences, skills) you will be able to find a job. That’ll only be the start.