Industrial Engineering vs. Economics

College Majors Business Major
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I have already posted this thread before, but I wanted to post it again in a shorter version so maybe more people would reply. This is a very tough decision for me, so I would really appreciate any help!</p>

<p>I currently go to Georgia State and I'm planning on transferring in Fall 2011. I'm choosing between Industrial Engineering at Tech vs. Economics BBA at UGA.</p>

<p>This is how I've been thinking about it for the past couple months:</p>

<p>Industrial Engineering at Georgia Tech:</p>

<p>Pros:
- #1 IE program in the world.
- Great Job Prospects and many career options (Banking, Consulting, Manufacturing, etc...)
- Very business oriented; which is exactly what I want; I believe that EE and ME are too technical for me and IE would be much better for the business world.
- I plan on eventually getting an MBA, and I feel IE + MBA is a great combination.</p>

<p>Cons:
- Georgia Tech is extremely difficult (from what I have always heard), and I'm afraid that this difficulty could cause a lower GPA which could damage my job and MBA potentials and options.
- I'm all about academics and working hard for my future, but I still want a good social life. And Georgia Tech isn't very famous for that ("the ratio", some of the people, etc...) CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG
- Socially, I would be much better at UGA, since I have many friends who go there; but would it be worth making a decision on my future based on that.</p>

<p>Economics BBA at UGA</p>

<p>Pros:
- Terry College of Business has a pretty good reputation.
- Economics is a very versatile degree and it is practical for MBA and for the business world.
- At UGA, I feel like I would be much happier socially and I would have a lot less stress (since it's not as difficult as Tech).</p>

<p>Cons:
- UGA's Economics program is not ranked.
- I feel like that even though an Econ degree would be great, an IE degree from Tech would be much better and give me a lot more opportunities.</p>

<p>To sum it all up (IF YOUR NOT GOING TO READ ANY OF THE ABOVE AT LEAST READ THIS):</p>

<p>I realize that an IE degree (with concentration in Economic & Financial Systems) + an MBA would have a higher probability of making me more successful. My BIG question is whether an Economics BBA from UGA + MBA could EVENTUALLY make as well off as IE would? And whether it would be worth making a decision based on social factors and therefore doing Econ at UGA?</p>

<p>Sorry this one ended up being long too.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>You already know the answer. If you choose the easy path you may always wonder what could have been if you had challenged yourself. If you choose the difficult, then even if you fail, you will eventually succeed. The reason is that choosing to take the more challenging path will quickly build high character and create more real-life learning like how to manage time, how to balance your life, and how to respond to failure.</p>

3

<p>It is up to you and your goals for the future, but I wouldn’t let “rumors” of difficulty and highschool friends hold me back from pursuing my goals (like i said, it is you who decide if you have ambitious goals). At the same time, I would not want to go through a 4+ year long nightmare of hating everything about a school. Perhaps you could start at Georgia Tech, and if you dislike it after a year, transfer to UGA?</p>

4

<p>I was wondering if an Economic Degree from Emory is better than a IE degree from GaTech. Especially if one was to going into IB in Georgia such as SunTrust.</p>

5

<p>A particular degree is not going to get you into IB. Strong academic performance at a strong school, an outstanding leadership record, a solid interview, relevant work experience, and connections all play a large role in top positions in finance and consulting. Many of these positions also request SAT/test scores so those can play a role as well. Majoring in IE vs. Econ is of far less significance, but attending a strong school is very important unless you are well connected. If your ultimate goal is IB in Atlanta with SunTrust, Georgia Tech IE or Management are both good places to start, but you are putting way to much emphasis on major. I know ME majors who left Tech and entered IB with JP Morgan, and Public Policy majors who are now working for top consulting firms. Technical experience and a business/accounting skill or experience set is always a plus, but without a strong GPA and proven analytical abilities (in any major) you will not get anywhere with applications to top finance positions. Even English majors at top schools can (and do) get IB positions. It isn’t about major! Tech’s IE program is outstanding, but if you don’t like/are not very strong at math you will likely not do well and will therefore not be nearly as competitive for top positions.</p>

<p>In short, outstanding performers get IB positions, not the degree on their diploma. Pursue the field you are most interested in, perform well (which is much easier if you like what you study), network, and get some internship experience under your belt and jobs and opportunities will fall into place later. It is still very early for you to be set on something as specific as IB, and you SHOULD NOT make a college decision based on one career path you have your mind set on right now.</p>

<p>My advice would be to stop worrying about Emory Econ vs. UGA Econ vs. Tech IE, etc… Focus on going to a strong school where you feel you can perform well in whatever you choose. I would argue for Tech or Emory over UGA, but UGA is certainly not a bad choice either if you feel it is right for you. You also seem to have some misconceptions about Tech and UGA. UGA is known as a party school, but there are plenty of students there who are studious and go on to do great things while also having some good times during undergrad. Likewise, the ratio nonsense and rumors about “the people” at Tech is largely BS. There are PLENTY of social events and partying that go on at Tech, most people are social, and it’s in Atlanta so there is definitely a lot to do off campus as well. You can have a great non-academic experience at either school. It’s about time management, not the “difficulty” of the school. As for friends who go to UGA: Some people thrive on continuing their high school social environment by attending a state school with their friends, but I would suggest considering college (even if you choose UGA) as a time to meet new people and develop a social life broader than just your high school friends. The diverse nature of a campus is a great opportunity to experience new things and grow as a person. Don’t create a social bubble and miss out on that opportunity!</p>

<p>I mentioned leadership as being an important part of top jobs, so you should also put some time looking at the options available and strength of the extra-curricular options at the schools you are looking at. </p>

<p>Hope that helps and I didn’t come off as too preachy! =) Good luck with your decision!</p>

6

<p>bump…</p>