<p>So I had recently put up a thread about wanting to go to Comp. Science major for software engineering and dual major in Finance. Everyone told me that cannot be done, as one is enough to land a big job anywhere and I won't have time to study for another major degree in a vast field. My dream, as I explained in that thread, is to work for Silicon Valley. Now that I have to CHOOSE EITHER of the two, I want to know about Finance. I am not that exposed to the Finance major. I have specific questions. Is majoring in Finance same as majoring in Economics and/or Business? How so? What are some high paying jobs related to Finance? If you can, list the jobs with average base salaries. Can I land in Silicon Valley (mainly Google or Facebook) with a degree in Finance? I know it's extremely competitive for software engineers. Just how Silicon Valley is heaven for software engineers, what is the equivalent for Finance major (I'm guessing NYC)? What is a good finance school (except Ivies)? I am earlying and I have to choose in 15 days. Thanks guys!</p>
<p>NYU, Georgetown, Emory, Indiana Kelley</p>
<p>I think I saw your other thread. The best non-Ivy “finance schools” would probably be NYU Stern, UChicago Booth, Columbia, Northwestern or even one of the UCs. What is your budget and expected financial aid? The best finance colleges are pretty expensive, especially NYU.</p>
<p>Finance is more of a branch of Economics than its own field. There are; however, several differences between the two. Finance is a lot more practical than Economics. The latter focuses more on creating models and studying “what ifs”, meaning its a lot more theoretical. Because of this, Finance opens a lot more doors than Economics. Almost all Wall Street bankers have degrees in Finance rather than Economics. It also opens more doors to management positions at big firms.</p>
<p>If you’re taking the major specifically to get a job in the future, Finance is definitely the way to go. I would however argue that Economics is more interesting as a subject because it is fundamentally a wider field and is a lot less repetitive. </p>
<p>Honestly, I think you’ll have trouble landing a Silicon Valley job with a degree in Finance. If you go to one of the schools listed above, you’re almost guaranteed a spot in a Wall Street firm or investment bank. The openings for Finance majors in Silicon Valley exist (every big firm needs people in finance) but there are two negatives to this. First, (obviously) there are a lot less positions to be filled. Second, I gather from this post and your other thread that you’re very interested in Silicon Valley, programming, etc. If you somehow get a financial job in Silicon Valley, it won’t be close to the programming side of things. You’ll probably be some kind of accountant or a guy forecasting the impact and penetration of your firm’s ideas. You’ll work in a different section than the programmers altogether and likely won’t have any access to that part of the business.</p>
<p>With a financial major, your job will be the same anywhere. You’ll do the same thing in Wall Street than you would do in Silicon Valley.</p>
<p>Best non-ivy finance schools are </p>
<p>Stern. Ross, Hass, GTown, & Duke </p>
<p>How’s UT Austin or UCLA for finance? Will they guarantee a high paying job in Chicago/NY/Cali? Also, is UCLA good for Computer Science if you want to work in Silicon Valley?</p>