<p>Hi, I just finished my AA and next year plan on attending UCLA to study Biz Econ (minor in accounting). I've got some pretty good stats -- finished all lower div in 1 year with 2 B's, 92-Day PLC (Marine Corp), lots of EC involvement in business, politics, and film (last 3-4 years), Youth Leadership, etc etc. I was even selected to participate as a Regents Scholar at UCLA (top 1.5% of apps). I didn't apply to any other schools because I thought UCLA was a good fit and it wouldn't be too expensive for me (no out of state costs/close to home) but I would like to know if going to UCLA is going to hold me back from better opportunities and how I can get ahead if it does.</p>
<p>I would also like to do a JD/MBA at Harvard and my career goals include work as a CFO/CEO in a major pharmaceutical company specializing in genetics, political work such as a senator/fed reserve.</p>
<p>UCLA is as good a place as any to achieve your goals. I’d make sure to pick up, at minimum, a minor in bio, BME would be even better. If you can manage a double major by adding a year even better as far as reaching your goal.</p>
<p>Truth be told, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to finish another major in just one year considering that Business Econ and Biology have no classes over lapping and there is a mean pre-req list before I can even enter the major. I’m also willing to “settle for less” in the sense that I would work in banking, insurance, and similar business related fields. </p>
<p>My question than would be, why is there such an emphasis on the under grad education this forums? I just recently started reading the “Business Major” area and it appears that UCLA hardly compares to Berk or even USC. I’m a very self motivated person and feel that I’m able to achieve whatever I desire regardless of my institution but what will I be missing out on and any tips on how I can make up for that?</p>
<p>I’ve heard a lot about a lack of alum networking and recruiting but not much else.</p>
<p>Recruiting and alumni networks are probably the 2 most important factors for landing a good job in business which is why you hear a lot about them here. Employers of elite business jobs look to the same few school each year to hire. Certainly others break in but it’s that much harder. </p>
<p>If you’re planning on grad school, college matters much less. But for schools like HBS, the job you hold before entering is the most important factor. So it comes back around to recruitment and networks.</p>