<p>I just finished my first year of university as an accounting major, but I am not very satisfied with the field. Because it is a co-op program, I went to a couple of presentations put on by firms about the kind of work we would be doing on our work terms and the accounting lifestyle in general, and to be honest, the lifestyle doesn't appeal to me at all. I didn't enjoy my accounting classes either and my calculus and stats courses felt like play after spending hours doing accounting homework. I still managed to get very high grades in all my classes, but despite this I never felt like I truly understood any of the material in any of my accounting classes. I guess I fell for the stereotype that if you are good at math you would love accounting.</p>
<p>I know that a stats major is not easy, but I have little doubt that I would enjoy it more than accounting. However from what I have heard, the job market for stats majors is not that good with just an undergraduate degree. This is the reason I didn't choose a math or stats major in the first place, as my parents told me accounting would be a much more reliable profession. I would love to hear from some math/stats majors here about their experiences to potentially help me reach a decision, particularly about job prospects beyond university. Also, the stats program at my school would be co-op as well, so do you think that if I found an internship position it would help with finding a job after graduating?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Have you considered actuarial science? Lots of calculus and statistics needed for that field, I would think. If you don’t enjoy accounting now, maybe it IS time to explore other options.</p>
<p>If calc and stat felt like child’s play, go for it. I actually liked the subject of accounting. I wasn’t always crazy about accounting jobs so I can understand where you are coming from. Also, I have taken my share of math (through diff eq) and stat (design, multivariate, math stat, econometrics) and found that more satisfying. Peachy made a good suggestion, i.e. actuarial science which may prove to be even more reliable a career than accounting.</p>
<p>Note that to become and actuary, you will have to pass several, very difficult exams. However, if you can get through them, it will lead to a stable career. </p>
<p>If you’re planning to go to graduate school in mathematics or statistics, you will need to take a lot more rigorous courses than calculus and elementary statistics. Expect to take a lot of proof-based courses in math and stat.</p>
<p>Do not let the previous posters deter you from pursuing Statistics because with an undergraduate degree you can be a data analyst, market researcher, operations research analyst, programmer (with a few more CS classes), an actuary if you choose so, and even a Statistician (masters degree required, but it would allow you to work in any industry or for the government). And Stats majors don’t do nearly as much proofs as math majors and it is more appreciated because it is an applied degree. So try googling " what can you do with a degree in statistics?" and see for yourself what it is about. Also, check out amstat.org a.k.a american statistical association web page for more info. This is your life so make your own decisions because at the end of the day you will have to live with them. I hope I helped :)</p>
<p>For actuarial information, see <a href=“http://www.beanactuary.com”>http://www.beanactuary.com</a></p>
<p>No one here is trying to deter you from majoring in statistics. If you plan on going to graduate school, you will need to take very challenging math and stat courses such as proof based linear algebra, probability theory, stochastic processes, real analysis, etc. However, if you are planning in going into industry right after your BS then I suggest you take more computer science courses. </p>
<p>You’ll soon find out math and stat courses aren’t child’s play anymore. Just be prepared to take these rigorous courses.</p>
<p>Look at this employment survey and you will see that math majors unemployment is lower than accounting. I think the more important thing is to do what is interesting and fulfilling to you. Still coursework isn’t really like a job. But you got the benefit of those presentations so a little taste of it.
<a href=“Box”>https://georgetown.app.box.com/s/9t0p5tm0qhejyy8t8hub</a></p>