<p>Hey everyone, been awhile since I've posted here but I could really use some advice from some of you right now.</p>
<p>I am currently a third year undergrad at UCI pursuing a degree in Business Economics with an additional specialization in International Studies, as well as a minor in Informatics. Up until now I always thought I was behind due to the fact that I just recently switched majors this past summer, however, I just went over my course schedule and realized that I could actually graduate next fall if I really wanted to.</p>
<p>However, I also have the option of staying a full four years and pursuing an additional minor in Management. The only downside to that would be the fact that I would have to take a full course load (5 courses, 20 units) until I graduate. Staying more than four years is not an option for me.</p>
<p>So I am faced with two decisions: 1) stay four years, take a full course load and get the additional minor in Management, or 2) graduate next fall without the Management minor. Wat would you guys suggest?</p>
<p>I have taken a full course load for the past few quarters and on top of my part-time job (working 20+ hours/week) I have found it to be very tiring. On the one hand it would be nice for me to graduate early, but I can't really see this as my last year being in college as an undergrad - it all seems very rushed. On the other hand, I really want to do the management minor as I do have a passion for it, but am unsure of its value on future job applications/interviews I may get, and whether or not pursuing that minor in management would be worth staying the full four years as well as working my butt off taking 5 classes per quarter until I graduate.</p>
<p>Have you considered staying an extra semester just for the joy of college life but without completing another minor? Then you would have a little bit of room to take classes that sound interesting (be it management, more classes in your major or completely unrelated classes) but without the stress of a full course load.</p>
<p>Another thing to keep in mind: In some fields it is very hard to find an entry-level position at the end of the fall semester because all formal training programs start in the summer (especially if you want to work for a big company).</p>
<p>I'd stay for another year. The job market is crap right now.</p>
<p>You should look into taking intro courses (more advanced courses in languages you already took) in the languages, like Russian, Arabic, etc. to make your self more marketable.</p>
<p>Are you getting a scholarship? If it doesn't cost a lot of money to go to school, feel free to stay. If it does, you'd be better off doing something else - do you want to do any form of grad school, or will you just be looking for a job?</p>
<p>If it's not going to be an issue to stay for full four years, then you can lighten up your courseload for the next 3 semesters, especially if you need this part-time job. You said it's tiring with this full courseload so treat yourself a little. </p>
<p>Some seniors, if already finished with their major, just choose to take absolutely random classes in their final semester just to chill out. I've heard bizarre things from my friends what they took in their senior year but they seemed to enjoy them given that they had nothing to do with the majors.</p>
<p>We are on the quarter system here at UCI - if it was just one quarter I probably would not mind just staying and taking some fun, interesting classes. Two quarters though, changes things a little. It's not too expensive, but I would really prefer to lighten the financial burden as much as possible especially since I do not expect to be getting any scholarships. If I can graduate two quarters early and save that money, I may prefer to do that instead of staying for two quarters for no real good reason.</p>
<p>As far as my plans upon graduating, I would very much like to pursue my MBA as soon as possible. However, given that many MBA programs like to see a few years of work experience first, I doubt I'd be admitted to any of the higher-tier programs right off the bat. I have no solid idea of what I want to do for a job, but I am hoping for some entry-level management, financial analyst, or something in the IT field.</p>
<p>let me warn/advise you on this. DO NOT immediately pursue your MBA after graduation. Work for 2-4 years FIRST, then get your MBA and here's why. Let's say you do get your MBA immediately, very few companies will want to hire you. They wont give you an entry-level position because you would be over-qualified but they wouldn't give you anything better than that because you have no experience. My best advise is to graduate early, get a job then pursue MBA then get a really nice job.</p>
<p>Good jobs in business for college grads are hard to get right now so many are extending their stay in school. I would focus on choosing some potential jobs and taking the coursework to uniquely position yourself for them.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice everyone. I will definitely have to think things over, but more and more I am beginning to feel like graduating early and just spending the last 1-2 quarters taking classes I'm interested in is the better way to go. It is hard for me to let go of the management minor though since I really am interested in it!</p>