<p>I'm going to be a HS senior, and I am constantly in a mental battle. I can't decide whether I should do what I love (writing) or do something that I know I'll be good at, but might not be as passionate about (business or law). I do want to live very nicely... but I have a question.</p>
<p>From reading books about businessmen and what not, it seems that you kind of have to be an ass to excel in business. I am a very nice guy, and I don't want to change that. Is it possible to be one way at work (the ass) and be normal at home for my wife and family? This is more aimed to people who have done business before. </p>
<p>Second, is it possible to get one of the better jobs and not go to Wharton, or not even to major in business/econ? I am looking at schools like Amherst, Williams, Dartmouth, Brown and the like, and I'm pretty sure I won't major in econ. I'll take classes in it sure, but I want a broader major. I remember reading that these banks go to schools like amherst and recruit based on personality and potential, then give the training later. Is that true?</p>
<p>Third, do I have to work in NYC to be with the best companies? I'll be honest, I hate New York City. It's dirty and filfthy, in my opinion, and I do not want to work there or raise a family there. I love Boston and the whole Northeastern feel. Do these banks/companies have job potential outside of NYC?</p>
<p>Finally, what is there besides Investment Banking? Are there other jobs that have a nice salary, but might be more suited to my personality?</p>
<p>Thanks for your time, and for reading this.</p>
<p>why don't you look into becoming a financial journalist. Its probably the best mix of writing and business for you. Don't go into business just because you think you'l be good at it, thats not a good enough reason. And wharton isnt the only school all those other school you mentioned "Amherst, Williams, Dartmouth, Brown" are all top notch as well.</p>
<p>You can definetly go into business w/out a business degree at a top business school. Many of the Fortune 500 CEOs got liberal arts degrees, and that's what a lot of companies are looking for. Second, no you don't have to work in NYC. If you go into investment banking, you probably will, but if you aren't an ass, you won't become an investment banker. Finally, there are a million other business jobs besides investment banking, please don't tell me you haven't heard of any other positions: top management, accountants, financial managers, supply chain managers, management consultants...the list goes on and on.</p>
<p>I think what these guys do would fit your interests well.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Although highly selective, Orion does not adhere to a rigid set of requirements. Applicants for the Orion Associate position should have exceptional writing skills, a strong liberal arts background, a significant interest in the financial industry, and the ability to work well with others. Successful candidates are articulate, self-motivated, creative, perceptive, and possess sound judgment.
<p>Thanks guys. This is encouraging. That Orion Consulting Group looks right up my ally. Are more firms like that, or is it more of an anomaly?</p>
<p>I really do need to some research on what else there is in the business world... all I know is what I learned from my paper on the crash of 1987 I wrote about because I love books about the decadent 80's and cocaine using business men... but alas, I'm bantering.</p>
<p>One of the nicest lawyers I know of is Scott Turow. </p>
<p>After graduating from Harvard Law School, he became a famous writer of detective novels based upon his own experiences (and he also wrote a book about what it's like to be a student in Harvard's Law School).</p>
<p>After making a lot of money from these books, he continues to write, but he uses his money gained from writing to fund his primary work, which is doing pro bono (meaning working for free) on behalf of those whom he feels were unfairly convicted. </p>
<p>A few years back (1995) he was able to gain the release of Alejandro Hernandez, who served 11 years on death row for a murder he did not commit. He is currently working on behalf of other similar individuals who he feels did not get a fair shake in the courts, or who have already been proved innocent, but are still in jail on technicalities.</p>
<p>I suppose you can always major in something like English or journalism if you love it, then see where you want to go with it and take it from there. You might decide to get an MBA later, or you might use the English/journalism as pre-law studies. Whatever you do, the reading/writing/communication skills will be useful.</p>