<p>Okay, so I've been looking hard into the Business programs here at Penn State and I need to start to narrow down my focus and it comes down to these two: Accounting or SCM (It's actually called Supply Chain and Information Systems). I've taken intro classes for these and I found myself enjoying both, but since I cannot double major (and I wouldn't really want to), I'm not sure which direction to choose. I know SCM is rated #1 at Penn State and recruiting is good. Does undergraduate ranking triumph over anything else? My gpa is good (3.6+), so that's not really a concern.</p>
<p>I’m in a supply chain management program right now (it’s actually called Operations Management at my University, and is also part of the department of information systems).</p>
<p>I also enjoy accounting, but decided to go with SCM/OPMA because I found it more interesting. I’m really interested in logistics especially, and the engineering approach to business. (Seeing that I couldn’t cut it in engineering).</p>
<p>I just want to warn you however, that a lot of the jobs starting out in Supply Chain Management might require high levels of interpersonal skills. That is something I didn’t realize that was required until I started interviewing for internships, where the focus was on junior account management and sales. I’m not really that type of person, so I’m getting a bit nervous about finding a job where I fit. If that is your thing though, then I would do that. However, if you are more of an introverted person I would suggest accounting. I wish I had done that. I may be switching to info systems soon because my interpersonal skills are pretty shabby.</p>
<p>In short, do what interests you, but also look at how your personality will fit into the mix of things.</p>
<p>Call me stupid or whatever but what is supply chain management about and what did you like about it? I’m an incoming freshman and all these majors just seem like they could fit for me</p>
<p>Malikwal, I don’t know if you were addressing me or DJ, but Supply Chain Management/Logistics is all about making processes more efficient.</p>
<p>Think of it as the intersection of business and engineering.</p>
<p>[Logistics</a> - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logistics]Logistics”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logistics)</p>
<p>[Supply</a> chain management - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supply_chain_management]Supply”>Supply chain management - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>[Industrial</a> engineering - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_engineering]Industrial”>Industrial engineering - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>@Beguiler, thanks for your awesome, extensive answer. I’m still a freshman and i will be taking further classes in both, so I guess i will just go with the one I see myself excelling in and enjoying the most. I wouldn’t say i’m an introvert, but I definitely like my personal space at times. For the most part, I love working with people, conversing one-on-one (I was a journalism major before), and writing/rhetoric. I just love learning about business and I somehow want to bring those two things together.</p>
<p>Malikwal,
I guess my favorite aspect of SCM is just learning the structure of meticulous aspects of business. Accounting seemed different and it’s mainly bookkeeping type of material in intro classes. Lots of numbers, computations with formulas. I personally didn’t find either too hard, but then again it was only the intro classes. You just have to be diligent and refresh your head with the stuff you learn in class. It also doesn’t hurt to have some form of interest in the functions of business, as well haha.</p>
<p>Here is a quick tip - dont run away from a job because you lack the social skills. Every advancement in work will require more and more interpersonal skills. The people who do not advance are the ones who lack social skills. </p>
<p>Equating introversion to being an awkward person is wrong. There are plenty of introverts who do just fine in social situations. Then there are awkward people and those are the ones who get stuck in the corner cubicle their whole career. If you start basing your career choice based on a personal DEFICIENCY than you are creating a dangerous situation. If you suck socially work on it, don’t change your majors.</p>
<p>I’m a supply chain management major at Arizona State (another program ranked in the top 5 nationwide), and have only heard good things about the industry. What attracted me to SCM was that I was in charge of logistics for a business venture I started in high school and I absolutely loved learning and experiencing it, as well as the vast opportunities. You can do so many different things with a SCM degree and the industry is a big as ever; I keep hearing that we have more companies coming forth with job offers than we have graduating seniors ready to take them. </p>
<p>Honestly though, do what interests you most. Both fields offer ample employment opportunities and decent salaries, so pick what’s best for you and not necessarily what people on CC consider more prestigious or lucrative.</p>