Unhappy with Major

<p>So I'm basically just half way through the first quarter of my freshman year, but I don't really know if the major I chose was for me (engineering). I guess I can't really see myself being an engineer in the future, its not that the course work is overwhelming (of course I was expecting it to be challenging). I am supposed to declare which discipline of Engineering I want to apply to by the end of this quarter, but I am thinking about just telling my advisor that I want to switch to the College of Business. I feel like majoring in something like Finance or Economics would just fit me better. If I make this change to Finance I'd also like to transfer to a school that is more well known for its finance program.</p>

<p>Is it too soon to switch out of a major? Would it be complicated transferring into Business just for two quarters and then trying to transfer to another college?</p>

<p>Do you even have any clue if you enjoy or have interest in finance and business. It is not for everyone. It is a lot of paper pushing and dealing with men in suits. </p>

<p>Of course it is not to late, why would it be? If you want to study Finance or Econ, really be sure. Having to switch a 2nd time would suck, and even worst switching back to Eng. </p>

<p>Be sure, examine all your options.</p>

<p>I switched out of engineering second semester of sophomore year without it really putting me behind. Granted I switched from chemical engineering to chemistry and already knew from chemistry classes that I enjoyed chemistry. If you have to make a second switch it might slow down your graduation, but it’s not too late to switch out of engineering if you know it’s not for you.</p>

<p>You can switch now. I have friends who’ve already switched majors, and we’ve been in school three weeks. Don’t even worry about it.</p>

<p>Many, many students will change majors 3-4 times during college. You are a first semester freshman. You can switch, it’s not a big deal at all.</p>

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<p>Well I kind of wanted to major in something like Economics originally but my family wanted me to do something that they thought would provide more job security, based on that I chose to do engineering. I know I am interested in finance and economics, but as you said unless I actually do it, I won’t know if it is for me. I have a feeling that I will like it.</p>

<p>If I want to do Finance I’d try to transfer to a college that has a better program and is better recruited that the college I am at now.</p>

<p>There should be a club for students that went from Engineering to Business</p>

<p>Have you taken any economics or finance courses to see if you like them?</p>

<p>If you are planning on being a business major, be sure to pump up your people skills. Getting employed in professional services firms (investment banking, accounting, etc.) is more dependent on whether an employer likes you, not the strength of your academic credentials or raw knowledge. </p>

<p>Consulting is a bit different, though, because they tend to conduct case interviews that test your thinking skills.</p>

<p>If you lack people skills, stick with engineering.</p>

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<p>I took Microeconomics 101 (received an A) and took AP Macroeconomics (got a 4 on the AP test). I also really enjoyed those classes, I think its a major I’d like.</p>

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<p>Thanks for this. I think I am pretty good dealing with people, I don’t know if it necessarily good but I can give off the impression that the person is seeking especially in interviews I’ve done (I know very limited experience).</p>

<p>Also, do you like math?</p>

<p>The strongest economics and finance students are the ones who like math and are good at it. Although many students take only a year of calculus and a semester of statistics, the strongest students also take multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations, and may take more advanced math and statistics as well. Graduate school in economics, actuarial jobs, quantitative finance jobs, and “masters in financial engineering” graduate programs tend to be heavy in math and statistics.</p>

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<p>Most undergraduate finance courses don’t really require much advanced math beyond calculus (it’s mostly Algebra II and Pre-calc). Graduate-level finance courses might be different. </p>

<p>Accounting is also another major to consider - and that requires almost no math at all. </p>

<p>And also, if you major in business, do only the following majors:</p>

<ol>
<li>Operations/Supply Chain Management</li>
<li>Economics</li>
<li>Finance</li>
<li>Accounting</li>
</ol>

<p>Everything else (marketing, organizational behavior, general management, sports management) is worthless. The above four will actually make you employable.</p>

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That’s nice, but the union card for doing economics in your daily work is a PhD in Economics. Unless that’s what you’re planning those classes aren’t really that relevant to what you’ll do in the future. In business you’ll be doing some facet like accounting, finance, marketing, sales, etc. People majoring in Econ undergrad have job prospects barely different from those majoring in History or some other social science. Biz-Econ programs are a different story since they let you take business-related courses, but if you’re thinking straight Econ then you need to make sure you take the same steps other liberal-arts majors do in order to make sure you have good job prospects when you graduate.</p>

<p>Go ahead and change if you’re sure its what you wanna do. Its common for most people to change majors a few times in college. Think my sister changed like 7 times. It seems like most parents expect their kids to change majors a few times.</p>

<p>One last tip, maybe dont switch to a new school unless your certain on your decision. Changing schools without being sure Business or econ is really what you want for a career would be a huge let down im sure. Take some econ or finance classes at your current school. Or get in touch with your advisor and find some Econ or Finance students.</p>