<p>I plan to go to business school and get an MBA after undergrad. what would be the most appropriate major to select in undergrad for the ivies (other than penn) that don't have undergrad business programs? I'm guessing econ?</p>
<p>with “business” you mean…? I know entrepreneurs who studied literature, engineering or astrophysics. If you intend working for a bank, I would say study econ (as a mjaor) and hit hard on mathematics. Usually the one doesn’t work without the other, hence <em>econometrics</em>. It depends what you understand by “business”… ?</p>
<p>i’m leaning toward marketing/management or international business</p>
<p>You could study anything. Marketing and management are both social-science based. Psychology, sociology, anthropology. Lots of people do history, government (political science), or international relations, or area studies (like East Asian studies) if they have a particular interest. English and philosophy majors tend to develop good communications skills on complex issues. Of course there’s econ. Math ability is appreciated and applicable everywhere. And since engineering, computer science, and lab science are central to what most businesses do, understanding one of those areas is a plus even if you are not actually engaged in that kind of work.</p>
<p>So . . . anything. Really, you can make anything work.</p>
<p>^thanks so much, that is very helpful indeed :D</p>
<p>Depends on the type of business, but economics is a good one.</p>
<p>Philosophy (Meta-physics) and Physics (Quantum physics) would help you
grapple with reality; very helpful for business? :)</p>
<p>You’re probably aware of this already - but very few students go straight to business school out of undergrad. The common path is to work for 2-4 years, then go get your MBA.</p>
<p>Study something which proves you have brains. The common path for managers is usually psychology + microeconomics. Also as just<em>forget</em>me mentioned, only very few pursue a MBA straight after college, partially due to costs. I think (but am not sure) it also depends on the kind of company you are involved with, they will also have a say. JPMorgan might be able to send you to Harvard or IMD, but smaller companies could not afford that. You will be tied to that company if they pay your way (likely 3-5 year contracts I think).</p>
<p>ah yes I did know that. the psych+econ recommendation seems good though :D</p>