What would go well with a Econ Degree?

College Majors Business Major
1

<p>I started out as a computer engineering student at a top 15 engineering school (did well, but quit because I didn't like it), now I'm in at a top 50 econ program at best. I just switched last semester, but I really enjoy econ so far. I'm going to be a junior. I'm pretty good at math and programming as well (have taken Calc III and linear algebra). My question is what minor/coursework/extra credentials should I work toward to get a solid job right out of college. I'm looking to attend business school later. I have some different paths I could take. (Btw, it's a BA in econ)</p>

<p>-Strait up BA in econ with classes in whatever business/stats/social science courses I want
-w/ Math minor (this would be by far the hardest because of proofs /upper div Math courses)
-w/ Business minor (probably the most solid option to get prepped for MBA and job market)
-w/ "business computing" minor (basically some CS + BIT courses, may help with the job search)
-w/ CS minor (may also help with job search, also may be pretty hard to get)
-w/ Stats or Acuary Science minor (may be a slight pain in the ass to get, because the only stats course I've taken I didn't like) </p>

<p>Math and CS will probably drop my GPA a bit.</p>

<p>Leaning on Business minor, which is actually a lot of courses. Maybe the Business computing minor. What do you guys think for a future MBA? </p>

<p>BTW, hopefully I'm going to graduate with 2 Internships (one in state government, one in private sector). And looking to do some econ research my senior year, or maybe study abroad. Any general advice would be much appreciated!</p>

2

<p>It depends on what kind of job you want after college.</p>

<p>Internships are going to more important than any minor you could get (maybe with the exception of CS/Math).</p>

3

<p>Right now I’m leaning on consulting as opposed to working purely with numbers. But at this point I just want to keep my paths open. Can you explain how a CS minor would help with an econ degree? I never really got that.</p>

4

<p>I would recommend a minor in stats or computer science. If you work as a consultant or a practicing economist, most of your work will involve working with numbers. Most applied economic work is based in econometrics (statistics applied to economic problems). In addition, most of the models you build would need a good amount of programming. You don’t need to be an expert, but every bit helps.</p>

5

<p>Considering that CS would most likely drop my GPA and will cramp my schedule, what if I did some programming projects/courses on the side to show some initiative without actually going through the process of becoming a CS minor? Is the CS minor on your resume really going to stand out over someone who says he has comparable programming skills?</p>

6

<p>That would be fine if you had a good way of demonstrating those skills. But demonstrating on paper that you can program is tough to do without having a degree or certifications to prove it.</p>