<p>I am currently double majoring in Mathematics and Economics and, I recently did a summer business program at a top-tier business school (just for experience). I am convinced that i want to pursue an MBA, but i am contemplating on my double major choices.
I enjoy mathematics, but upper div math classes are too theoretical and it's not something i enjoy or something that i'd do well in. On the contrary, i love economics, but i can consider this when i go to graduate school (concentrate in Econ when i pursue an MBA).
So, now i am considering switching my majors; my two choices are either Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
My thoughts:
I.E.- will provide me the mathematical skills i need to develop a business acumen. It will also cover some economics. However, I.E.s are typically looked down upon and are often not considered engineers. (Correct me if i am wrong).
M.E.- will provide me the technical skills i need to accelerate my career in different industries. It's also very easy to switch careers after obtaining an M.E. degree. </p>
<p>I'd really appreciate it if you can assist me and help me solidify a field of study.
Thanks!</p>
<p>Now I am going to give you my VERY BIASED response because of my undergrad major. Scrap that Econ major and take more of an Applied Mathematics or a Math/Computer Science degree…then take Information Systems as your MBA specialty.</p>
<p>Having said all of that, no engineering major will prepare you more UNLESS you somehow take I.E. with a heavy operations research slant to it then take a Management Science/Operations Research MBA specialty.</p>
<p>Still, you be wise to take (regardless of your non-business major):
- Accounting (your school may have the Accounting for non-business majors)
- Economics (take the combo Macro/Micro course that uses Calculus)
- Finance (may also be a Finance for Engineers course)
- Management (just one course)
- Statistics (probably will take it in your math or engineering program)</p>
<p>Any engineering major is great. </p>
<p>But the most possibly applicable and still great in general (for good overall skills) is probably Computer Science. </p>
<p>I think EE/CE are also good, but the focus of CS is more possibly applicable to business. Good mix of theory and application in CS.</p>
<p>The best choice is the degree you are most interested in. Do well in school, show initiative, get involved in projects, demonstrate leadership skills, and obtain good work experience and you will be well on your way to a MBA. These will be much more important than the engineering discipline you choose to go with.</p>
<p>As was mentioned, all engineering degrees will prepare you. What will prepare you the most is real world work experience. Upon graduation, many college students, myself included, do not have an entirely accurate view of what it’s really like in the working world. Having internships can help, but even that is no replacement for working for a few years. Going into business school with such incorrect views guarantees you won’t be able to get the most out of it and is probably one of the reasons why many business schools expect you to have work experience before applying.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies!</p>
<p>@ Purdue EE- You’re exactly right. I know that in order to maximize your time and effort at business school, you need a solid work experience. In regards to choosing an engineering major/field, i am not choosing a field that will get me ready for an MBA- I think even basketweaving as a major can get you ready for an MBA if you have good working experience. I am trying to decide between my 3 choices: Math-and-Econ, Industrial engineering, or Mechanical engineering?</p>
<p>I think i may have to rephrase my question; Is it wise for me to switch my major from Math and Economics to Industrial or Mechanical engineering? If so, why and which engineering would you recommend?</p>