dhl3

Which program is more reputable and prestigious and is more likely to attract top i-bank recruiters?

FYI, Econ majors at Berkeley is said to be "Haas rejects" and is likely to be shadowed by the more well-known quality of Haas Business majors. I'm fearing that this will actually hurt the econ majors at Berkeley in terms of being recruited (talking preference here, recruiters are more likely to prefer Haas students over econ students) .

However, BizEcon at UCLA is said to be the top most business-like program offered at UCLA (they do not have undergrad. business major). This can come in handy for me because I have no worry of being "pressured" down by the business majors and there won't be any problem regarding the preference issue.

Considering this factor, should I go for the prestige of school (Berkeley) or the quality of the program (UCLA).

Note: I'm not saying Berkeley's Econ is bad (I know their econ program ranks higher than UCLA's, according to businessweek), but as I said before Econ majors are shadowed by the Haas students.

And I also plan on transferring from a community college.

JPNguyen

If you're planning to take up accounting, go to UCLA. Its a target school for individuals interested in accounting. Big 4 recruiters are specifically told to recruit from UCLA and USC for its LA offices.

Now if investment banking is your forte, one can only theorize between the two schools. But I have met individuals who graduated from UCLA's econ program and gone on to work in New York/Chicago for BB firms.

Last time I checked the rankings, Berkeley was 9 and LA was 14. That's a very minor difference in rankings. I would personally check the criteria and see how each school is ranked when it comes to job placement. (both are probably in the 90/100 percentile)

For me, personally, I would choose LA over Berkeley anyday. After reviewing the courses, I found LA's program to consist more of what I wanted to do with my life. Berkeley's program has a lot of macro perspective courses in fiscal and monetary policy versus micro perspectives(inner business related). Not to mention the great weather and sunny beaches!

Seriously take a look at the courses offered at both schools and compare it what you're going to do. The competition at Berkeley is undeniably cutthroat. My friend studied Econ at berkeley where she maintained a 3.5GPA whereas in high school she graduated first in her class with extremely great extraciriculars. If Berkeley's courselist fits your model of a great business person, then by all means choose berkeley.

The decision is ultimately yours but I suggest that you put some heavy thought into the decision making process by setting up certain criteria to help you make the best possible decision for yourself.

BayAreaLivin

Hey JPNguyen, do you mind if I ask what your major and career goals are? Are you also in Econ? If so, what do you plan on doing with an economics degree?

Thanks, I'm just trying to get some insight into majoring in economics myself.

JPNguyen

BayAreaLivin: I'm stuck on BizEcon at UCLA. I like the mix of both economics courses and business courses. My "Early" career aspirations are in the investment banking(preferrably technology oriented ie Credit Suisse of Los Angeles) / technology management sectors(preferrably startup). After formal experience, I will live out my last days as an early stage high technology venture capitalist(err? its a fancy term for investor of someone else's money). How does BizEcon fit into my career? Well, the mixture gives me leverage. Not only am I going to have the opportunity to study Economics(the market, finance, investing) but I'll also have the opportunity to study business(management, accounting, marketing, whatever I decide on). The economics will prepare myself for future investing(my own money). And the business will prepare me for internships(a list of business courses always helps when trying to get an internship). Not to mention, UCLA's strong reputation for placing interns in desired fields. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Merrill Lynch etc all host interview sessions at UCLA's career center for both undergrads/graduate students.

UCLA seems like a strong match for what I want to do and where I want to go. Although, an HYPS would be better suited for my career aspirations, UCLA will still get me where I want to go. It just might be a little more difficult. I'm a former high school dropout so its worthless for me to apply to an HYPS where standarized test scores and high school grades come into play.

My personal recommendation is to take a few economics courses(preferrably micro if you're interested in business). From there, you'll be able to guage whether you like it or not. Afterall, that is the most important factor when deciding on a major.

dhl3

Well I did rather enjoy macro- more than the microeconomics, but it largely got to do with the quality of prof, not the subject itself.

southpasdena

They both attract ibanks, but rather than remaining stagnant like UCLA, UCB is actively pursuing ibanks, catering them and pampering them so they will recruit from their school. However, this applies to Hass specifically and as an econ major, i dont know if or how it will affect you. Are your positive ibanking is your number one choice?

dhl3

Ibanking isn't the only choice for me. Consulting and Accounting are also some of the career I'm considering.

JPNguyen

The great thing about UCLA is the minor in accounting. It prepares students for the CPA exam. If anything, accounting could be your fallback incase you don't make it through the IBanking interviews.

But for consulting, I would assume an entrepreneurial degree would better suit it. Not sure though.

southpasdena

Berkley is considerably better in regards to consulting. They also have a great program to get you ready for the CPA exam.

http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/Undergrad/major.html

And for accounting, this is an utterly ridiculous statement, far from true

dhl3

True South Pasadena, but we are talking solely on the Economics major. We are not considering any Haas stuff into discussion here.

southpasdena

well actually if you click on the CPA PDF file, it states that non majors are allowed to take part in the CPA prep courses, which is pretty much just an accounting concentration.

And in regards to consulting outside of haas, you will be fine, they are heavily recruited. I will try and find the firms and numbers later.

southpasdena

More information actually, UCB also has a big four internship forum that any student can go to to sit down and talk with a representative from each big 4 company. This was found on their career homepage

southpasdena

http://career.berkeley.edu/Major/Econ.stm

dhl3

thnx! That's exactly what I was looking for

southpasdena

you can take a look at their past fall career fair list as well

http://career.berkeley.edu/FairDir/fairDirDisplay.asp