yelena

[ quote] Most people I know who hated the math in intermediate switched to poly sci, international relations, history (with an economics history concentration) and other social science/humanity majors. [/quote]


That's why I thought that you were leaving these people out of the picture when you suggested that engineering was another substitute for an econ major. As I said before, these people would not feel comfortable in engineering classes where a lot of heavy math/number/physics is done.

Venkat89

^My point earlier was more for people who are going into econ for the job opportunities rather than for the sake of studying it. If you want the best job opportunities from an average school your best bets are engineering or accounting (and you yelena are doing both). If you want to study econ and are able to do the math, you're probably better off getting a double major in math. It's more quantitative and has greater signaling power. At my college econ and math have enough overlap that I can major in both and still have fewer major requirements than some science majors. If you're majoring in economocs for the social welfare side it probably starts losing its edge in setting you up for a good job. If you focus on the quantitative stuff like metrics and forecasting it sends a better signal for jobs than the more cushy stuff. The developmental and that sort of economics with an MPP or similar degree can set you up well to work for an NGO or the government, but thats not the goal of a generic undergrad majoring in economics.

yelena

^ got you

mtpyankee

I know a business degree doesn't help much either because it is a general subject. You do not get the specific experience of another degree in a more specific field.

If you do not take econ, what other business course would you take. I am a sophomore going to be junior and for applications you need to put an idea of what you want to study.

I know I will double major statistics and the business course.

What course will be most beneficiary?

ag54

As an econ major who was hired out of college as an oil & gas accountant, who has an econ major son who just got hired out of college in commercial banking, I can attest to the fact that it is the person, and what they bring to the table, rather than the degree itself, that is important.

The Career Center is your friend.