Ask a Haas Senior anything.

triplectz
Sat, 27 Oct 2012 02:16:23 +0000

" I am senior double majoring in Political Science and English. My grades are pretty good overall- a 3.9 GPA, and I’ve held several high-caliber political internships (Office of Governor Jerry Brown, Department of Justice, among others)

While I absolutely love politics, I’ve becoming increasingly interested in pursing a business career in the near future. I’m particularly interested in consulting.

I feel I’ve made a huge mistake by not majoring in Business Administration. I recently took both Econ 1 (Olney) and UGBA 10 for fun, receiving As in both courses. Looking back, I feel I could have definitely taken on the business major.

My main question: Is it possible for me to crack a career in business with a liberal arts degree? Do you know how I would go about doing it?

Thank you so much

(I am, however, strongly considering law school. From there, I would pursue a career as a corporate litigator)"

Yes of course. I mean, Ivy League schools don’t have undergrad business schools (except for Wharton), and many Ivy grads end up in business. My girlfriend works in banking and she’s a lib arts major. Here’s your problem though: do you have work experience? If you don’t, you’re probably not going to get a great business job out of undergrad. The only reason the GF got the job is because she’d done finance internships. And it was a bit of an up hill battle. Because honestly, you don’t know anything. Your employer will be holding your hand teaching you accounting, corporate finance, etc. If you’re committed, here’s my suggestion: go on LinkedIn, search for UC Berkeley grads in the Bay Area, and try emailing them at john.smith@companyname.com, or whatever. Or call the company, that sort of thing. Try and get in touch with alumni ASAP. They’re your best resource.

Honestly, your GPA is good though. If you destroy the LSAT, I might just head to law school ASAP. That’s definitely easier.

"Of course you can. continue taking courses in UGBA, like accounting and finance and put that on your resume for relevant coursework. Start getting involved in case competitions!

From that point on you need to intern during the semester to build up on that. Reach out to alum or see if any family friends are willing to get you in on some internships."

Good advice, but he’s a senior. This is all stuff that’s a good idea as a FRESHMAN. gobears needs a job. Not an internship.