Will I regret it if I switch from CSE (Computer Science And Engineering) to Economics?

Transfer Students
1

So I currently go to a community college called Foothill in Silicon Valley and am doing something called a TAG that will give me guaranteed admission to UC Davis as long as I keep my GPA above 3.3 (I know, I’m surprised it’s so low too) and do my required courses. I always planned on doing this, but purely for the sake of making money (I guess it would be a little nice working in the tech industry though and being able to possible bring an idea for an app or website to life if I ever have a good one). But I don’t enjoy Computer Science much (so far I’ve taken C++ and Python, no engineering courses yet). I’ll also still have two to three years here in hard courses if I stick with it.

But the thing is I have always loved Economics and would much rather pursue an education in that if I could still live a good life. I would also actually be able to transfer this year. I’m fine with getting a PHD if needed, same goes for going to law school (I love that sort of thing as well). But the main thing I’m worried about (and my Dad who is attacking me nonstop for even considering this desicion and trying to bully me out of it is too, obviously more than I am) is if I’ll struggle to find a job (especially one that pays well like at least makes six figures). Anyone have any advice? It would be really appreciated.

P.S. This isn’t as important but I’d like to go to UCLA later on if possible and/or work in LA. I’d like to possibly pursue being a YouTuber/Voice Actor on the side and that’s basically the hub where they all are. It definitely looks as this may be a possibility soon too since my channel is becoming really popular really fast and I’ve been getting lots of jobs online as a voice actor. Anyway as said, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

2

The whole point of the internet is that you don’t need to be where everyone else is. The most famous one started in Sweden.

As far as what you should study, economics does not have the security of CSE, in case your YouTube plans fall through. You definitely won’t have the six-figure starting salary jobs waiting for you with a BA in econ, maybe not even with further schooling. Econ PhDs, MBAs, and Law degrees also aren’t the guarantee they used to be.

If it were me, I would continue in CSE, but if you really hate it and would only be happy with econ, go ahead and switch.

3

“I’ll struggle to find a job (especially one that pays well like at least makes six figures)…”

Yeah, you won’t make 6 figures with just an Economics degree. You won’t go to a good law school with only a 3.3, either (although I don’t know what your GPA is).

If you hate CS, then you’ll hate working in CS. You could study Econ, go to law school or get an MBA or something, and then make 6 figures. I say you should study what you’re interested in.

4

Some career surveys:

https://career.berkeley.edu/Survey/Survey (“What Can I Do With a Major In …?” links)
http://careers.ucsc.edu/about/fds_reports_page.html

If you want to go on to PhD study in economics, try to take multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations, preferably before transfer. UCB, UCSD, UCI, and UCSC offer more math-intensive versions of intermediate microeconomics and/or econometrics. Additional advanced math is also recommended.