What are you Majoring in?
I am transferring to a university and am about to decide on my Major. I have a few options, but I am incredibly indecisive right now!
I would like to hear your story. What's your major & Why... ?
I would like to hear your story. What's your major & Why... ?
My first two years were mainly split between economics and finance/accounting. To be honest (not sure if this is the case at most schools) but the material we learn is absolute junk. Unless you want a designation in accounting or law, you've gotta question schools' value prop to you. It blows my mind I don't have the guts to leave(lack of conviction I guess).
Many kids will say "I goto school for business" which may be true by title. But in the real world, it's the "Business of X'. If you want to get into internet firms and work on their business end, you need to know the product side of things as well. Sometimes I regret taking my major mainly because I think it makes more sense to get a degree in engineering(or something technical) then get your MBA (if you're academic) or just experience business in the real world.
Regardless what you take, everything will always work out, and even though you may learn junk quality material, things will stick that will come up in random conversations and will provide some value. However, maybe not 100k in value.
Goodluck man
In a few months I will apply to University of Illinois for Computer Engineering. I'd really like to focus on computer hardware and low level software, while still learning more fundamental computer science. Computer Engineering strikes a great balance.
Since I started taking classes last year I have discovered a new love for math, thanks to the great professors at my local college. I'm thinking about finishing up my undergraduate education with a dual degree in Mathematics and Computer Engineering.
The long term plan is to become a researcher, in academia or a corporate research lab, so I'll be going on to graduate school. Academia is not for everyone, but I'm prepared to burn through all of my savings to fulfill this dream.
Financially, I probably would have been much better sticking with a science-based discipline, but, I wouldn't have been as happy in the program. Now I pick up odd gigs writing code to supplement grad school stipends to do what I really want.
Really regret not opting for Computer Science. However, these regrets are fleeting. More focussed on capitalizing on my political science/business education (and liberal arts education as a whole) to expand my interest, while learning computer science/programming on my own (lots of reading).
Will be tough to break the barrier of "oh you didn't get degree in X" but I don't think it will be that big of an issue. Paul Graham's first major was in philosophy :)
If I could choose again, I'd try math in undergrad or, if I was stuck with my econ BA, I'd study applied math in grad school.
Math really seems like the way to go if you find it interesting (which I do...I'm just not a math savant). The most interesting parts of my econ degree involved relatively heavy (topology, advanced calculus/real analysis) math courses.