Desperation : PPE vs Accounting & Finance

Taking Maths, FM, Econs, History

Feel like I ve asked this question far too many times but must decide rather quickly. Need advice for which one is more employable and as I'm an international student - worth it.

Ultimately, looking at an accountant/banking career.

much appreciated for the help

Reply 1

techfan42

Original post by Manny_khalae

hahahahah literally taking the same A-levels and looking at the same career path (except gov & pol, which I'm dropping this year)

Reply 2

High Stakes

Original post by Manny_khalae

You're taking Maths & FM? Why not go for a more quant degree than PPE? Thought of Economics & Mathematics? Or Economics & Finance?

PPE is good. Mostly taken by people who wanna be politicians/work in the public sector.

@Princepieman - It doesn't matter though does it? A solid degree from a target university has the best chances.

Reply 3

techfan42

Original post by Manny_khalae

I would say accounting and finance as it prepares you much better for a banking career and especially your A-levels give you a skill-set that would be underplayed in a PPE degree

Reply 4

Manny_khalae

Original post by High Stakes

I was worried that my lack of a science would hinder my chances at a quant degree?

Reply 5

Manny_khalae

Original post by techfan42

hahahahah literally taking the same A-levels and looking at the same career path (except gov & pol, which I'm dropping this year)

OMG!!! What are you considering for a degree?

Reply 6

username738914

Original post by High Stakes

Lol finance isn't really quantitative.

In reality it doesn't matter, the two degrees are as far apart from each other as you can get - content wise. All depends on what you'd rather study for 3-4 years as neither degree will greatly impact on what you can do after uni.

A&F is great and all but most employers will have training schemes for new starts and the finance/accounting stuff is easy to pick up through osmosis of being in the job. So personally, I'd choose a more interesting degree (unless of course you find A&F interesting - that's fair).

The one bonus point for A&F is the exemptions from certain professional exams it gives you but that's only relevant if you want to go down the accounting road post-uni.

TL;DR Choose the degree that interests you more. Aim for the best universities possible - front office finance roles are often filled up by a small selection of grads from a small set of unis. Accounting firms don't care as much.

Reply 7

username738914

Original post by Manny_khalae

I was worried that my lack of a science would hinder my chances at a quant degree?

You don't need a science when you have Maths and FM.

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Reply 8

techfan42

Original post by Manny_khalae

OMG!!! What are you considering for a degree?

I'm considering Mathematics, Economics or an Accounting & Finance degree, but it isn't because of my career choice, it's because I genuinely enjoy these subject areas. If you're looking for degree particularly helpful towards a banking/accounting career, I've recently read that an Economics degree is quite helpful and also gives you room for flexibility.

If you really can't decide which degree to do in order to pursue an accounting/banking career, you can always experiment with your undergrad and then choose a specialised post-grad degree. That's what I hear most people do.

The important thing is not to confine yourself just because you think the degree's going to help with your job, because in reality people get into banking sector jobs with almost any degree. Rather, you should play to your strengths and choose a degree option which you'll enjoy and excel at.

Reply 9

username738914

Original post by techfan42

If you really can't decide which degree to do in order to pursue an accounting/banking career, you can always experiment with your undergrad and then choose a specialised post-grad degree. That's what I hear most people do.

Doing a masters is unnecessary. Most finance employers will take on graduates from all sorts of degree courses, they generally don't care what your degree was in as what they look for is more general intelligence and skills. What's more important is how you come across in the recruitment process: which means a crisp CV with good grades, good uni, good work/leadership experience, extracurricular interests; a great attitude, interest in the field and concise communication in competency interviews; some peripheral reading and problem solving skills for technical interviews; the ability to work well with others in assessment days/centres etc.

All of that is what matters, not the course of study you choose to pursue. Even if OP chooses to do Music, if they possess these qualities above they'll sail through the process.

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Reply 10

Manny_khalae

So... anyone has a final verdict? I mean there is the lower entry requirements to consider for AccFin as well... PPE at LSE is A*AA whereas AAA for AccFin...

Reply 11

username738914

Original post by Manny_khalae

So... anyone has a final verdict? I mean there is the lower entry requirements to consider for AccFin as well... PPE at LSE is A*AA whereas AAA for AccFin...

Choose the degree you want to study.

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Reply 12

Nicholson1882

I’m starting A Levels in Sep and am doing maths, econ and history... it’s a while a way but I have a similar Q. to you.... what Did you end up doing??

Reply 13

BenRyan99

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by Nicholson1882

I’m starting A Levels in Sep and am doing maths, econ and history... it’s a while a way but I have a similar Q. to you.... what Did you end up doing??