[max_e]

Hello, i am currently researching university degrees and i would like to go into business in the future. I have looked at economics courses, what they entail etc, and they It is a course which seems to interest me, however so do others and i was wondering if too many people are now taking economcis and so would it be hard to find a job in the future with an econ degree/is there a better degree to do? (i am looking to go into the investment banking/venture capitalist sector)
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

[M1011]

Nothing wrong with an Economics degree, it's popular for a reason.

[pop101]

(Original post by max_e)
Hello, i am currently researching university degrees and i would like to go into business in the future. I have looked at economics courses, what they entail etc, and they It is a course which seems to interest me, however so do others and i was wondering if too many people are now taking economcis and so would it be hard to find a job in the future with an econ degree/is there a better degree to do? (i am looking to go into the investment banking/venture capitalist sector)
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

OK, you want to go into Investment Banking. The people in this career are highly numerical. So Economics is an advantage. But as you said, it is getting popular. If you're good at Maths, do a joint degree with Economics (like 50:50 or even 70:30). It will give you huge advantages.

[M1011]

(Original post by pop101)
OK, you want to go into Investment Banking. The people in this career are highly numerical. So Economics is an advantage. But as you said, it is getting popular. If you're good at Maths, do a joint degree with Economics (like 50:50 or even 70:30). It will give you huge advantages.

While there is nothing wrong with this idea, I think 'huge advantages' is quite an overstatement. Plenty of people get in to Investment Banks with economics degrees (albeit from top target universities / experience etc). If the OP finds Economics interesting then he should go for that.

[pop101]

(Original post by M1011)
While there is nothing wrong with this idea, I think 'huge advantages' is quite an overstatement. Plenty of people get in to Investment Banks with economics degrees (albeit from top target universities / experience etc). If the OP finds Economics interesting then he should go for that.

The advantage are huge with Maths involved. You're pretty much wanted by accountancy firms, insurance (i.e actuary) firms, and banking; as well as any other financial job because of Maths. For example, chartered accountants, when looking to hire graduates, will aim for Maths graduates. They're probably the most sought after, degree wise.

[M1011]

(Original post by pop101)
The advantage are huge with Maths involved. You're pretty much wanted by accountancy firms, insurance (i.e actuary) firms, and banking; as well as any other financial job because of Maths. For example, chartered accountants, when looking to hire graduates, will aim for Maths graduates. They're probably the most sought after, degree wise.

I just so happen to be joining one of the big 4 in a few months, so it's interesting that you mention chartered accountancy. Heads up, there isn't much challenging maths required in accountancy, you don't need a maths degree just a calculator and some basic competence with numbers. Common misconception! In no way do accountancy firms look for maths graduates, indeed they very openly accept people from all types of degrees, providing you can do well in aptitude tests and interviews. So you're example is bogus I'm afraid, I can tell you that first hand

However granted if you want to be an actuary, maths is obviously the way to go, but the OP wants to work in an Investment Bank so realistically Economics is probably the degree most commonly held by graduates in that field. I'm not saying it's a better or worse degree. I'm not saying it has better or worse prospects. Both of those degrees have very good prospects (assuming a decent university I'd say they are both better than the degree I've taken). I'm just saying that for the OP Economics would appear to be a sound choice, as would Maths, neither will leave him at a disadvantage. Also remember that one of the reasons Economics is a strong degree is because it provides a strong mix of quantitative and qualitative work.

One final note, I don't know your background, but assuming that you are still a student please take a word of advise from me. It doesn't matter if you study Maths at Cambridge or Economics at Oxford, no degree leaves you 'wanted' by top companies in this market. Competition is fierce, especially in fields like the one the OP is interested in, so don't make the mistake of thinking you'll walk into a job when you graduate. If you want a top company then expect to be competing with 50 people for each place. It's all about having the right experience and the right traits these days, the degree is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Take every opportunity to gain relevant experience and demonstrate your ability and don't simply rely on the degree on its own!

[pop101]

(Original post by M1011)
I just so happen to be joining one of the big 4 in a few months, so it's interesting that you mention chartered accountancy. Heads up, there isn't much challenging maths required in accountancy, you don't need a maths degree just a calculator and some basic competence with numbers. Common misconception! In no way do accountancy firms look for maths graduates, indeed they very openly accept people from all types of degrees, providing you can do well in aptitude tests and interviews. So you're example is bogus I'm afraid, I can tell you that first hand

However granted if you want to be an actuary, maths is obviously the way to go, but the OP wants to work in an Investment Bank so realistically Economics is probably the degree most commonly held by graduates in that field. I'm not saying it's a better or worse degree. I'm not saying it has better or worse prospects. Both of those degrees have very good prospects (assuming a decent university I'd say they are both better than the degree I've taken). I'm just saying that for the OP Economics would appear to be a sound choice, as would Maths, neither will leave him at a disadvantage. Also remember that one of the reasons Economics is a strong degree is because it provides a strong mix of quantitative and qualitative work.

One final note, I don't know your background, but assuming that you are still a student please take a word of advise from me. It doesn't matter if you study Maths at Cambridge or Economics at Oxford, no degree leaves you 'wanted' by top companies in this market. Competition is fierce, especially in fields like the one the OP is interested in, so don't make the mistake of thinking you'll walk into a job when you graduate. If you want a top company then expect to be competing with 50 people for each place. It's all about having the right experience and the right traits these days, the degree is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Take every opportunity to gain relevant experience and demonstrate your ability and don't simply rely on the degree on its own!

I think what you have said is true, especially as you are joining a major accountancy firm. But; this is information I have told has been given to me by a chartered accountant. The reasons for choosing a Maths Graduate is because of their analytical skills, their numerical ability and the fact that they are generally very quick at solving anything. BUT, I am in no way saying that if you do a Maths degree, you have the best chance, it varies from company to company, i.e some companies prefer taking graduates from Oxbridge and likewise some companies may prefer Maths graduates. I was suggesting Maths & Economics - which is a good combination for any Financial job. Economics degree, would probably be the most relevant to Accountancy, maybe below Accountancy & Economics.