[hellomoto170]

Title maybe isn't the best. Basically, I'm currently doing my A levels and really want to study Economics. My parents really want me to study medicine but their only reason for this is because they worry I may struggle to find a job, will be more likely to lose my job in the future etc doing economics (typical parental worrying things).
I'll be honest though, I really don't know anything about this... I understand at a basic level how it could be risky, for example bankers losing their jobs when the economy is bad etc, but if you have an economics degree from say, a top 5 uni, is it still risky or are you sure to find some decent opportunities?
OBVIOUSLY no one can guarantee I'll get a good job with a 100k salary, but I'm just wondering if anyone could perhaps explain to me the risks a little bit, and whether it is exaggerated or a genuine issue.
Assuming I get my predicted grades at AS, I hope to apply to places such as LSE, UCL, Warwick, Durham, Bath etc, so I am looking at top 5-10 unis.

Just to emphasise once again, I know virtually all jobs have risks, I'm just after some opinions and any relevant info people may have. I don't claim to be an expert on any of this, just looking for some advice. Thanks

[WayneCorp]

This is a very similiar dilemma a lot of Asian students at my school have. Either student choose a degree themselves (through what interests them), or let the parent limit the child by simply speaking of "medicine" as soon as they hear their child is intelligent enough. Medicine requires so much more, and you should have a passion for it. Have you done any volunteering and work experience at hospitals? If not, I would probably stop thinking about it, due to it being ultra-competitive these days, not to say Economics at a top 5 uni isn't.

Some members of my family are the same, so I talk from experience. I must say EVEN with 4 As, you still need luck on your side to crack a place at one of the top 5 unis. And even though that puts you in a prime position, don't suddenly think that's a key to a 6 figure salary. You will need to impress at summer internship schemes and go out of you way to make it happen. Whilst medicine will indeed get you a job, Economics simply shows you are competent enough and have a sufficient understanding of global markets.

Economics is still a very respected degree, but it is not so vocational and might be deemed risky. In fact, every degree would then be "risky". You still have to go a long way after university.

[banterr]

an economics degree is one of the most employable degrees out there. i'm not quite sure what you mean by risky as graduates with an economic degree by no means live in fear of becoming unemployed.

are you applying for 2013? if so and you are still debating medicine or economics then you really need to make up your mind sooner rather than later. also there is no point in making your choice on what your pay check will be as that is by no means enough incentive you get you through the course...

[hellomoto170]

(Original post by WayneCorp)
This is a very similiar dilemma a lot of Asian students at my school have. Either student choose a degree themselves (through what interests them), or let the parent limit the child by simply speaking of "medicine" as soon as they hear their child is intelligent enough. Medicine requires so much more, and you should have a passion for it. Have you done any volunteering and work experience at hospitals? If not, I would probably stop thinking about it, due to it being ultra-competitive these days, not to say Economics at a top 5 uni isn't.

Some members of my family are the same, so I talk from experience. I must say EVEN with 4 As, you still need luck on your side to crack a place at one of the top 5 unis. And even though that puts you in a prime position, don't suddenly think that's a key to a 6 figure salary. You will need to impress at summer internship schemes and go out of you way to make it happen. Whilst medicine will indeed get you a job, Economics simply shows you are competent enough and have a sufficient understanding of global markets.

Economics is still a very respected degree, but it is not so vocational and might be deemed risky. In fact, every degree would then be "risky". You still have to go a long way after university.

thanks for the reply. Of course, I appreciate that medicine can't just be studied as a safety option and you obviously need the passion and relevant experience too.
The internships and summer schools is something I've not read a lot into but it makes perfect sense that you'd need to impress in those two as well as getting a good degree.

(Original post by banterr)
an economics degree is one of the most employable degrees out there. i'm not quite sure what you mean by risky as graduates with an economic degree by no means live in fear of becoming unemployed.

are you applying for 2013? if so and you are still debating medicine or economics then you really need to make up your mind sooner rather than later. also there is no point in making your choice on what your pay check will be as that is by no means enough incentive you get you through the course...

That is true of course, yeah applying in 2013. But I suppose that's true, just worrying hearing about people both on here and in person who have degrees from LSE (someone I know) struggling to find a job. Of course this goes against the norm, but I suppose I'm just curious as to why so many struggle to find jobs after studying economics, unless of course that is just my perception and it is exaggerated.

[banterr]

(Original post by hellomoto170)
thanks for the reply. Of course, I appreciate that medicine can't just be studied as a safety option and you obviously need the passion and relevant experience too.
The internships and summer schools is something I've not read a lot into but it makes perfect sense that you'd need to impress in those two as well as getting a good degree.



That is true of course, yeah applying in 2013. But I suppose that's true, just worrying hearing about people both on here and in person who have degrees from LSE (someone I know) struggling to find a job. Of course this goes against the norm, but I suppose I'm just curious as to why so many struggle to find jobs after studying economics, unless of course that is just my perception and it is exaggerated.

Out of interest what a levels are you studying? pretty strange that your choice has allowed both medicine and economics to be realistically options

[WayneCorp]

(Original post by banterr)
Out of interest what a levels are you studying? pretty strange that your choice has allowed both medicine and economics to be realistically options

I'm doing Economics, Maths, Chemistry and Biology. I'm applying for Economics, but obviously Medicine was open to me too.

[banterr]

(Original post by WayneCorp)
I'm doing Economics, Maths, Chemistry and Biology. I'm applying for Economics, but obviously Medicine was open to me too.

oh right - probably the only combination that would let you get away with considering both realistically lol

edit: why have i been negged for this?

[printergirl]

(Original post by WayneCorp)
This is a very similiar dilemma a lot of Asian students at my school have. Either student choose a degree themselves (through what interests them), or let the parent limit the child by simply speaking of "medicine" as soon as they hear their child is intelligent enough. Medicine requires so much more, and you should have a passion for it. Have you done any volunteering and work experience at hospitals? If not, I would probably stop thinking about it, due to it being ultra-competitive these days, not to say Economics at a top 5 uni isn't.

Some members of my family are the same, so I talk from experience. I must say EVEN with 4 As, you still need luck on your side to crack a place at one of the top 5 unis. And even though that puts you in a prime position, don't suddenly think that's a key to a 6 figure salary. You will need to impress at summer internship schemes and go out of you way to make it happen. Whilst medicine will indeed get you a job, Economics simply shows you are competent enough and have a sufficient understanding of global markets.

Economics is still a very respected degree, but it is not so vocational and might be deemed risky. In fact, every degree would then be "risky". You still have to go a long way after university.

very stereotypical, but true

to the op, medicine is the best choice for career wise its a very rewarding and fulfilling job

[Colmans]

If you have no Fm your chances of LSE or UCL or Cambridge for economics are quite slim. I think the employment prospects for numerate economists are as good as medicine nowadays. Really you should do a subject you want to study for three years or more like six for medicine.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[hellomoto170]

(Original post by banterr)
Out of interest what a levels are you studying? pretty strange that your choice has allowed both medicine and economics to be realistically options

maths, economics, biology and chemistry.
Pretty much hated chemistry AS and found myself spending most my revision on it despite the fact that I was almost certainly going to drop it... And I still would be chuffed with a B. Hoping for 3 A's in the other subjects.

To be honest I'm 90% certain on economics, was just curious as to what the risks were in terms of future employment, but I suppose if I finish a top 5 uni and still can't get a job... There won't be much more I could have done.

[hellomoto170]

(Original post by Colmans)
If you have no Fm your chances of LSE or UCL or Cambridge for economics are quite slim. I think the employment prospects for numerate economists are as good as medicine nowadays. Really you should do a subject you want to study for three years or more like six for medicine.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

hmm... I would agree with LSE but not so much the others. I mean, I would argue if I got an A* in Biology and maths it shows I am a more well rounded individual than if I A*'d further maths and maths... Of course you could say bio has nothing to do with economics but it can be spun both ways.
I've heard LSE's course is very maths heavy but not sure if your point is correct about say, UCL, Warwick, Durham and Bath etc.

[banterr]

(Original post by hellomoto170)
hmm... I would agree with LSE but not so much the others. I mean, I would argue if I got an A* in Biology and maths it shows I am a more well rounded individual than if I A*'d further maths and maths... Of course you could say bio has nothing to do with economics but it can be spun both ways.
I've heard LSE's course is very maths heavy but not sure if your point is correct about say, UCL, Warwick, Durham and Bath etc.

all BSc's are maths heavy (with the exception of oxbridge which is only BA in name) therefore LSE, UCL, Warwick, Bath and whatever other university you are applying to will want you to have further maths. it is not so much the grades you get in FM but the fact that is shows your enthusiasm. (also, personally i don't believe core modules are a good indicator of someone's actual ability)

that being said uni's don't look for one specific set of a levels and reject everyone else without them - otherwise everyone would be the same. biology and chemistry are respected subjects and provided your application is good you'll still have a fairly solid chance at getting in.

[hellomoto170]

(Original post by banterr)
all BSc's are maths heavy (with the exception of oxbridge which is only BA in name) therefore LSE, UCL, Warwick, Bath and whatever other university you are applying to will want you to have further maths. it is not so much the grades you get in FM but the fact that is shows your enthusiasm. (also, personally i don't believe core modules are a good indicator of someone's actual ability)

that being said uni's don't look for one specific set of a levels and reject everyone else without them - otherwise everyone would be the same. biology and chemistry are respected subjects and provided your application is good you'll still have a fairly solid chance at getting in.

I know they're maths heavy, but if someone is smart enough to get an A* in regular maths, and gets A's and A*'s in their two other subjects, surely that is enough of an indication that they're good enough for an economics course?
Obviously if you also go on to A* further maths, you're showing you're really good at maths, but I just don't think it's favoured as strongly as some make out...
But let me make it very clear, I don't claim to know this as fact and certainly am no expert
I heard once that an LSE lecturer asked a group of students to put their hand up if they had studied further maths and about 70-80% raised their hands.

[banterr]

(Original post by hellomoto170)
I know they're maths heavy, but if someone is smart enough to get an A* in regular maths, and gets A's and A*'s in their two other subjects, surely that is enough of an indication that they're good enough for an economics course?
Obviously if you also go on to A* further maths, you're showing you're really good at maths, but I just don't think it's favoured as strongly as some make out...
But let me make it very clear, I don't claim to know this as fact and certainly am no expert
I heard once that an LSE lecturer asked a group of students to put their hand up if they had studied further maths and about 70-80% raised their hands.

you seem to contradict yourself here a little bit. the fact that 80% of students had studied it clearly means they like it. also the other 20% would most likely of had strong essay writing skills (taking subjects like history/english lit) and that is what made up for the lack of FM.

also many people speak from experience here, people with straight A*'s got rejected with the only possible reason being a lack of FM.

[hellomoto170]

(Original post by banterr)
you seem to contradict yourself here a little bit. the fact that 80% of students had studied it clearly means they like it. also the other 20% would most likely of had strong essay writing skills (taking subjects like history/english lit) and that is what made up for the lack of FM.

also many people speak from experience here, people with straight A*'s got rejected with the only possible reason being a lack of FM.

not contradicting, I was adding to your argument after accepting your point that FM is very desirable. I was just disagreeing with when you said people without it have a slim chance, though I suppose it depends what you mean by slim chance and that is all pointless semantics.
I guess my point is I think someone studying maths and two sciences, assuming they get straight A's/A*'s still has a very good chance of a place at a top 5 economics uni.

[AH95]

(Original post by hellomoto170)

Its like looking in a mirror

I had exatly the same dilema with my parents, and still do... I accidently buckled under the presure from them and took Chemistry instead of Economics, and so am in a bit of a pickle Consider yourself lucky you actually took economics at your AS levels! I took geography (and dont regret it).

statistically, I think having an economics degree is right at the top in terms of graduate prospects, and is 3rd in the list after medecine and dentistry if Im not mistaken?

Are you of Indian origin by any chance? Im just asking because I am, and its almost become a stereotype that all indian parents want children in medicine (or engineering), and thats true from my experience...

[-Illmatic-]

(Original post by hellomoto170)
Title maybe isn't the best. Basically, I'm currently doing my A levels and really want to study Economics. My parents really want me to study medicine but their only reason for this is because they worry I may struggle to find a job, will be more likely to lose my job in the future etc doing economics (typical parental worrying things).
I'll be honest though, I really don't know anything about this... I understand at a basic level how it could be risky, for example bankers losing their jobs when the economy is bad etc, but if you have an economics degree from say, a top 5 uni, is it still risky or are you sure to find some decent opportunities?
OBVIOUSLY no one can guarantee I'll get a good job with a 100k salary, but I'm just wondering if anyone could perhaps explain to me the risks a little bit, and whether it is exaggerated or a genuine issue.
Assuming I get my predicted grades at AS, I hope to apply to places such as LSE, UCL, Warwick, Durham, Bath etc, so I am looking at top 5-10 unis.

Just to emphasise once again, I know virtually all jobs have risks, I'm just after some opinions and any relevant info people may have. I don't claim to be an expert on any of this, just looking for some advice. Thanks

An econ graduate from the aforementioned Universities is very, very employable- you have nothing to worry about. Do Economics, it seems as if youll have a much more genuine interest in the discipline.

[funkydee]

what are your gcse's like anyway?

(Original post by hellomoto170)
hmm... I would agree with LSE but not so much the others. I mean, I would argue if I got an A* in Biology and maths it shows I am a more well rounded individual than if I A*'d further maths and maths... Of course you could say bio has nothing to do with economics but it can be spun both ways.
I've heard LSE's course is very maths heavy but not sure if your point is correct about say, UCL, Warwick, Durham and Bath etc.

lol you obv dont know much about higher ed econ... firstly there'll be maths wherever you go.

I'd take FM AS up next year if i was you...

LSE L101 without any FM is just lol

your A* in biology thing was also a logic fail...

(Original post by hellomoto170)
Obviously if you also go on to A* further maths, you're showing you're really good at maths, but I just don't think it's favoured as strongly as some make out...

there's a reason people say this all the time.

the econ undergrad tutor said to us at the offer holder day,

if you dont feel comfortable with maths then LSE isnt the place for you.. (this was to econ students)

[wwelol]

i choose medicine b/c i want to save lives and i did not choose econ b/c i dontt wanna ruin the economy

[funkydee]

(Original post by wwelol)
i choose medicine b/c i want to save lives and i did not choose econ b/c i dontt wanna ruin the economy

i would insult your idiocy but i just cba.......