Business degrees

[ScottieK]

Management Info Systems - learn MS-Office programs, database theory and structure, how to analyze, design, and implement a computer system or network, learn how to program in C++/ Visual Basic (probably Java too), maybe learn how to set up a network from server to terminals, probably some HTML in there too. Math required - algebra, although Calc 1 was a requirement for me to get into business school. Jobs are usually analyst / programmer, unless you find something specific like database applications, webpage design, or systems design.

Finance - learn how loans and bonds are structured, how amortization and interest work, how to analyze financial statements and loan applicants, bugets and proforma statements, analyze stock performance, construct stock portfolios, international markets and investment opportunities, how money and banking works in the U.S., maybe take an elective that explores venture capitalism... Math required - algebra. Get a job as a loan underwriter, investment analyst, budget analyst, maybe loan officer, consultant, venture capital analyst, or be a cool forensic financial analyst with the FBI. If you go into banking, maybe become a senior credit analyst or move into a loan officer position. IME, stock brokerages want marketing majors for their stock broker positions, since it is a sales job.

Accounting - take classes like financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, tax accounting, partnership tax accounting, auditing...get a job as an auditor or tax accountant with a local CPA or big 4 firm. Eventually take the CPA exam, maybe go into practice for yourself or be a partner in a CPA firm. Algebra required.

For all the b-school haters out there....IME the ones who couldn't make it past Intro to Finance (about 25% of the b-school undergrads) went to liberal arts or university studies. B-school isn't the hardest stuff on the planet, but it's not the easiest either.

ScottieK