Startup

Just a quick question, trying to create a startup in the near future and will be enrolled in Stanford in the fall. Would it be better to major in Economics or try to do a CS double major? Or should I do an MBA later on? 

 

Based on the insights from the WSO dataset, if you're aiming to create a startup and are enrolled at Stanford, integrating Computer Science (CS) into your education could be highly beneficial. Here's why:

  1. Technical Foundation: CS provides a solid technical foundation, essential for understanding and leveraging technology in your startup. It equips you with skills in programming, algorithms, and data structures, which are invaluable in today's tech-driven world.

  2. Product Development: With a CS background, you can play a more hands-on role in the development of your startup's product or service. This could range from building a minimum viable product (MVP) yourself to effectively communicating with engineers and developers.

  3. Marketability: A CS degree, especially from a prestigious institution like Stanford, adds significant value to your profile. It demonstrates your ability to handle technical tasks and innovate, making you more attractive to investors, partners, and potential customers.

  4. Flexibility: The tech skills gained from a CS major offer flexibility in pivoting your career or startup idea. If your initial concept doesn't work out, your technical skills can open doors to other opportunities within the tech industry.

Regarding an MBA, it can be a valuable addition later on, especially if you're looking to deepen your understanding of business strategy, management, and entrepreneurship. Stanford's resources for startups are impressive, and an MBA there could provide you with access to a vast network of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors, as well as a deeper understanding of business fundamentals.

In summary, a CS major or double major could provide immediate technical skills and benefits for your startup journey, while an MBA could offer valuable business insights and networking opportunities later on. Your decision might depend on your current skill set, the nature of your startup, and your long-term career goals.

Sources: MBA: Stanford or Harvard?, Undergrad: Is computer science 'hotter' than a business degree?, Why You Should Launch a Startup Instead of Going to the Buyside, MBA? Go to Wall Street NOT a Start Up!, Majoring in Wall Street?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Alright thanks for your reply however If the startup doesn't workout I want to have an plan B which is investment banking that's why I would try to double major in ECON and Cs thanks

 

You’re better off double majoring in CS and a hard science (physics, math, chemistry) because entrepreneurship in this stage of capitalism is driven by scientific innovation.

For IB, you can acquire all your knowledge through IB guides. The ECON degree is overkill and won’t actually give you skills you can monetize for entrepreneurship. 
 

Macro 101, a sliver of micro 101, and accounting 101 and finance 101 is the maximum you need. After that, it’s about practical knowledge.

 
jodav

You’re better off double majoring in CS and a hard science (physics, math, chemistry) because entrepreneurship in this stage of capitalism is driven by scientific innovation.

For IB, you can acquire all your knowledge through IB guides. The ECON degree is overkill and won’t actually give you skills you can monetize for entrepreneurship. 
 

Macro 101, a sliver of micro 101, and accounting 101 and finance 101 is the maximum you need. After that, it’s about practical knowledge.

Dumb advice, totally wrong.

 

The economics degree is functionally useless for a career in Finance or Entrepreneurship. If you are not paying for your time there, I'd do Management Science and CS with a minor in Econ. If you are, I'd do just CS and minor in Mgmt sci.

 

Voluptas temporibus animi atque quo enim eum dolores. Soluta architecto libero repellendus facere quia in et. Exercitationem officiis nam consectetur aliquam sit adipisci accusantium. Laudantium sequi eaque nam illo.

Beatae omnis eveniet sapiente. Sit ipsum quas quaerat sit nemo eius impedit fugit. Est sit eaque veniam nemo assumenda unde qui. Sequi iste deleniti veritatis molestiae et placeat reiciendis. Doloremque nam ut non illum id.

Et saepe sint nihil quas iure et dolore impedit. Quam vel et dolor nulla atque fugiat. Possimus minima quasi quia quas. Voluptatem reiciendis in fuga architecto eum laudantium. Est qui vel facere impedit voluptatem est. Temporibus sequi tempora et hic dolor.

Soluta repellat odio voluptatem qui quas doloribus excepturi et. Quos esse sunt veniam reprehenderit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”