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Which major is better? Math, Finance or Accounting?
I love numbers . I don't know if I should pursue a major in Math, Finance or Accounting. #accounting #finance #business #math #major
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Molly’s Answer
There is no right answer here, my advice is to always study what interests you most! When you create a career out of your major/education, it's important that it be something you enjoy. All of these majors have different pros and cons and all of them could turn into wonderful careers that are enriching and exciting. I will give my advice on the question of finance vs. accounting though. My personal opinion is that an individual who begins their career in accounting can always switch to finance later on, but the reverse is not always true. Individuals with strong accounting foundations typically have opportunities in their careers to interact with the finance teams at their clients. Many individuals eventually make the switch from public accounting into "industry" meaning joining those finance-type teams. Accounting is a really great base of foundational knowledge and could set you up for a successful career in accounting, but also in consulting and finance roles down the line. Lastly, you could always consider a double major or a minor if you have multiple interests and cannot decide. Or you can pursue graduate school later on!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Samuel
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Christine’s Answer
Hi! Whichever one you choose, it might be a good idea to pair your numbers-related major with a minor in Information Systems or something else related to technology. I work in HR operations at an accounting firm and technology is revolutionizing the way our accountants and consultants perform their work. Get a leg up on the competition by learning about automation and the digitization of work so you future proof your career with numbers! Best of luck!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Samuel
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David’s Answer
As commented by Rachel, the path may depend on what area of business interests you. I am part of an insurance company Corporate Planning department whose the leaders have been Actuaries, Accountants and Financial Analysts. So one can get ultimately get to Finance leadership roles from any of these options, as long as you can learn the business, as Nuno points out.
Note that, depending upon your particular university, Actuarial Science may be a minor in a Math degree, a stand-alone major in that School, or a stand-alone major in the Business School, or none the above ("just" a Math degree). Successful actuaries have come from all of these options.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Samuel
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Jacklyn’s Answer
Hello Arely!
Great question! Choosing a major is a big decision and can feel overwhelming for many students! It is so important to consider all factors when choosing as it creates the path for the rest of your years in school and shapes your professional career.
I do not believe that any of the majors you are considering are better or worse than each other on their own. But, you have to really think deeply about what you want your career to be after school!!
My advice would be to get connected with Student Professional Organizations on your campus (each major should have a few groups to get plugged into) While you're at the meetings, chat with the upperclassmen already pursuing each major and learn about their career plans. Occasionally, student professional organizations will also bring in companies that are recruiting their students. You could attend information sessions about these companies to learn more about the type of work you can do with each major that way as well.
Once you gather that information you will have a clearer picture of each major and hopefully be able to choose the one is best for you and your career goals!!
Best of luck!
Jackie Molz
PwC TID Recruiter
Austin, TX
Get connected with Student Professional Organizations on you campu
Ask questions about potential careers opportunities with each major (to upperclassmen and recruiters)
Great question! Choosing a major is a big decision and can feel overwhelming for many students! It is so important to consider all factors when choosing as it creates the path for the rest of your years in school and shapes your professional career.
I do not believe that any of the majors you are considering are better or worse than each other on their own. But, you have to really think deeply about what you want your career to be after school!!
My advice would be to get connected with Student Professional Organizations on your campus (each major should have a few groups to get plugged into) While you're at the meetings, chat with the upperclassmen already pursuing each major and learn about their career plans. Occasionally, student professional organizations will also bring in companies that are recruiting their students. You could attend information sessions about these companies to learn more about the type of work you can do with each major that way as well.
Once you gather that information you will have a clearer picture of each major and hopefully be able to choose the one is best for you and your career goals!!
Best of luck!
Jackie Molz
PwC TID Recruiter
Austin, TX
Jacklyn recommends the following next steps:
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Samuel
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Allison’s Answer
Accounting is a great foundation for your career. It's easy to jump to other opportunities (within Math and Finance) if you have an Accounting background to start with.
Accounting PwC PwCisGo
Accounting PwC PwCisGo
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Samuel
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Julie’s Answer
Hi Arely,
It depends on your career goals. I did my first degree in Mathematics and loved the coursework. After working in nonprofit financial administration I decided to go back to school and earned a BBA in Financial Accounting. Both career paths allowed me to use analytical and problem solving skills and work with data manipulation. Accounting offers a more defined career path where mathematics will require graduate coursework to advance your career.
It depends on your career goals. I did my first degree in Mathematics and loved the coursework. After working in nonprofit financial administration I decided to go back to school and earned a BBA in Financial Accounting. Both career paths allowed me to use analytical and problem solving skills and work with data manipulation. Accounting offers a more defined career path where mathematics will require graduate coursework to advance your career.
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Laurie’s Answer
It really depends on what type of job you want in the future. If you want to be in business I would recommend accounting. Once you achieve basic accounting skills you will have many opportunities in finance and other business areas. My recommendation is to obtain an accounting degree, work in public accounting and then move into the area you are most interested in. Good luck!
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Michael’s Answer
I would recommend Finance or Accounting. They are more diverse and can be much more relatable to real life. Math majors study advanced calculus and study very complex mathematics that are not as useful in real life. You can use the knowledge you gain as a Finance or Accounting major in your real life as well as other business opportunities once you graduate.
Good luck in your future!
Good luck in your future!
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Diane’s Answer
In my experience, people who major in math have an advanced ability to think logically, work through complex problems, develop solutions, and see the big picture. I am not a math major but have worked with several during my career and they are some of the smartest people I know! I would not hesitate to hire a math major.
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Rachael’s Answer
Hi Arely,
I think it depends on what you intend to do with your degree. If you want to become an actuarial, I would suggest math. If you are interested in becoming a CPA, accounting. If you enjoy financial planning, finance. I would do some research into the career path you intend on persuing and determine which majors align most closely. Those majors are certainly a trifecta of success for any career you choose (speaking as an accounting and finance major). Consider the possibility of double majoring or majoring in one and minoring in the other two.
Best of luck.
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JAYAKRISHNAN’s Answer
Math, Accounting and Finance are highly correlated disciplines. As you mentioned if you really love numbers I will suggest you to do majors related Financial Mathematics
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Narina’s Answer
I would advise Finance. Math is great if you are going to focus on statistics, science or teaching in your career. Accounting is great but can be easily leveraged after getting a finance degree. Add CPA certificate to your financial degree and you become an Accounting manager, Director of Finance and a lot of other options are opened up for you. Also if you haven't made your decision yet on what area to choose - you can shift between bank, real estate company or education business for example. Finance degree gives you that ability to move from industry to industry easier. Good luck to you and whatever you choose I am sure it will be a great decision!
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Steven’s Answer
It's going to be dependent on your individual goals. If you are interested in pursuing a career in actuarial and truly like interacting with the numbers, Math would be the best degree. If you want to be more business oriented, accounting would be the best path. I would recommend sitting with individuals in each career vein to see what is going to be the most interesting to you, as that really will be the "best" major.
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Stephen’s Answer
This is a very difficult question as it is depends on what intrigues you the most.
In my opinion, if you are leaning towards either finance or accounting, you would benefit from going into accounting as that will help you gain a good understanding of the background of how the financials of a company work. From there, having an accounting background is great for a finance career as it gives you a different perspective on how everything works.
Most importantly, you should take classes in college that encompass all three of those fields. This way you can get a better perspective and understanding of how all of them work for you and which one you like best.
In my opinion, if you are leaning towards either finance or accounting, you would benefit from going into accounting as that will help you gain a good understanding of the background of how the financials of a company work. From there, having an accounting background is great for a finance career as it gives you a different perspective on how everything works.
Most importantly, you should take classes in college that encompass all three of those fields. This way you can get a better perspective and understanding of how all of them work for you and which one you like best.
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Emilio’s Answer
Hi there!
I think this question all depends on personal preference. In highschool I was really into math and originally wanted to go into engineering, but after taking various science courses I learned that engineering was the wrong path for me. I always had an interest in business and thought that either accounting or finance was a good balance between math and business. Ultimately I chose accounting because I felt that it would be easier to transition from accounting to finance rather than the other way around. I ended up sticking with accounting and really happy where it has taken me.
Look into the different types of careers from each major and see what interest you
I think this question all depends on personal preference. In highschool I was really into math and originally wanted to go into engineering, but after taking various science courses I learned that engineering was the wrong path for me. I always had an interest in business and thought that either accounting or finance was a good balance between math and business. Ultimately I chose accounting because I felt that it would be easier to transition from accounting to finance rather than the other way around. I ended up sticking with accounting and really happy where it has taken me.
Emilio recommends the following next steps:
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Alex’s Answer
Each of these majors has their pros and cons. I can speak on the side of accounting and finance. I started off as finance major but after a year switched to accounting. The advice I got and most people will tell you is that it is easier to get a finance job with an accounting degree than it is to get an accounting job with a finance degree. Looking back, in a lot of ways I wish I stayed with finance, but I am really happy with accounting and the potential it has. I am currently in audit and the future potential is unbelievable. A lot of the exit opportunities are different finance jobs, which is cool.
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