I am a high school student and I have narrowed my choices of potential college majors to these two: Computer Science and Accounting.
I have interests in both, and some recommended an MIS major. I researched it a bit and MIS seems to lack competitive qualities versus a computer science degree. It also has one of the highest unemployment rates [MIS.].
I have an interest in economics; both the quantitative areas as well as historical concepts of the subject. I chose to consider accounting over economics due to better employment opportunities and how lucrative the degree can be. I plan to get an MBA or Master’s in Economics after some work experience. Then, a CPA after I get enough credit hours.
I was wondering if anyone could help me decide. I’m interested in both, and deciding on one has been stressing me out lately.
Computer Science offers fantastic employment and salary opportunities, but I am afraid of the math difficulty. Technology and its effect on the world has captured my interest. I’m an introverted type, so I thought this would be a good niche. I like mathematics, as I do very well, but I’m not the best of the best in the subject, and I don’t want it to consume my whole major. I like history, and I hate chemistry very much. So, I’m unsure about this. There’s the possibility of age discrimination as I get older as well…
Also, I have absolutely no programming experience whatsoever. I don’t seem to have any time to learn it on the side because I am in the International Baccalaureate. Also, my school doesn’t offer any programming classes.
I noted that a lot of computer science grads have great starting salaries, but usually cap at about $120k. This is still amazing, but I feel that accounting could possibly have better opportunities for salary growth. CFO, Director, etc.
Accounting supports my interest in the systems of a business and working with numbers. It also seems easier to get a stable job, as the only certifications to get are CPA, CMA, etc. and while hard, it beats having to get a plethora of certifications in several different programming languages or applications, etc. that will eventually become obsolete in a computer science type job. As I previously noted, I am also interested in economics, and I’ll probably take some business economics electives. The careers in accounting are a mixed bag. Some say that its a great choice and their work / life balance is good and they receive fantastic salaries. Others say it’s the worst decision they’ve ever made because of no work / life balance, stressful deadlines, and crappy salaries. So I’m confused with that.
Then there’s the fact that my parents and siblings will look down on me for majoring in something as “unfulfilling and boring” [their words] as accounting. -_-
I want to be a benefit to society, rather than a leech or crook, like some of the people who currently run it. I want to benefit humanity through my work.
So please, help me decide! I’m pretty stressed out about which one to choose.