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a_man
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Does economic minor means anything when you are at work ?
Locrian said:Very unlikely. Most minors are essentially worthless, so you need some good reason that one wouldn't be.
I don't think there is such a reason.
kote said:A double major or minor in something like econ, or especially in the humanities, can be extremely valuable for setting an engineer apart in the application process both in engineering and in other fields like management or finance.
Locrian said:I don't understand this grouping together of double majors and minors in the same analysis. No one has mentioned a double major, and it seems like it would need to be weighted very differently.
I’m really suspicious of this idea that an econ minor would have value in management, and would be interested in hearing what skills you think they’d bring to the table. I’ll admit to knowing less about engineering management, though my own research (way back in 2006) suggested an MBA was what was on hiring manager’s minds. Most engineering departments have been adding management classes for the past decade, and some even have engineering management degrees. I’d bet grabbing a few of those classes would be more valuable than a touch of econ.
I feel very strongly that an econ minor will have no value in finance. My experience reading career forums like the actuarial outpost, wilmott and quantnet tell me that those hiring career changers are looking for specific skills – mathematical skills, programming languages, computer knowledge, etc. – that don’t appear in the kind of low level classes you take to get an econ minor. Heck, I have a hard time thinking of any skills a minor in econ imbues someone with. A bit of statistics? Some frighteningly basic macro/micro knowledge? If you’re an engineering major who wants to work in finance, you’re better off in the computer science department than the economics department.
Even a BS in economics doesn’t take you all that far these days – most people seem to be searching for masters or more. However I’ll certainly grant that a double major in economics and engineering would make a candidate stand out from the crowd.
The engineering program at my university required a single course in engineering economics, which was actually been pretty practical. I think an economics minor would be useful, especially if one wanted to go more into management as opposed to research or production. One should also look into the requirements of a economics degree to see what difference there is between one's intended minor and the full degree requirements. If they are not much, then one should consider a double major.a_man said:Does economic minor means anything when you are at work ?
An economic minor for engineering students is a set of courses that focus on the principles and applications of economics in the field of engineering. This minor allows students to gain a better understanding of the economic factors that influence engineering projects and decisions.
An economic minor can provide engineering students with a well-rounded education and a deeper understanding of the business and financial aspects of the engineering industry. It can also make them more marketable to potential employers who value a diverse skill set.
Yes, engineering students with no prior knowledge in economics can still pursue an economic minor. The courses are designed to introduce students to basic economic principles and build upon them throughout the program.
An economic minor can benefit an engineering student's career by providing them with a broader perspective and a better understanding of the economic implications of their work. It can also open up opportunities for careers in business, finance, and consulting.
The specific courses for an economic minor may vary depending on the university, but some common ones include microeconomics, macroeconomics, engineering economics, and business finance. It is recommended to consult with an academic advisor to determine the best courses for your individual goals and interests.