What business major fits what I'm looking for in your opinion?

Question

After a long hiatus from college, I'm going back at the age of 29.5.

I will be attending Georgia State University in spring '09.

I like business; I read the Wall Street Journal on a daily basis. And I converse with my dad (who has a bachelor's degree in accounting) often about financial issues from pollution to politics often.

Though, my dad has also told me the horror stories of accountancy (arguably, the most versatile major in the business world at the moment), especially at one of the Big 4 firms.

He worked for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, back in the late 60's, early 70's, for many years as one of the first blacks to in the New York office. When he left, he swore to never work for a firm again and still has not, almost 40 years later.

People, I love. Sharing, working with them, individually and corporately. I found it to be mainstay of my life happiness.

But virtually all degrees that concern people have little marketability in private and public sector and compensate even less, or I have to spend the rest of my 30's getting advance degrees to supplement it. Not an option.

Ideally, I would like to combine my business acumen with my fondness for people that would reap a profitable and personally satistifying career in the business world. What business major could that be?

Accounting, finance, and management majors, graduates, and workers, please share your thoughts with me, please. Thanks.

Answer 1

Management in a particular area where GSU has sufficient courses would be good.  Finance sounds like it might fit you, and you can get positions in not only financial services but also other corporations.  If you combined that with marketing, you would also have a leg up on those who only do the "fluffy" kind of marketing.  I think you take basic accounting no matter what.  

Operations is a very under-appreciated concentration in business.  There is an increasing demand for those who can work in operations (not just factories but also in service areas), and this combines finance and other areas.  You could get a very good job with a BA or BS.  I would try for an internship (you should consider whether you want manufacturing or service) to help your employability after school.  

Check out the GSU curriculum thoroughly, and see if any of those majors (operations might include classes from other areas plus some IT), and also see if you can speak with alumni.  

Answer 2

I'm a business guy (Almost done with my MBA). Personally I love business, but I thought from reading what you wrote, that you may be interested in something that would be in social sciences.

Have you ever thought about public administration? PA can set you up for non-profits, government jobs, and people oriented management positions. It may be right up your alley!