undergrad degree program selection and grad school in economics

[philecon]

I applied for transfer into my university's business economics program (University of the Philippines), and I just learned from a friend that I was admitted into the program. Although I am ecstatic to learn that I was admitted, I am a bit apprehensive about accepting the slot.

First off, I am currently in the accounting program, which, for some students, is the "most prestigious program" in my school. Aside from the prestige the program brings, the program does offer top-notch finance courses that interest me. And it does give me an advantage over other graduates when I enter into the job market, since I do not plan on going straight into a graduate program yet. However, I can't take all the math and economics classes that I need. And it is more practitioner-oriented.

The business economics program offers flexibility in a sense that I can take the math and econ classes that I need; also, I can take the finance courses that i want. It also gives me ample research opportunities. In short, it is tailor-fit for my plans of going into graduate school. However, it doesn't have that much of a pull as compared to the accounting program when it comes into the job market.

I care about economics and math so much, that I so want to accept the slot; however, I also have to be "pragmatic", in a sense. This is my dilemma right now. Do you think that in choosing to shift in business economics, I'd be making the right choice, in terms of career options (I do want to become an academic economist, but I want to have a job first) and grad school prep?

[Andronicus]

If what you really want to do is become an academic economists, then choose the program that prepares you best for that career. Your long-term career goals are more important that what you want to do in the interim.

[asianeconomist]

As I see it, your short-term goals should be deemed as stepping stones towards reaching your ultimate long-term objective.

I also worked for an year (along with some of my friends) before going back to grad school and I really do not think that I benefited from this time off. However, you might have some specific objectives such as saving up money or financing something. Even in that case, you should target the biz econ program, as it will help you more in achieving your objectives. The only thing that is required of you is a strong resolve !

[jeeves0923]

You ought to maximize your total discounted future utility. To me, this includes the business econ program, as it will get you to your eventual goal with more success. If you do well in the program, I'd venture to guess you wouldn't have too much trouble getting a decent job in the interim.

[flipecon1]

good to meet fellow filipinos here. hey philecon. the way i see it, and based on my experience in ADMU, education in the phils is way different from the education you get from north america. so you might want to really prepare yourself before you go to grad school. most universities here in canada require filipinos to have a masters degree before they could qualify for the masters degree here. i know it sucks, but its good to be prepared. just take more econ and math courses. from my experience, its totally different. i dont know about UP diliman tho. hope this helps.