What college degree is the most suitable for a future business venture?

[boyski33]

Hey folks! I'd be really glad if you could read my entire question and help me.
I'm about to go to college, but I'm from the few who haven't chosen what to do with their life yet... I've already applied for computer science in the UK (I'm from Europe), but I'm pretty sure I don't want to work as a programmer for the rest of my life. I do enjoy programming to some extent, and I love technology, but I don't see myself working for salary as a programmer when I'm 35-40 years old, but as far as a computer science degree goes, I'm most probably expected to wind up that way. I'm not saying that working for a salary is bad. I'm saying that, personally, I prefer to start my own business, and be an entrepreneur. Both cases have their benefits and drawbacks, for sure! There are plenty of examples of people from computer science that created successful business ventures, such as Bill Gates and Michael Dell, but I don't really expect to have a business in the computer field. I like making money (not just the money itself, but he entire process), and I think I would be happy to be in charge of almost any business, as long as it's functioning OK.

So, my real question is, do I have to stick to my computer science degree, or pursue a different one, maybe in the business/management area?
In my opinion, there are certain benefits of a Computer Science degree over a Business one: better job security, and bigger demand of computer specialists than business or management graduates (correct me, if I'm wrong). Plus, the salaries of programmers are a little better for those who are able to find a decent job. The drawbacks of starting a business are, of course, the huge risks you take, not just financially. A lot of people tell me that I need to have some starting capital, and the best way to gather this capital is by saving a part of my salary as a programmer, but I'm not entirely sure that this is the best way, though.

Overall, I'm extremely confused and puzzled as to what "path in life" to pursue. There are just so many overwhelming opportunities, that only make me wonder more and more about what to do. It's like Yahoo Answers is my last chance to get my head straight. So, please, try to help me straighten my head, and give me some advice! Any advice would be more than helpful (even if you say: "I don't know!", really...)

Thanks in advance!

[Freelancier]

A tech degree makes you more employable than a general business/management degree. People don't hire managers right out of school, they want people with experience for those roles.

So get the tech degree. BUT if you want to be an entrepreneur, you will want to get some business and accounting courses in while you're at university so that you'll be ready to talk business with people and get a basic understanding of business and accounting principles. And don't sell getting a "real job" short: part of being a good businessperson is having experience with how companies are run and figuring out what works and what doesn't and networking with other successful people... and you can't do that so easily while working alone in your basement.

By the way, I was self-employed at an early age and have helped run several small companies along the way, but at the end of the day, I can always do programming for someone to make money. It's a great fallback plan.

[Harold Mansfield]

Overall, I'm extremely confused and puzzled as to what "path in life" to pursue.

Unfortunately, we can't help you figure that out. You've only said that some day you want to go into business for yourself, but haven't narrowed down for what. So how can we tell you the best degree to have that will help you?

What you are experiencing is normal. Not everyone has their life plan figured out as a college freshman. Actually most don't. It's the journey that steers you in the direction. What you feel today, may not even be applicable 5 years from now.

Personally, I didn't decide to go into business for myself until my 30's. A college degree is helpful, especially if it comes with technical and business management knowledge. But what is more helpful in college is experiencing the full gambit of opportunities and ideas, and learning how to learn. That will help you down the road no matter what you end up pursuing.

I wouldn't freak out just yet in your freshman year. If you have an interest in Computer Science, then take it. Go to class, and actually learn something. But who knows...after a your first year you may decide that you love law instead.

[KristineS]

The reality is that any degree is helpful. If you don't have a specific career for which you're aiming, join the club. The first time I went to college I was going for degrees in International Relations and Journalism. I was going to wear a trench coat and be a foreign correspondent. I actually ended up earning a degree in Business and a degree in Marketing. Sometimes going for a degree that makes practical sense is the right choice.

[Steve B]

The reality is that any degree is helpful.

I disagree! Many degrees can be a complete waste of time and money. Unless you have rich parents and you don't ever need to earn a living on your own, you need to look at the degree choice exactly the way you are. It is an investment in time and money and it has many competing choices for your time and money. Keep doing your analysis, but understand you will eventually have to make a choice on incomplete data (like so many things in life).

[billbenson]

I disagree! Many degrees can be a complete waste of time and money. Unless you have rich parents and you don't ever need to earn a living on your own, you need to look at the degree choice exactly the way you are. It is an investment in time and money and it has many competing choices for your time and money. Keep doing your analysis, but understand you will eventually have to make a choice on incomplete data (like so many things in life).

And I disagree. The most important skill I got from college was learning how to learn. It allowed me to recover from a career that no longer existed to starting my own business.

Having said that, I think computer science is a great degree and will help you in the future. I would definitely take business classes and chemistry classes while you are there. That will give you knowledge of growing industries and business.

A computer science degree will get you your first job, which you need. You need to work for a company for a while. The other knowledge will help you in becoming skilled enough to go solo.

[boyski33]

Thank you all! I just got an offer from the University of Leeds that I've been admitted, which is pretty cool! I'll stick to computer science.

[Gabe]

You'll have to make your own decision, but CS will probably be the most useful. Software is eating the world, and the ability to build your one app or web service will save you a lot of money and give you a step up. CS is also the most employable degree these days.