Should I take honestly take Accounting or Marketing? (1 Viewer)

[blueflowerleopard]

Yo yo I know this is long, but if you take a min to read it, it'd help me out so so very much

Okay, so this is basically my predicament I've been concerned over for the past few months now. I'd love if you could read what kind of person I am, my situation, and what YOU think I should do? :')

I'm a UNSW Bachelor of Commerce student, more or less in 2nd year now. I'm rather a creative person, though I do like Business as well - and I'm taking it due to the flexibility of pathways and opportunities I can have from doing such a widely applicable course. I personally prefer the creative and strategic side of business as opposed to the Mathy side for sure (definitely not a Mathy / formula-ish person). I'm not completely dumb at Maths but it takes me way longer (and a lot more pain and dislike) to practice and get good at it. Generally I'm the type of student to ace writing subjects in reports, exams, presentations etc.

Now, the issue is, I now need to choose my 2 Majors for a Double-major. One I'm set on is IS - Information Systems, as I'm a real tech/computer bug and I genuinely enjoyed INFS 1602 as well. However, the SECOND Major... this is where the problem comes.

One ONE hand, I feel I'd like to take Marketing because that's honestly what I think would be right up my street. It involves the social and creative side which is very "me", BUT, I have heard from many that it can be very common-sensical, and hence a waste of a major?
I'm an international student and so as you know, the fees are moutainous, and I don't want to be studying for decades, so I truly want these majors to be worthy of spending years and fees here. I'm trying to look forward into 10 years time where I'll still be able to benefit from these subjects. I hope to be an influential person armed with a good set of skills to navigate successfully through both the Business and Creative realms.

The OTHER option, is to consider Accounting. Now, I did ACCT 1501 last semester, and actually PASSED it, though I did find it quite a mountain of information to remember - was quite heavy for me - but it WAS doable for me - compared to other Mathy subjects I've struggled with passing / surviving mentally. I actually failed FINS 1613 last semester (It was the Semester 2 course so that didn't help at all.. never again. I got legit blue and felt depressed studying it during finals. I naturally neglected the subject throughout the entire semester as I have with other mathy subjects in the past.. and that's when you know you hate it, and you're also screwed basically.)

ANYWAY, The issue is, I have also heard that Accounting is apparently one of the most WORTHY majors to take - Highly sought-after, and very very useful for life. They even say that a person with Accounting can get into any department - even a Marketing department, but a Marketing major may not have the same opportunity the other way round. Basically Marketing might be more limiting...
I've even heard that some of the best Marketeers didn't even take up Marketing Majors, lol.

The issue is, I have also heard Accounting can get harder. And even more dull and brain-straining and repetitive. And I DON'T want to waste my family's hard-earned money going into a course halfway to only back out later. What should I do I honestly don't want to just settle with Marketing without even giving myself a chance at Accounting. For all I know, IF I pushed myself hard enough, I could actually do well / pass in Accounting? But what are the pros / cons / warning signals you guys know about Accounting / Marketing? I've heard (elsewhere online) that 3rd/4th years of Accounting can get people actually DROPPING OUT when 75% complete. WTH! But then some people I've bumped into have said that Accounting is actually less mathy than Econs/Finance, and more application? Doable? But then some actually say If you generally don't like Numbers, stay away? But am I cutting myself off of the opportunities of being an all-rounded person?! I feel like I'm paying to come to a brilliant school, so if I were to actually take a challenging major now, I should be relying and utilising the school to teach me, no? So what do you think I should do? Follow my heart or try to gain a really new useful skill out of my comfort zone? that may open more doors? Or does Marketing open enough doors?! AGH!

I'd love love love if you could share anything and everything with me that you may know, in order to help me get a clearer overview of things. It's a big decision, and I know you guys are great and knowledgeable, so pls. :') ? lol <3 Sorry for the long post frans.. but if you can spare 5 mins, you'd do a kid over the net a heart-full of help :')

tl;dr Summary: I'm a Commerce student, I'm more inclined towards the creative and strategic side of business, and very good at writing, than the Maths side. I would probably love to major in Marketing and get a job in that area eventually. However, apparently Marketing in Uni is common sense, and you can pick up later on your own, whereas Accounting is more useful as a major and respected / all-rounded? But it can also be deep and difficult? I don't want to waste a major, but I also don't want to quit half-way if I can't handle eg. Accounting in 2nd/3rd year... What do you suggest from your own judgement / knowledge? Thanks!

 

[HeyJes]

Have you done some level 2 marketing and 1B Acct ?

 

[blueflowerleopard]

Have you done some level 2 marketing and 1B Acct ?

Hi there HeyJes

Yup, this semester I'm now trying out both sides - I've just started Marketing 2051 Consumer Behaviour (since it's a Marketing major compulsory subject) - though I've actually learned these topics before in my past college etc. So I don't know how much this would convince / sway me on whether I should take up the entire Marketing degree.. hm..

and I'm also taking Accounting 1B now yes though it's still slowly unraveling. So perhaps at the end of the semester I'll have a clearer idea on how I feel :S ?
The plan is that once I decide on which of these to pursue as the Major, I'll place the other subject in the extra Elective space I have..

Thanks for your reply HeyJes

 

[HeyJes]

Do you like math and the logic behinds it (science minded)? Or are you more of an arts person?

 

[HeyJes]

I major in acct and i teach mark at uni. I can give u some insights of acct if u like haha

 

[blueflowerleopard]

I major in acct and i teach mark at uni. I can give u some insights of acct if u like haha

Oh that is great!! Well, basically my entire situation has been summed up in that long post above^ haha. I'd be grateful for any help

 

[HeyJes]

It's interesting that u called it a 'sum up'.
[emoji6] [emoji6]

 

[blueflowerleopard]

Do you like math and the logic behinds it (science minded)? Or are you more of an arts person?

Definitely definitely more of an artsy, creative, social and writing person compared to maths and logic. However, I'm feeling if I truly pushed myself, I could possibly get through Accounting and achieve the best of both worlds... But I'm also worried I may not be able to maintain a motivation/drive to get through 3 years of Accounting. Lol

 

[blueflowerleopard]

It's interesting that u called it a 'sum up'.

LOL, rephrased then: a relatively big situation 'fully represented' in a single post ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

 

[HeyJes]

ok ill tell u now : you may die halfway on your consolidation road
I dont think anyone can get thru that course unless they truly love accounting ahaha
Only do a major because you enjoy it and have passion for it
Not for repu or anything else

 

[blueflowerleopard]

ok ill tell u now : you may die halfway on your consolidation road
I dont think anyone can get thru that course unless they truly love accounting ahaha
Only do a major because you enjoy it and have passion for it
Not for repu or anything else

Hmm I see what you're saying. So for you personally, did you find a passion in Accounting as well as Marketing ?

 

[seremify007]

I note you don't mention much on job prospects for yourself (as opposed to general remarks on demands). Do you plan to stay in Australia after you graduate (i.e. get PR?) or do you plan to head back home?

 

[blueflowerleopard]

I note you don't mention much on job prospects for yourself (as opposed to general remarks on demands). Do you plan to stay in Australia after you graduate (i.e. get PR?) or do you plan to head back home?

Hi there Seremify Ah yes, good point. To be honest, I'm very open to the idea of hopefully trying to find a job in the US (I'm pretty fine with Australia too though the USA has always been my aim) as I'm highly interested in possibly getting into Marketing / Business in general amongst the Gaming / Technology industry, which is big there. Thing is, if some days I'd want to branch off of this, I was thinking having a decent mix of majors would allow me to flexibly get into multiple different businesses and countries. :/ hmm.
However, do note that I'm considering this Accounting major also because I want to keep options open to myself if I ever want to find decent work in bigger corp companies one day/ news networks possibly, etc. And the possibility that I may find myself in 10 years wanting to achieve and pursue more in higher prospects than staying at the Marketing level. Though I am aware you can still achieve heights starting with a Marketing degree too. Hm. This is the issue, deciding majors that determine my life opportunities / limitations now :S... lol. If you need any more particulars just leme know

 

[seremify007]

Good to see you have a plan in mind so the next question is realistically where would you be working when you graduate? I'm not sure if you're from US but as son one who has been through the US working visa process before its not easy!

 

[Chronost]

Based on overall judgement I would base it that you would benefit a lot more from a marketing major then an accounting major - if you're really just passing and you found it partly blant then why would you do it for three extra years? Sure accounting majors open doors but so do marketing, once you're in 10 years later people won't notice your major that much -much more so your experience - if anything if you need some extra knowledge you can always take a masters for a year or just get on the job training to brush up your accounting knowledge.
If you want a switch in your job then your experience will do that for you - not your major unless you want to work as a grad again at a big 4 accounting firm.

You say you're highly interested in marketing/business and gaming/technology and that is basically saying that you should major in marketing and IS.
These days accounting firms hire accounting grads from any major as long as you can explain your reasons for wanting to do accounting - on the other hand you can't just get a marketing job with an accounting major since there's already a huge influx of marketing major students and they would gladly take those over an accounting major which really isn't relevant to the job.

 

[obliviousninja]

Was talking to an EY graduate the other week. What he said pretty much affirmed my decision to do Accounting; originally it was a gut feeling decision. He was saying how with accounting knowledge, you can go into a broad range of business areas

 

[blueflowerleopard]

Ahh I actually am not from there, and haven't visited yet either! *gulp* lol. I've just always dreamed of moving there one day for work life too. Hm. I have heard about that though. But possibly with good grades, it would be a gateway if a company decides to hire you? (I'd have to fully read up the employment/recruitment procedures etc). Thank you for the heads up though Seremify

 

[blueflowerleopard]

Good to see you have a plan in mind so the next question is realistically where would you be working when you graduate? I'm not sure if you're from US but as son one who has been through the US working visa process before its not easy!

Ahh I actually am not from there, and haven't visited yet either! *gulp* lol. I've just always dreamed of moving there one day for work life too. Hm. I have heard about that though. But possibly with good grades, it would be a gateway if a company decides to hire you? (I'd have to fully read up the employment/recruitment procedures etc). Thank you for the heads up though Seremify

 

[blueflowerleopard]

Based on overall judgement I would base it that you would benefit a lot more from a marketing major then an accounting major - if you're really just passing and you found it partly blant then why would you do it for three extra years? Sure accounting majors open doors but so do marketing, once you're in 10 years later people won't notice your major that much -much more so your experience - if anything if you need some extra knowledge you can always take a masters for a year or just get on the job training to brush up your accounting knowledge.
If you want a switch in your job then your experience will do that for you - not your major unless you want to work as a grad again at a big 4 accounting firm.

You say you're highly interested in marketing/business and gaming/technology and that is basically saying that you should major in marketing and IS.
These days accounting firms hire accounting grads from any major as long as you can explain your reasons for wanting to do accounting - on the other hand you can't just get a marketing job with an accounting major since there's already a huge influx of marketing major students and they would gladly take those over an accounting major which really isn't relevant to the job.

Hi there Chronost Thank you so much for your in-depth reply. It really did help me put it into more perspective. I know the logic on taking what you actually want to pursue is there. But then I'm always pulled left and right between people who say totally different things - that Marketing can also be gained through job experience whereas Accounting as a major gives you business knowledge on a whole that can be applied anywhere and needs teaching through a school education? Ahhh ): But I totally get what you mean, yes. What you said is a valid point too. I just hope a Marketing major would actually be useful and stuff worthy of spending 3 years learning in school, you know? Not like coming out thinking "Man, what a waste of 3 years of nonsense/garbage" etc. (NOT putting it down, just bringing up that 'feel' that some of us have experienced with certain courses.)
And seeing how there seems to be quite a lot of hearsay about that with Marketing... that's why I dunno.
But yes, I think a large determining factor would be whether or not I honestly die or fall asleep trying to get through Accounting 1B this semester. Or if I somehow am alright with it, lol.
I'd like to see what you think about the next poster below though, Chronost. What Obliviousninja said. A polar opposite to your point basically, and exactly what keeps me spinning.

Oh hey btw, it's the renown ObliviousNinja! I've read quite a lot about you on these forums. Huehue ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ༼

 

[blueflowerleopard]

Based on overall judgement I would base it that you would benefit a lot more from a marketing major then an accounting major - if you're really just passing and you found it partly blant then why would you do it for three extra years? Sure accounting majors open doors but so do marketing, once you're in 10 years later people won't notice your major that much -much more so your experience - if anything if you need some extra knowledge you can always take a masters for a year or just get on the job training to brush up your accounting knowledge.
If you want a switch in your job then your experience will do that for you - not your major unless you want to work as a grad again at a big 4 accounting firm.

You say you're highly interested in marketing/business and gaming/technology and that is basically saying that you should major in marketing and IS.
These days accounting firms hire accounting grads from any major as long as you can explain your reasons for wanting to do accounting - on the other hand you can't just get a marketing job with an accounting major since there's already a huge influx of marketing major students and they would gladly take those over an accounting major which really isn't relevant to the job.

Actually you know what, you're right. I re-read what you wrote again, and it really does make sense. I'm definitely copy pasting your words onto a notepad to refer to further in the future for my final decision making. Thanks for the wise insight, Chronost :')