# Any University insight would be helpful!! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 23, 2004, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700 "2004-04-23T20:40:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![fluffball86](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@fluffball86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluffball86)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/1 "2004-04-23T20:40:56Z")
A little about me: I am a high performing (esp in maths and sciences) High School student with all his sciences. The world is quite literally mine to take advantage of. Now the personality tests I have taken have indicated that I would do well in an area related to commerce, as a result, I applied for and recieved admission to the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Commerce. My favourite classes that I have taken in High School so far have been chemistry. The U of S offeres a double major program. I could potentially come out of the u of s with both a B comm, and a B sc. What are the advantages/disadvantages of doing this, if any? Would a B comm, and a B sc (damn it, I keep pronouncing it BSE) in a chemistry related field be useful (I image they would be, but I would like to know for sure). Any testimonials from people with two degrees would be much appreciated. Any comments are welcome too. Thanks in Advance! ---
**Author:** ![Amazingrace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8edcca/32.png) [@Amazingrace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amazingrace)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/2 "2004-04-23T22:36:17Z")
Well, it sound like you’re on the right track > [@](#): > > Now the personality tests I have taken have indicated that I would do well in an area related to commerce, as a result, I applied for and recieved admission to the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Commerce. Because it sounds like you’re going into this area based on a pretty big hunch, you might want to carefully check out the requirements for the degree. If you don’t like the kinds of things that you’re going to have to study, there is a strong likelyhood that you’ll be either bored, frustrated, or both. As far as disadvantages go, it could mean a longer stay in school than if you were only pursuing one major. That being said, you might as well start off with the double path, for a few reasons. Mostly, it is a lot easier to drop one of two majors as opposed to changing from one to another (At least IMHO. I’m currently a college student that is engaged in a dual major program, as are about 1/2 of my friends). Also, If you start with both, then you can either know for a fact that you want to pursue both or know for a fact that you didn’t want to do one or another. No regrets about wishing that you’d studied something different. Just know that it’s not a blood contract. You can always change your mind about your major(s). ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/3 "2004-04-24T03:45:06Z")
Frankly, I wouldn’t put any more stock in the personality tests you took than I would in a _Cosmo_ relationship quiz. There’s a c. 80% chance you’re going to change your major at least once during college. Probably twice. Don’t pick a school because it has a school of whatever you think you might like doing. Unless you’re joining the ministry, or are dead set on becoming a gynecologist, or something along those lines, I can virtually guarantee you will end up with a different degree than the one you went there to get. Pick a school which offers a variety of good programs, rather than one excellent one. ---
**Author:** ![js\_africanus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/87869e/32.png) [@js\_africanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/js_africanus)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/4 "2004-04-24T04:40:23Z")
> [@fluffball86](#): > > Would a B comm, and a B sc (damn it, I keep pronouncing it BSE) in a chemistry related field be useful (I image they would be, but I would like to know for sure). > > Any testimonials from people with two degrees would be much appreciated. Fuck a B. in anything. Go for a Ph.D. You like chemistry, no? Study it. Not to undervalue the contributions of business types, but if you’re that good at math & science, then you should utilize that to make the world a better place by doing as well in it as you can. Besides, the academic life is a good life. ---
**Author:** ![Consumer\_Sovereignty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e99b99/32.png) [@Consumer\_Sovereignty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Consumer_Sovereignty)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/5 "2004-04-24T07:20:17Z")
As a 17 year old student, I’d like to pursue a double degree myself for next year. IMO, postgraduate degrees (e.g. PhD, Masters) should only be undertaken if you have real interest in the field (and/or excel at it), and not for anyone else’s benefit. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/6 "2004-04-24T13:31:32Z")
> [@fluffball86](#): > > A little about me: I am a high performing (esp in maths and sciences) High School student with all his sciences. The world is quite literally mine to take advantage of… Isuggest another English class or two. The world is _figuratively_ yours to take advantage of. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/7 "2004-04-24T13:33:22Z")
> [@Boyo Jim](#): > > Isuggest another English class or two. The world is _figuratively_ yours to take advantage of. Pay no attention to end that sentence in a preposition. _That_ was poetic license! ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/8 "2004-04-24T13:48:52Z")
> [@fluffball86](#): > > My favourite classes that I have taken in High School so far have been chemistry. The U of S offeres a double major program. I could potentially come out of the u of s with both a B comm, and a B sc. Quite frankly, if you love chemistry then you should major in chemistry and forget about commerce degrees. Most business degrees are a waste of time anyway, except for a few specializations like accounting, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Futile\_Gesture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f05b48/32.png) [@Futile\_Gesture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Futile_Gesture)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/9 "2004-04-24T14:05:41Z")
I did one on those career-personality test while at school. It told me nothing I didn’t already know and was vague enough to mean, imply or recommend just about anything, depending on how the Careers Advisor chose to interprete it. I’d been as well reading my horoscope. Naturally I ignored it. Pick the degree that interests you the most and you have a talent for. ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/10 "2004-04-24T16:32:30Z")
Contrary to what a lot of people have said in this thread, that combination of double majors has the potential for a HUGE advantage. The commerce degree can set you up for an MBA. The chemistry degree can get you into high-paying industries, such as the pharmaceutiacl industry. Chemistry and an MBA together will pay you HUGE sums of money in these industries, although your job will likely be project management and such rather than lab work. Take [this](http://www.patheon.com/career/toronto.htm) job posting, for example: > [@](#): > > Project Manager: > > Duties: Manage day to day logistical issues related to client projects. Act as the primary liaison between Patheon and the client company. Coordinate, plan and implement all deliverable project activities, documentation, scheduling, and communication (teleconference, face to face meetings, etc.). Assist in the preparation of project proposals and budgets. Manage monthly billings and budget reconciliation’s for all projects. Participate in sales strategy preparations for new business and attend various sales meetings, functions and trade shows. Prepare various business reports for Development and Commercial Services Managers. > > Qualifications: Minimum B.Sc. and MBA or B.Sc. with industry experience (QA, Regulatory, or Manufacturing). Suggested B.Pharm., MBA, Ph.D., PMP. Well organized and detail oriented. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to motivate. Technical science or pharmaceutical industry experience. Project Management experience. Client interface experience and strong negotiating skills an asset. This company hires chemists with just a BSc and no industry experience for full-time salaries in the range of 35K a year. A project manager, I expect, will probably start upwards of 50K, with the right qualifications. If you think you can enjoy commerce, this is definitely something to keep in mind as you choose your schooling! Oh, and if you do choose this direction, may I be the first to welcome you to Mississauga, as that’s likely where you’ll end up, if you don’t head south first! ---
**Author:** ![fluffball86](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@fluffball86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluffball86)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/11 "2004-04-24T17:49:57Z")
I’m sorry if I made it sound like I spun the big wheel of careers and chose the top one, a couple of people picked me apart for the personality test bit. I used it like a starting point, ie hey lookit these careers/courses/etc exsist, I must investigate … this one looks interesting. But it’s good to hear that this combo is helpful (I havn’t heard back from the U of S yet, and my guidence councellor was less than helpful). Thanks mnemosyne. mnemosyne are you a headhunter/HR person, or do you work in the industry? ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/12 "2004-04-24T18:01:45Z")
I’m a chemist. I graduated university last term, and am now working full time, though I had previous experience in the form of two summer work terms (DO try and do this - consider a co-op course option if your school has one). One of my coworkers in currently getting her MBA, precisely because she wants to make more money in the long run. I just happen to ask a lot of questions and pay attention to the heirachies and stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Improbability](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@Improbability](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improbability)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/13 "2004-04-24T19:12:27Z")
It’s hard to say. I would always advise my students (I tutor undergrads and am doing my doctorate) to do only one major subject, as it’s more applicable in the “real world”. Or, at least it is so in the social sciences; I’m not so sure about the sciences. And that said again, if it’s undergrad, it’s often better to be more broadbased, and to then specialise at postgrad level. Ultimately, it depends what you want to do afterwards, and for your career. ---
**Author:** ![Improbability](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@Improbability](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improbability)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/14 "2004-04-24T19:14:00Z")
Also, > [@](#): > > I did one on those career-personality test while at school. It told me nothing I didn’t already know and was vague enough to mean, imply or recommend just about anything, depending on how the Careers Advisor chose to interprete it. I’d been as well reading my horoscope. Naturally I ignored it. Pick the degree that interests you the most and you have a talent for. I think that this is a very good point. Undergrads are about what you enjoy and what you want to study for three/ four years while also enjoying yourself. ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2004, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/15 "2004-04-24T23:08:36Z")
> [@mnemosyne](#): > > Contrary to what a lot of people have said in this thread, that combination of double majors has the potential for a HUGE advantage. The commerce degree can set you up for an MBA. The chemistry degree can get you into high-paying industries, such as the pharmaceutiacl industry. Chemistry and an MBA together will pay you HUGE sums of money in these industries, although your job will likely be project management and such rather than lab work. Except you don’t need a commerce degree to get into an MBA program (at least in the States). It’s not even necessarily that helpful. I would consider something more along the lines of majoring in chemistry and minoring in some specific aspect of commerce like economics or accounting. Especially accounting. MBA programs like accounting knowledge. The problem with double majors is that you just don’t have time to explore other areas of study since so much of your class load is taken up by those two majors, which is what your university time should be about. I think you’ll enjoy it more that way, too. There are a few times when double majors are useful right off the bat - an architecture degree and a civil engineering degree, for instance (which is what a friend of mine did - a friend of mine that averaged three hours of sleep a night for four years). But that commerce degree isn’t going to be much more helpful than your chemistry degree in getting you advantages. So why limit your studies to such an extent? Anyway, that’s MHO. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/16 "2004-04-25T00:59:11Z")
> [@mnemosyne](#): > > Contrary to what a lot of people have said in this thread, that combination of double majors has the potential for a HUGE advantage. The commerce degree can set you up for an MBA. The chemistry degree can get you into high-paying industries, such as the pharmaceutiacl industry. Chemistry and an MBA together will pay you HUGE sums of money in these industries, although your job will likely be project management and such rather than lab work. Yeah, my major in Engineering and my MBA sure worked out great for me :rolleyes: Then again, I am writing this at 3:00am Amsterdam time while on a 100% expensed business trip. Anyhow, the best advice I can give is study whatever you like. Odds are you will do something that has nothing to do with your major. I studied civil engineering and architecture in college. I dropped the architecture major but I kind of wished I did that for a living instead of bullshit “management consulting” where you basically go around doing all the work a companies employees are too stupid to do themselves. ---
**Author:** ![Burnt\_Sugar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee59a6/32.png) [@Burnt\_Sugar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Burnt_Sugar)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/17 "2004-04-25T03:46:49Z")
I’m doing a dual degree. I think there is a major advantage in doing something as general as business or commerce as a half of the dual in that if you end up not being able to find a job and/or not enjoying science, you have [cliche alert] something to fall back on [/cliche alert]. You can probably earn more money in business than science too. 😃 I second whoever said you will probably change your major. Make sure you find out exactly what is involved in the majors you are taking. ---
**Author:** ![kushiel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbce88/32.png) [@kushiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kushiel)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2004, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-university-insight-would-be-helpful/241700/18 "2004-04-26T03:26:26Z")
Dude, another Saskatchewanian! And I say that because no one goes to the UofS other than Saskatchewan residents or Asian students looking for an inexpensive education. Not that I can give you any advice, except to back up the fact that when it comes to advice, high school guidance counsellors are worthless. If you already know exactly what you want to do and where to go though, they’ll fight tooth and nail to get you into the program.