Economics have an important concept of signaling. Michael Spence received the 2001 Nobel Prize in Economics for his 1970s work on the value of education as a signal. Even if education had not provided any work-related skills, it would separate those who have the talent and perseverance to go through school from those who don't have what it takes.TheScarletPimpernel wrote:I have hired hundreds of people over the years. An economics degree…hmmm, uh not really impressed unless you have at least a 3.85/4.0 GPA and can explain to me why you decided to major in economics.
Butt now an Econ degree and doing it in 3 years compared to your peers – ah-ha now I am interested. It shows me you can plan ahead, sacrifice, set goals and obtain them. It also perfectly embroiders the essence of economics: the allocation of scare resources (money) among alternative wants and needs. Now tell me you blew that with a second major in music and I going to pass onto someone else. In fact the 3 year thing better be highlighted on the resume to catch my attention because if your grades are not stellar and from a college noted for Econ (i.e University of Chicago) I am going to pass, especially if I see music as a second major.
Now, that virtually anyone can get some type of education, signals must be stronger, e.g., one of the top schools, one of the hardest majors, prize-winning research, etc. A double-major is a weak signal, because many do it. Graduating in 3 years is a mixed signal. On one hand, it shows that you can work faster. On the other hand, it shows that you may lack deliberateness, don't like school, could not find exciting courses and projects to work on, or that you are desperate for money.
Victoria