Preparing for career in Tokyo: econ or IT degree?

[Kurofune]

I've decided to go back to Tokyo within the next few years. Since my company pays for schooling, I'm thinking of setting myself up for my career in Japan by majoring in either economics or IT, and minoring in Japanese. I'd appreciate any input you have about prospects in these fields for FG.

I'm considering economics or IT, because I have some experience in both fields (specifically, investment and network admin) and am interested in them. My previous experience in Tokyo gave me the impression that these are good fields for an FG who wants a relatively secure job and good pay.

[Mulboyne]

Economics is not a bad catch-all humanities qualification. It's a broad subject so some firms will prefer to see some evidence of specialization for certain types of job which means you may want to look ahead and think about what kind of work you actually want. Employment as a professional economist will usually require a higher degree but a general degree can get you into journalism, marketing, business planning or finance just to name a few fields.

[Taro Toporific]

... thinking of setting myself up for my career in Japan by majoring in either economics or IT, and minoring in Japanese....

Thank Buddha, somebody who f*king understands the real world --- Japanese as a major is a ticket to unemployability.

As Mulboyne said, a major in economics will take bit longer to establish a career. Majoring in IT will land you a job quicker but it can also pigeonhole you in the long run. A BA in economics will take you longer to prove your worth to a potential employer but it will open up more opportunities for advancement and growth.

The advantage to a major in IT is that if you have the mad skillz, there are always 10 jobs waiting for you. A major in IT also offer a MUCH better opportunity for you to quickly become an independent expert running your own business.

Bottom Line: If you are social, smooth operator like Mulboyne, go with economics; if you are an independent geek like me, go with IT.

[Kurofune]

Thanks, Mulboyne and Taro. I think IT is the better route for me.