Statistics or Accounting?

[coloradodem2005]

Well I am debating whether I would be better off. Should I get my graduate degree in Statistics or Accounting? Where do you think more of the jobs are?

[northernsoul]

1. I'd take statistics

you can do a lot of good by providing sound statistical analysis to inform public policy (i.e. giving the people numbers they can understand about how B*shco is screwin' 'em). I'm in law school right now and I'm considering auditing a statistics class because so much of the legal argumentation in areas of the law that I'm interested in hinge on good statistical analysis.

Granted, you're more likely to get a paying job right away with the accounting degree - and in the right place, you can do a lot of good as well. God knows the Dems need more people who are skilled with numbers.

[Nikia]

2. Plenty of good jobs without an advanced degree

You may want to work in either one or both of those areas before you make your decision. Many people without graduate degrees work in those areas and get paid well. Is there a reason that you need to go to graduate school right away after college, like scholarships or something? The bad thing about a graduate degree is that if it is not pertainent to your career, you will be seen as overqualified.

[coloradodem2005]

3. I don't know about that.

I am auditing classes in both of these areas. The problem is, I have graduated last year and couldn't find a job. THere are still virtually no good jobs for people w/o an advanced degree. I don't want to work in Wal-Mart. I have tried applying for jobs in both of these areas and cannot get one. I have a math degree, but I don't want to teach.

[Nikia]

4. Have you tried insurance companies?

There are a couple large insurance companies in my area. They have data analysis positions and underwriting positions that you'd have necessary education for according to their ads. Perhaps you live in a more educated area than I do.
Have you tried temp agencies as well? Perhaps, it would be useful if you had office experience in the type of business which you'd like to work for. It has been my experience that male office assistants are more likely to be promoted than female office asistants. Practice your typing and software skills. In the area I live in, a quick typing speed and moderate knowledge of Excel and Word will get someone with no experience such a job within a week or two even with the poor economy.

[coloradodem2005]

5. I have tried these kinds of things.

No tamalie. I have tried insurance companies, and temp agencies. I am good at typing etc. I have quit looking.

[linazelle]

6. Friend of mine with an ivy league Ph. D. told me it's best to diversify

your credentials. She has a BA in business, an MA in information systems and a Ph. D. in education. This makes good sense to me and if I decide to get a doctorate degree it won't be in business arena which is where I got my masters.

[daa]

7. Indians with a Ph.D. is stats

are a dime a dozen. At least in accounting you have a chance.

[coloradodem2005]

8. Yeah.

But a lot of stats jobs are in the Government. You cannot work for the government if you are not a U.S. Citizen. At least I don't think so. That and they cannot be outsourced. Unless Bush is stupid enough to try to push that. The thing is I think he is.