September 11, 2005
Why I switched to Management
This summer I decided to switch my major to managment with a concentration in banking and finance. Obviously, this choice of major requires me to take the management core, including Management 250. The first few weeks of this course have already been super enlightening for me: I've realized I would make a horrible manager.
When we read "The Strategy that Wouldn't Travel", I was quite surprised by the comments of the first critic, Ravi Venkatesan. He was giving suggestions for Acme's Karen Jimenez and suggested she "get lean. Eliminate the rotten apples. Having too many people--particularly in management and support roles--encourages the status quo." While I am sure that is a great way to increase the productivity of the company, what about those rotten apples and their families? These workers still have to pay rent and mortgages.
I realized I have no desire at all to be in some position where I would have to "let someone go" just so the company can keep raising profits. In fact, not only do I lack desire for this sort of job, I would also consider it immoral.
If I become an investment banker, I can take people's money and hopefully make them more money, allowing them to retire easier and with less stress. Hopefully, I will never be in the position of having to "get lean". I guess it's good some people can feel comfortable laying off people and therefore taking away their food money, but I am definitely not one of them.