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How can I be successful with my Business Administration Degree?

Hello, I am a first-semester freshman and due to my negligence I received a C in one of my classes. I have an average GPA now (around 3.5 if I do well in all my other classes), but I want to succeed with the Business Admin. Degree. I know I want to work in marketing, social media marketing, and I am exploring Accounting with my first Accounting class next semester. I have an internship lined up for next semester as well for marketing and event planning, and I am going to be doing an interview next week for another internship. I currently hold a co-social media manager position for a Dance team at my University, and I hope to get the graphic design position I was working towards within my next semester.

Because I did not prioritize one of my classes and the subsequent classes this semester I ended with a C and the rest of my grades as high B's. I plan on working harder next semester so I can get better grades, but I am worried like this semester I will fall behind (I also had an on-campus job this semester and was taking interviews and applying to other jobs as well).

I want to graduate early, and attend an MBA school so I have created a plan as to how I will graduate early with my classes, and started looking at what I should achieve to be accepted in the Deferred Admissions process for an MBA school.

My University is small and not known for their business program, and in regards to the jobs I've been applying to I have focused on part-time internships:
- social media
- advertising
- accounting

I also applied to various on-campus jobs. In my free time I have worked to gain more knowledge about marketing and other jobs in business along with the skills required for them. This is why I landed on Marketing because of my creativity and artistic abilities, and how it can prove to be useful.

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

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Jerry’s Answer

Harsi,

You're clearly a self-motivated individual. Kudos to you. Many fine other answers here for you as well.
We're living in rapidly changing times. Our weather, technology, ability to work globally are in flux and evolving. E.g., who knows where artificial intelligence is headed and how will it affect your future work opportunities? One thing will remain consistent and valuable. Your ability to communicate effectively. And what can assist you in communicating more easily and therefore become even more employable? Language. Make an effort to learn to speak, write and read a second language. Or two. Your worth will increase dramatically. Determine how well you perform activities about which you are passionate. Because if you're not good to great at something, why should someone hire you to perform that function?
Google: what marketing professions will be in demand in ten years
The results of this search should be helpful. Because of our changing world the results also may or may not be entirely on target but you'll get an idea. AND you may find out that a certain country may be where that opportunity is most likely to be...hence, my advice about learning multiple languages.
Be sure to go to LinkedIn and search by job title for individuals who now or previously held the job title in which you’re interested. Their profiles should contain valuable information about their duties, work history, career progression, associations/organizations of value to research and more.

Good fortune to you.
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Caroline’s Answer

Hi Harsi,
You are one great individual with a lot of potential. After reading your write up, I gathered that you had a C grade in one of your classes due to negligence on your part. Admitting negligence is accountability which is a skill towards future improvement. It will enable you to address the areas where you had difficulties and what efforts to put in to address them.
Well done in identifying your career path and goals. Pursuing a career in Business Administration is a brilliant choice in today's business oriented world. Narrowing down your specialization to Marketing and social media marketing with accounting is going to give you an edge in the job market. Employers are thrilled and motivated to hire candidates with such expertise and skills. You can also become an entrepreneur with such knowledge and expertise.
The interviews, internships and jobs you are currently holding are push factors that will equip you with necessary tools for your future career. However, make sure you manage your time wisely so they don't affect your performance in your studies. In this case you may want to identify which of them to drop and pursue later. You can always do a scale of preference. Make a list of the most important to the least important item then strike of the least important. Sometimes we get overwhelmed with too much on our plate and we loose focus.
Stay focused on your goal to graduate early and pursue your MBA. you are on the right track.
Good luck!
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DeMario’s Answer

Harsi, keep up the stellar work and maintain the responsibility you've shown for yourself. I'd suggest you take some time to brainstorm and discover where your deepest interest lies within your focus area. Business Administration is a vast field with numerous aspects to explore. Identify what truly motivates you in this area, what you're most passionate about, and concentrate on that before expanding your horizons. This strategy will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed, which can lead to significant distractions and burnout.

I'd also urge you to get acquainted with AI, as it's becoming an indispensable tool in Business Administration and how we tackle various business aspects. If you haven't already, find a mentor in your chosen field. This relationship can provide valuable insights and feedback about your area of interest, help you navigate your career path, and teach you how to maintain balance. This will boost your confidence in your focus area and furnish you with the necessary tools for success.

Remember, don't be too hard on yourself. Take it slow, learn from your mistakes, and use them as stepping stones towards improvement and success.

Wishing you all the best in your journey!
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Harsi,

It’s inspiring to see how much thought, effort, and planning you’ve already put into your future success! You’re juggling a lot right now, and the fact that you’re still pushing forward is a testament to your determination. A C in one class doesn’t define your potential—it’s just a bump in the road. Here’s how you can maximize your success with your Business Administration degree:

1. Focus on Academic Improvement
- Prioritize Classes: Reflect on what led to the C and adjust your study habits. Consider setting aside specific blocks of time for weekly study of each course.
- Time Management: With a packed schedule, tools like planners or apps can help you organize tasks and deadlines.
- Resources: Use campus resources like tutoring or study groups for challenging subjects like accounting.

2. Build Your Professional Experience
Your current and planned experiences are already impressive!
- Leverage Internships: Make the most of your marketing internship by learning all you can and asking questions about real-world challenges in the field.
- Social Media Experience: Highlight your role as a co-social media manager and aim to secure that graphic design position. These are excellent examples of practical, creative skills that align with marketing.

3. Networking and Branding Yourself
- LinkedIn: Keep an active LinkedIn profile showcasing your internships, leadership roles, and projects.
- Campus Connections: Build relationships with professors and advisors who can later write strong recommendations for MBA programs.
- Personal Branding: Your interest in marketing can benefit from building your personal brand. Use platforms like Instagram or TikTok to showcase creative projects or campaigns you’ve worked on.

4. Plan for the MBA
You’re already on the right track by researching deferred MBA programs!
- Strengthen Your Resume: Focus on internships that provide quantitative results, like increasing social media engagement or planning successful events.
- GPA Goals: Work on maintaining or improving your GPA each semester. Consistency matters more than perfection.
- Skills Development: Continue building skills like data analysis, graphic design, and marketing strategy. These will help in both internships and your MBA applications.

5. Maintain Balance
It’s easy to burn out with so much on your plate.
- Say No Strategically: Be selective about commitments. Prioritize those that align closely with your goals.
- Self-Care: Ensure you’re taking time to recharge, whether through hobbies, exercise, or downtime.

You’re already doing so much to set yourself up for success, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Remember, success isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about learning and growing from it. You’re building a strong foundation for your future with your internships, leadership roles, and dedication to improving academically.

Keep believing in yourself—you’ve got this!

Best wishes!
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Jason’s Answer

Hey Harsi,

You answered your own question. The key to improvement is having a plan to improve. Which is great to see and the self awareness to do so is inspiring. The C that you made won't define you for the rest of your college career and in the grand scheme it likely won't make much of a difference. Continue to focus on improving and be willing to tweak your plan as you go and new opportunities arise. Business school is a mix of getting good grades but also tangible experience via internships, clubs, etc. Be sure to be well rounded and you'll do great.
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Paula’s Answer

Success with a Business Administration degree can be achieved through a combination of education, skill development, and strategic career planning. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your degree:

1. Choose a Specialization
Specializing in areas like finance, marketing, human resources, or supply chain management can make you more attractive to employers and help you stand out in the job market.

2. Gain Practical Experience
Internships, co-op programs, and part-time jobs in your field can provide valuable hands-on experience. This not only enhances your resume but also helps you build a professional network.

3. Develop Key Skills
Focus on developing essential skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. These skills are highly valued in business roles.

4. Network Actively
Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with alumni from your business school. Networking can open doors to job opportunities and provide valuable career advice.

5. Pursue Advanced Education
Consider pursuing an MBA or other advanced degrees to further enhance your qualifications and career prospects.

6. Stay Updated
The business world is constantly evolving. Stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and best practices through continuous learning and professional development.

7. Seek Mentorship
Find mentors who can provide guidance, support, and insights based on their own experiences in the business world.

8. Set Clear Goals
Define your career goals and create a plan to achieve them. Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed to stay on track.

By following these steps, you can maximize the potential of your Business Administration degree and build a successful career.
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