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How can I prepare myself for business school?
I am still in high school but I want to know how I can prepare myself for the business field. I am in 11th grade with a 3.48 GPA and I have consistently kept good grades.
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Doc’s Answer
Leonel majoring in business is one of the most popular degrees for good reason. It provides a strong foundation in skills that are in demand across all industries. After all, what is a degree in business if not a stepping stone towards a rewarding career. One of the greatest advantages of a bachelor’s degree in business is its flexibility. A business major has a unique opportunity to learn a variety of business principles before entering the professional sector. With a background in business, you will be prepared to work in a range of settings in government, business, non-profit organizations and more. Whether you want to pursue a career in manufacturing or tech, agriculture or fashion, majoring in one of the areas of business will provide you the knowledge and skills to work in a setting that suits you best. This makes business majors flexible, strategic and employable job seekers.
☑️ TAKE THE RIGHT CLASSES
Business schools want students who are skilled with both numbers and words. That means you should take advanced courses in mathematics and English. If your school offers public speaking, it’s a good idea to enroll in that course too. You should also try to take classes in computers, business law, economics, accounting, business management, entrepreneurship, and marketing if they’re available at your school. If you’re not sure about your options, talk to your guidance counselor. Ask what business and finance-related courses you can sign up for..And of course, simply taking these classes isn’t enough. Work hard in these classes. Earn good grades and make sure that you’re learning and absorbing as much information as possible. You may never use the Pythagorean Theorem again, but you’ll certainly use classes that teach you business skills.
☑️ INTERNSHIPS AND COMPETITIONS
Completing an internship during high school can be a great addition to your college applications and resume. Having a business internship under your belt shows admissions officers and potential employers that you have meaningful experience cooperating and collaborating with adults in a professional setting. Students who complete an internship during high school also show that they are serious about the major they have chosen to pursue, and will go above and beyond to gain more knowledge in their field.
☑️ FIVE POPULAR BUSINESS MAJORS
Different types of business degrees offer a variety of career path opportunities.
1️⃣ BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
With a focus on organizational operations, leadership, and decision-making, a business administration degree would prepare you for jobs like general management and management consulting. Nearly all of the undergraduate universities offer a business administration degree.
2️⃣ ECONOMICS
A business degree in economics helps you develop your skills in researching and evaluating data related to anything of production or monetary value such as labor output, machinery, raw materials, land, natural resources and finished goods. It prepares you for a variety of careers not only in business but also in other industries such as law, government and healthcare. This gives you flexibility when it comes to changing careers. Graduates with a degree in economics usually advance as economists, investment bankers, credit analysts and market analysts.
3️⃣ MARKETING
With a focus on brand strategy, consumer behavior, and digital advertising, a bachelor’s degree in business marketing prepares students for jobs like brand strategy and social media analysis. With a business degree in marketing allows you to develop analytical skills in product merchandising, consumer behavior and effective campaign organization. It also allows you to learn how to gather and interpret consumer information in order to make strategic decisions with current or new products.
4️⃣ ACCOUNTING
A degree in accounting is one of the most versatile business degrees today. Accountants can be found working for individuals, businesses and even government agencies. An accounting degree allows you to learn how to audit information, analyze financial information, scrutinize budgets and maintain records. You will also receive technical training in databases and spreadsheets. Accounting degree graduates usually gain employment as public accounts, tax examiners, forensic accountants, internal auditors and government accountants.
5️⃣ ENTREPRENEURSHIP
An entrepreneurship program allows you to develop the planning skills necessary to bring a business idea into reality. It teaches you how to start and run your own business, manage a business effectively or buy an existing business. You will also learn how to reduce the risk that is inherent in most business ventures. Some specific subjects that an entrepreneurship program cover include public speaking, new venture creation, statistics, macroeconomics and international entrepreneurship.
☑️ TAKE THE RIGHT CLASSES
Business schools want students who are skilled with both numbers and words. That means you should take advanced courses in mathematics and English. If your school offers public speaking, it’s a good idea to enroll in that course too. You should also try to take classes in computers, business law, economics, accounting, business management, entrepreneurship, and marketing if they’re available at your school. If you’re not sure about your options, talk to your guidance counselor. Ask what business and finance-related courses you can sign up for..And of course, simply taking these classes isn’t enough. Work hard in these classes. Earn good grades and make sure that you’re learning and absorbing as much information as possible. You may never use the Pythagorean Theorem again, but you’ll certainly use classes that teach you business skills.
☑️ INTERNSHIPS AND COMPETITIONS
Completing an internship during high school can be a great addition to your college applications and resume. Having a business internship under your belt shows admissions officers and potential employers that you have meaningful experience cooperating and collaborating with adults in a professional setting. Students who complete an internship during high school also show that they are serious about the major they have chosen to pursue, and will go above and beyond to gain more knowledge in their field.
☑️ FIVE POPULAR BUSINESS MAJORS
Different types of business degrees offer a variety of career path opportunities.
1️⃣ BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
With a focus on organizational operations, leadership, and decision-making, a business administration degree would prepare you for jobs like general management and management consulting. Nearly all of the undergraduate universities offer a business administration degree.
2️⃣ ECONOMICS
A business degree in economics helps you develop your skills in researching and evaluating data related to anything of production or monetary value such as labor output, machinery, raw materials, land, natural resources and finished goods. It prepares you for a variety of careers not only in business but also in other industries such as law, government and healthcare. This gives you flexibility when it comes to changing careers. Graduates with a degree in economics usually advance as economists, investment bankers, credit analysts and market analysts.
3️⃣ MARKETING
With a focus on brand strategy, consumer behavior, and digital advertising, a bachelor’s degree in business marketing prepares students for jobs like brand strategy and social media analysis. With a business degree in marketing allows you to develop analytical skills in product merchandising, consumer behavior and effective campaign organization. It also allows you to learn how to gather and interpret consumer information in order to make strategic decisions with current or new products.
4️⃣ ACCOUNTING
A degree in accounting is one of the most versatile business degrees today. Accountants can be found working for individuals, businesses and even government agencies. An accounting degree allows you to learn how to audit information, analyze financial information, scrutinize budgets and maintain records. You will also receive technical training in databases and spreadsheets. Accounting degree graduates usually gain employment as public accounts, tax examiners, forensic accountants, internal auditors and government accountants.
5️⃣ ENTREPRENEURSHIP
An entrepreneurship program allows you to develop the planning skills necessary to bring a business idea into reality. It teaches you how to start and run your own business, manage a business effectively or buy an existing business. You will also learn how to reduce the risk that is inherent in most business ventures. Some specific subjects that an entrepreneurship program cover include public speaking, new venture creation, statistics, macroeconomics and international entrepreneurship.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write these sir. The information you just provided gave me more of a clear mindset of what i want to do in business.
Leonel
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Leonel,
It's awesome that you're already thinking about business school while still in high school! Start by checking out resources like Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal, and listen to business podcasts to get a feel for finance and entrepreneurship. Boost your financial literacy with books and online courses from places like Coursera. Join business clubs or activities to get some hands-on experience. Networking with professionals can give you great mentorship, and focusing on your studies, especially in economics and math, will help your academic performance. Also, work on your skills like communication and leadership by participating in team projects and public speaking. By following these steps, I'm sure, you'll set yourself up for a successful future in business. Hope this helps!
It's awesome that you're already thinking about business school while still in high school! Start by checking out resources like Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal, and listen to business podcasts to get a feel for finance and entrepreneurship. Boost your financial literacy with books and online courses from places like Coursera. Join business clubs or activities to get some hands-on experience. Networking with professionals can give you great mentorship, and focusing on your studies, especially in economics and math, will help your academic performance. Also, work on your skills like communication and leadership by participating in team projects and public speaking. By following these steps, I'm sure, you'll set yourself up for a successful future in business. Hope this helps!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Leonel !
You seem like an ideal student at this time and I'd be happy to advise you about getting prepared for college as a business major.
Getting experience around business people may help you prepare for being a business major in college. Instead of waiting for an internship, go straight for volunteer work at a Houston business. I have left a link below for you of the businesses in Houston but you can make a list of smaller businesses, too. Visit as many of them in person and offer your services as a volunteer. Being around a company will help you learn about business in general and you'll get to observe and talk to business professionals.
The City of Houston Summer Jobs Program is taking application right now. The link to their website and online application are below. This is an awesome opportunity to get a job and get the feel of office or other type of work as a Seasonal Intern. Apply today so that your application will be considered.
Check out Hire Houston Youth (LINK IS BELOW). It is an exciting program that can provide corporate careers pathways, community leadership and innovation experience, student entrepreneurship institute, career and resource fairs. This experience will surely prepare you for college as a Business Major.
Keep maintaining your good grades, take any classes that are connected to business at your high school and join any extracurriculars that align with business. These things will surely pave a successful path for your college experience.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
LIST OF COMPANIES IN HOUSTON TO SEEK VOLUNTEER WORK AT https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companies_in_Houston
THE CITY OF HOUSTON SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM https://www.houstontx.gov/hr/gyow/summer_jobs.html
HIRE HOUSTON YOUTH https://hirehoustonyouth.org/youth/
You seem like an ideal student at this time and I'd be happy to advise you about getting prepared for college as a business major.
Getting experience around business people may help you prepare for being a business major in college. Instead of waiting for an internship, go straight for volunteer work at a Houston business. I have left a link below for you of the businesses in Houston but you can make a list of smaller businesses, too. Visit as many of them in person and offer your services as a volunteer. Being around a company will help you learn about business in general and you'll get to observe and talk to business professionals.
The City of Houston Summer Jobs Program is taking application right now. The link to their website and online application are below. This is an awesome opportunity to get a job and get the feel of office or other type of work as a Seasonal Intern. Apply today so that your application will be considered.
Check out Hire Houston Youth (LINK IS BELOW). It is an exciting program that can provide corporate careers pathways, community leadership and innovation experience, student entrepreneurship institute, career and resource fairs. This experience will surely prepare you for college as a Business Major.
Keep maintaining your good grades, take any classes that are connected to business at your high school and join any extracurriculars that align with business. These things will surely pave a successful path for your college experience.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much Michelle M for this response. And thank you so much for providing me with the links. You gave me a better mindset of the things I should do.
Leonel
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Leonel! It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about business school! I think building a strong foundation in math, economics, and communication skills, as they are essential in business. Getting involved in extracurricular activities like DECA, FBLA, or student government to gain leadership experience is also great to have on your resume. Reading business books, following financial news, and taking online courses in business basics can also help. Good luck!
Thanks for your response Sneha Deb. I am wondering what type of business books should I read ?
Leonel
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Once you're sure about the field of business you are interested in, I suggest you study anything you can find. For example, I am an NAC and need to find a new career due to injuries. I want to be an OR (Operating Room) Technician, but the classes are too expensive. So I decided to work on becoming a Sterilization Technician. This way, I get to work with the equipment and tools used in the operating room.
I always study ahead. I purchased books at the end of the quarter and studied during school breaks. Go to a bookstore and talk to one of the helpful employees. They can point you to publications you may find interesting to prepare now.
You're doing a great job, congratulations on your GPA! Your persistence will definitely pay off!
You can also volunteer to help out in the field. You can get your foot in the door, collect letters of recommendation, and may even end up with a job!
I always study ahead. I purchased books at the end of the quarter and studied during school breaks. Go to a bookstore and talk to one of the helpful employees. They can point you to publications you may find interesting to prepare now.
You're doing a great job, congratulations on your GPA! Your persistence will definitely pay off!
Stephanie recommends the following next steps:
Stephanie, thank you!
Leonel
Updated
cody’s Answer
To prepare for business school, research the programs you're interested in and understand their requirements, such as the GMAT/GRE and application materials like your resume, recommendation letters, and essays. Build relevant skills by focusing on leadership, teamwork, quantitative abilities (like statistics and accounting), and communication skills. Gain practical experience through work, internships, or projects that demonstrate your leadership and problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, start networking with professionals and alumni to build connections that could help during your application process and beyond.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Leonel
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
I would research doing school online if your work schedule won't allow you to attend on-campus programs, also study your field of interest to see what exactly that field of a career choice requires for a degree
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Leonel