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If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?

I am a senior student at Brennan High school. I’m looking to get my MBA so that I can learn more about business. I want to own and run my own businesses. I want to be my own boss and have freedom. #entrepreneur # #business-management #business #business-development

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Jim’s Answer

After spending 25 years in the real estate industry...if I had to do it all over again, I probably would have majored in a different area than business. I should have majored in English or Communications. Throughout my career I had to find out the hard way the importance of good communication skills. If I had developed those skills early on in my career, I definitely would have gone a lot further career wise. Having good writing and oral skills are just as important as having good analytical skills.
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Bryan’s Answer

Love the question - it got me thinking about the journey I've been on since graduating from high school almost 35 years ago! Kudos for you thinking about the best path to take to achieve your career goals. When I was your age, I made the decision to pursue a career in the insurance industry primarily because my father and grandfather were in the business. As I reflect on my career, I've had incredible opportunities, have met a lot of people, and had the opportunity to work in multiple locations throughout the country. When I think back to myself in my early 20s, the guidance I would give myself today is to set near-term goals (2-4 years) that align with your long-term vision and focus on achieving those near-term objectives. Also, I would tell myself to be sure to focus on building skills and experiences through those 2-4 year periods of time. When I was young I wanted to become president of a company and I probably didn't spend enough time understanding what it would take to achieve that objective. Once I got into my career, I focused on working hard, asking lots of questions, being open to feedback, and being willing to relocate for roles that helped me build new skills and obtain new experiences. Ultimately, I was able to achieve my goal in the 21st year of my career....but the advice I would give myself is to not rush things, focus on achieving near-term goals that align with the long-term goal, and enjoy the ride!!!!
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Brandon’s Answer

Hello David,

This is a great question, especially as a student. It is very important to stay true to yourself and your interests and not try to fit into the moment - for example, when I was in your shoes a very popular and lucrative career choice was investment banking. I tried for years to get in and when I finally did I couldn't wait to get out because it wasn't for me. I spent much time and effort chasing a dream I never wanted because it was popular at the time and I felt like people just expected me to do that type of work - I would presume anything "tech" related is analogous to my experience.

While doing things differently would have certainly changed my career path, it is difficult to say whether it would have been for better or worse because I picked up invaluable experience along the way. What I can say is that you will naturally gravitate towards what you are interested in - it may be difficult to realize at first or take longer than others, and you may go down some different paths, but eventually you'll find your rhythm - being true to yourself and your interests may help you find it faster.

Best of luck!
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Ginamarie’s Answer

This is a great question, and I definitely had to think about it. I wound up in a career I really love making good money and have the lifestyle I always wanted, but one of the things I regret not pursuing in school is becoming fluent in another language (or multiple!), and I think having multiple degrees is helpful as well if you arent sure what you want to do. So if you're interested in business, get a Marking Degree, and maybe a business operations degree too. Not that you cant do something that is outside of your degree but you should diversify in your education bc once you start on a career path you become very specialized, so I think thats the best opportunity to continue to diversify.
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Lucie’s Answer

What a great challenge you put yourself in! You definitely head towards good future David!

But please do not forget that the work experience is also very important. In some fields you simply need it to start your own business.

To your question... I wish I knew what is my career direction when choosing the major at university! I would choose slightly different one. But it all leads to some experience. No regrets!

Follow your dreams. It may be difficult start for you but to be your own boss is something I always missed when working for big companies. Risk is gain...

Good luck!!!
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