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What degree would suit my needs best between business and something in the arts?
I'm a multiple business owner at just 20 years old but still in the early stages with both of them. One is a photography business and the other is a online media website and I write the bulk of the content on the site. I have intensions of opening a skincare business in the near future as well as a partnering fashion label. My education background is consistent with the arts and business. i have certificates from top Uni's such as Harvard and UC Davis in Business fields as well as a pre degree diploma in art from UAL in London. But I'm yet to get an undergrad degree because A) Affordability, B) Undecided on what degree suits me best, C) unsure which degree will actually add more value to my career paths and D) When I was younger, I didn't do so great in school and I have pretty average grades despite all the further education I now have. I've been offered a place at LSE in London on a business management course and I know I should be excited about that but I'm not because my gut is telling me that it's not right for me. Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks #business #art #undergraduate #degree
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6 answers
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Ashley’s Answer
Hi Jonathan,
If you are hoping to expand your businesses, it doesn't hurt to get a full business education. This will teach you things you need to know in order to make your business successful such as accounting, marketing, sales, etc. It may also help you to prioritize the businesses you want to monetize (based on which has the best product-market fit, the best opportunity for scale, the largest potential customer base, etc.) versus the ones you want to keep doing on the side/as hobbies. An alternative to a business degree would be to hire individuals with these backgrounds (like an accountant) to consult for your business, but these expenses will add up quickly.
Another benefit to a business education is the network. You will meet people who are also running small businesses, from whom you can learn. You may also meet investors who would be interested in helping get your business off the ground.
LSE is an excellent school that will provide you with a strong network, but there are also opportunities to take courses at a less expensive university that would offer the same type of business education.
Explore other universities that offer business programs to compare to LSE
Speak to a founder who has attended business school and one who hasn't to get their input
If you are hoping to expand your businesses, it doesn't hurt to get a full business education. This will teach you things you need to know in order to make your business successful such as accounting, marketing, sales, etc. It may also help you to prioritize the businesses you want to monetize (based on which has the best product-market fit, the best opportunity for scale, the largest potential customer base, etc.) versus the ones you want to keep doing on the side/as hobbies. An alternative to a business degree would be to hire individuals with these backgrounds (like an accountant) to consult for your business, but these expenses will add up quickly.
Another benefit to a business education is the network. You will meet people who are also running small businesses, from whom you can learn. You may also meet investors who would be interested in helping get your business off the ground.
LSE is an excellent school that will provide you with a strong network, but there are also opportunities to take courses at a less expensive university that would offer the same type of business education.
Ashley recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Ashley. I have explored similar courses and found similar that I like possibly more than the LSE course but they can't be studied remotely which unfortunately is the only way I can study this year. I don't have many contacts in business but I have read about many different perspectives online.
Jonathan
If you reach out to business founders on LinkedIn, you may be surprised by the number of people who respond! They don't need to be large businesses, but founders a few years in could give you great perspective. Good luck!
Ashley Bryeans
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Ryan’s Answer
You should definitely explore a full degree in business (BBA)! My 2 suggestions would be to look into a major in Finance or Management Information Systems. I personally know a few, young, early-business-starters myself, and the most influential degrees they have claimed were those 2. Finance will absolutely give you the edge in the business world as the majority of people have a weak understanding of how the finance world works, especially when it comes to a fully functional company or corporation. The second one I suggested, Management Information Systems, is not as commonly known. That is what I'm majoring and fixing to graduate in. MIS blends business, management, and IT/basic computer science altogether and opens up a wide array of career paths. Developing MIS skills will give you an edge in management and IT arenas and help you excel your business in ways not previously possible. You'll then possess the necessary skills to create/run your own tech yourself or be able to communicate/coordinate with those that specialize in it.
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Terry’s Answer
It sounds to me that you are already doing what college is supposed to teach you. Having a general working knowledge of business practices is a good thing to have but you don't need a Bachelor's Degree to get it. You can buy this knowledge by hiring those who are good at that aspect of business that you feel you are lacking.
However, I would caution you about spreading yourself too thin. From your question, you sound like you are trying to launch a number of things all at once. You will need investors in the future and investors like strong creative ideas, passion, and consistency. Perhaps instead of trying to be all things for your various companies, I would suggest you partner with someone who is strong in general sales and finance and stick to your creative calling.
However, I would caution you about spreading yourself too thin. From your question, you sound like you are trying to launch a number of things all at once. You will need investors in the future and investors like strong creative ideas, passion, and consistency. Perhaps instead of trying to be all things for your various companies, I would suggest you partner with someone who is strong in general sales and finance and stick to your creative calling.
Thank you for your feedback. This definitely makes a lot of sense to me. I am far more invested in the creative side of my businesses. My plans for the new businesses I mention above are still quite far in the future, I'm focused mainly on the two that I have at the moment which don't employ anyone directly and are relatively low maintenance.
I have for many years tossed up between a more creative / science-based degree over a business degree and I feel I would enjoy the first more as well. It feels as if I am edging more towards the first option at the moment and will maybe do a small part-time diploma or minor in business to get a very basic insight to top up what I already know.
Jonathan
Take the creative/science-based degree. You can't go wrong with that. Good luck!
Terry Norton-Wright
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Eric’s Answer
It all depends on the school and what they offer, but in general, given your background, I think a Marketing degree would be beneficial. It typically has an aspect of sales and business, but also a focus on how to build and promote your business.
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Rachna’s Answer
My suggestion would be take a few courses in Business and entrepreneurship in a community college first and if there is an interest then pursue further for a degree.
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Ellen’s Answer
Perhaps have a look at the types of subjects offered in a business degree and assess where you think you might benefit most from learning, then target some smaller courses or certificates at a uni that might contribute towards a full degree, should you decide to go down that path later. I would also highly recommend finding a mentor who can coach you on aspects of your business in the moment.