jordan
Initially I planned on going to college to obtain a bachelor's degree in business management, until I realized how many different categories of business management there are. I would like to know how do I narrow my options down in this particular field?
I'm asking this question because at first to my ignorance I assumed that business management was just that with no other choices behind it. As the end of the school year is approaching and now that I've done more research on business management I just need some advice on which to choose. #college #business #management #degree
3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Understanding the Different Categories of Business Management
To narrow down your options in the field of business management, it’s crucial to understand the various categories available. Here are some of the most common ones:
Financial Management: This area focuses on the financial health and operations of a business, including financial planning, budgeting, and investment decisions.
Operations Management: This category deals with managing the production of goods and services, including supply chain management, quality control, and inventory control.
Marketing Management: This area focuses on promoting and selling products or services, including market research, product development, and advertising strategies.
Human Resource Management: This category deals with managing an organization’s workforce, including recruitment, training, and employee relations.
Strategic Management: This area focuses on making decisions and plans to achieve long-term business goals, including analyzing market trends, competitive forces, and organizational strengths and weaknesses.
Narrowing Down Your Options
Now that you have a better understanding of the different categories of business management, consider the following steps to narrow down your options:
Identify Your Interests: Consider what areas of business management you find most interesting and exciting. This can help you determine which category to focus on.
Assess Your Skills: Consider your strengths and weaknesses in relation to each category. For example, if you have strong analytical skills, you may excel in financial or strategic management.
Consider Career Goals: Consider your long-term career goals and how each category aligns with those goals. For example, if you want to work in marketing, it would make sense to focus on marketing management.
Research Job Opportunities: Research job opportunities in each category to determine which one has the most promising career prospects.
Talk to Professionals: Talk to professionals in each category to gain insight into what each area is like in practice. They can provide valuable advice and guidance on which category to choose.
Authoritative Reference Titles
“Business Management: A Very Short Introduction” by John Hendry
“The Practice of Management” by Joseph L. Massie and Harold F. Kuehn Jr.
“Management: A Practical Introduction” by Alan Mumford
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Linda Ann Robinson, Ph.D.
Linda Ann’s Answer
Hi Jordan!
Life can sometimes be overwhelming.
It is good that you have already explored options within the business management curriculum; this behavior indicates you are self-motivated. You should do well in college with such motivation.
Being a freshman and sophomore means exposure to coursework that is required in any college major, i.e., foundational concepts for success in advanced coursework. In other words this is an opportunity for you to explore what area(s) of business you find the most interesting.
So, keep a personal journal and review at the end of the day (or week) of what you like or dislike about each course's content. In this way you will be able to narrow down an area you wish to focus on in your upper level courses.
Also, I strongly recommend finding internships over the summers (or part-time during the school year) to further explore the concepts presented in coursework. Work with your academic advisor to find such opportunities!
Again, re-frame your thinking about "too many choices" to "let me explore what works for me."
Good luck; stay focused but schedule time for fun and friends while enrolled in your courses.
Taylor Hanzlik
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Jordan!
I actually double majored in college with business management and management information systems. However, when I first went to college I only had my major declared as business management and wasn't sure what I wanted to do. You're right--business management is very broad and I would suggest focusing in something. If you're truly interested in management, I would consider focusing in HR or another concentration. However, if you're wanting to add another major, I would suggest looking at your course board and taking a class that sounds interesting to you. For example, I'm super organized and I love planning. I considered event planning, but then I found Management Information Systems (MIS). Parts of MIS helped me utilize my organization and planning skills, while also peeking my interest in technology. In order to find this interest, I took the first introduction class and met with the department head of the manager. I asked what jobs could result in the major and what those jobs look like. I also conducted my own research and asked questions as you are. I think this is a great first step and it's totally okay to change your major multiple times throughout college. You're most likely not going to get it right the first time.
I hope this helps!