22 answers
6
Questions
Asked
6603 views
What extracurricular activities can we do if we want to study business?
I have been considering to study business but not sure what to do for extracurricular activities that can help my career path in the future. #college # #business
Login to comment
22 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Un to impress the college admissions committee, you’ll also need to demonstrate business-relevant personal qualities. These qualities might include your leadership skills, ability to commit to and complete tasks, and dedication to your community and extracurricular involvement is an excellent way to highlight your personal qualities and career-related skills, so it’s important to make the most of your application. One of the sections you’ll need to complete on your application is extracurricular activities. These activities provide colleges with more insight into who you are as a person and what your interests and goals are.
BUSINESS CLUBS – Your search for extra-curricular activities should start with a look at the business clubs offered by your college. The Future Business Leaders of America is one of the best clubs because it helps future executives learn the networking and communicating skills they need to work as leaders. The Business Professionals of America allows students to start and run their own clubs on high school and college campuses. If you were a member in high school, you may take on a leadership role in college. You can also talk with your school about implementing one of these clubs too.
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES – Leadership activities are some of the most important ones to put on your college application. Many colleges look for leadership skills or leadership potential in college applicants. Having activities on your application that show you’ve been in a leadership position can help you stand out among the competition. Whether you’ve been the president of a high school club or other organization or the captain of your sports team, these activities provide colleges with evidence that you have what it takes to be in a leadership position.
INTERNSHIPS – Internships are a great way to show colleges that you have already gained some experience in your chosen field. For example, business students might do an internship with a local company in their marketing department or another department, which should be included on a college application. These activities illustrate your dedication to your field and provide evidence that you have had some hands-on experience on a professional level. This can ensure that your application goes to the top of the pile when the admissions office looks for college applicants.
WORK EXPERIENCE – Work experience might seem more like something you would put on a job resume rather than a college application. However, including this kind of experience when applying for business degree is a smart move. Having work experience, such as a part-time position, shows that you are responsible enough to hold down a job. Work experience also means you’ve had to develop time management skills and learn to work with supervisors and fellow employees.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – Volunteering is a great way to gain some leadership experience and experience working on teams. Though you might think that you must sign up for a business program, you can volunteer in places like soup kitchens, hospitals and homeless shelters. Those experiences show that you are an altruistic person who values others and that you put the needs of others above your own.
Un if you hope to attend business school and earn an MBA, you must take part in the right clubs and organizations while in college. The best extra-curricular activities for a business major include the honors society, volunteer experiences and organizations that teach you leadership and other valuable skills.
Hope this is helpful Un
BUSINESS CLUBS – Your search for extra-curricular activities should start with a look at the business clubs offered by your college. The Future Business Leaders of America is one of the best clubs because it helps future executives learn the networking and communicating skills they need to work as leaders. The Business Professionals of America allows students to start and run their own clubs on high school and college campuses. If you were a member in high school, you may take on a leadership role in college. You can also talk with your school about implementing one of these clubs too.
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES – Leadership activities are some of the most important ones to put on your college application. Many colleges look for leadership skills or leadership potential in college applicants. Having activities on your application that show you’ve been in a leadership position can help you stand out among the competition. Whether you’ve been the president of a high school club or other organization or the captain of your sports team, these activities provide colleges with evidence that you have what it takes to be in a leadership position.
INTERNSHIPS – Internships are a great way to show colleges that you have already gained some experience in your chosen field. For example, business students might do an internship with a local company in their marketing department or another department, which should be included on a college application. These activities illustrate your dedication to your field and provide evidence that you have had some hands-on experience on a professional level. This can ensure that your application goes to the top of the pile when the admissions office looks for college applicants.
WORK EXPERIENCE – Work experience might seem more like something you would put on a job resume rather than a college application. However, including this kind of experience when applying for business degree is a smart move. Having work experience, such as a part-time position, shows that you are responsible enough to hold down a job. Work experience also means you’ve had to develop time management skills and learn to work with supervisors and fellow employees.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – Volunteering is a great way to gain some leadership experience and experience working on teams. Though you might think that you must sign up for a business program, you can volunteer in places like soup kitchens, hospitals and homeless shelters. Those experiences show that you are an altruistic person who values others and that you put the needs of others above your own.
Un if you hope to attend business school and earn an MBA, you must take part in the right clubs and organizations while in college. The best extra-curricular activities for a business major include the honors society, volunteer experiences and organizations that teach you leadership and other valuable skills.
Hope this is helpful Un
Thank You Justin. Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hello Un, that would be heavily dependent on what you want to do in business? Supply chain, HR, Reception, Management. There is limitless possibilities and specializations however, if you are looking for general things start a very small business. Sell pens on amazon, do a non-profit that sells lemonade. These are the best ways to get experience over all branches of business management. Feel free to listen to some podcasts, if stocks and investments are your thing then check out one called snacks daily. To be honest there are only a few degrees in business that are worth getting to fill special roles like supply chain management. If you just want to sell product go sell product, what you will learn in four years is nothing compared to the experience you will gain doing it in those same four years.
On top of that a masters degree has become the new bachelor's so to impress someone you would need two additional years to get that interview on merit alone.
On top of that a masters degree has become the new bachelor's so to impress someone you would need two additional years to get that interview on merit alone.
Updated
Chelsie’s Answer
A business major is a great choice since the world is your oyster in regards to career paths it would fit. Not only would it help you if you decide you want to start your own business, but also understanding how a business operates and functions and what to do to be successful is a desirable skill business owners would find useful for an employee to have to help them accomplish their business objectives!
You just have to find the right business degree program for you since there are multiple avenues/options to choose from depending on the College/University you choose. I found this article to be very helpful regarding the options that you can choose from: https://collegetotal.com/why-is-business-major-good/
If I could go back in time knowing what I know now, I would have went for a business degree vs Communications. I just think it would have helped me excel and advance in my current career faster with a broader knowledge of business principles and functions.
I also found this article particularly helpful which outlines in more depth some of the items below:
https://www.niche.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-business-school-while-youre-still-in-high-school/
Some ideas for extra-curricular activities are:
-->Join an entrepreneurship group - you can probably even find a Facebook group!
--> Play an active role in a student society - which most high schools and colleges have
--> Volunteer or fundraise for a good cause that you are passionate about
--> Join a business club such as: Speech/Debate club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), etc
--> Apply for an internships or summer enrichment program
Honestly anything that can help you increase skills including but not limited too:
-Communication (both oral and written)
-Leadership
-Professionalism
-Networking
-Teamwork
-Critical and analytical thinking
-Decision-making
-Problem-solving
-Data skills (being able to interpret and analyze data)
-Time/Desk management
You just have to find the right business degree program for you since there are multiple avenues/options to choose from depending on the College/University you choose. I found this article to be very helpful regarding the options that you can choose from: https://collegetotal.com/why-is-business-major-good/
If I could go back in time knowing what I know now, I would have went for a business degree vs Communications. I just think it would have helped me excel and advance in my current career faster with a broader knowledge of business principles and functions.
I also found this article particularly helpful which outlines in more depth some of the items below:
https://www.niche.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-business-school-while-youre-still-in-high-school/
Some ideas for extra-curricular activities are:
-->Join an entrepreneurship group - you can probably even find a Facebook group!
--> Play an active role in a student society - which most high schools and colleges have
--> Volunteer or fundraise for a good cause that you are passionate about
--> Join a business club such as: Speech/Debate club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), etc
--> Apply for an internships or summer enrichment program
Honestly anything that can help you increase skills including but not limited too:
-Communication (both oral and written)
-Leadership
-Professionalism
-Networking
-Teamwork
-Critical and analytical thinking
-Decision-making
-Problem-solving
-Data skills (being able to interpret and analyze data)
-Time/Desk management
Updated
Henrique’s Answer
You already have pretty good answers here. I definitely agree 100% with John and Chelsie.
On top of that, if I could give you an advice that might not be useful when you're a business student, but latter on when you'll be working in a company. I would say that you should care about your manners, how you behave when you're eating, how you talk to people. Basic things, but I can assure you that if you have good manners you will stand out from the cloud when you're with your managers...
On top of that, if I could give you an advice that might not be useful when you're a business student, but latter on when you'll be working in a company. I would say that you should care about your manners, how you behave when you're eating, how you talk to people. Basic things, but I can assure you that if you have good manners you will stand out from the cloud when you're with your managers...
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
- Start your own business
- Intern at a company
- Get a job that is related to your career path
- Join business organizations
- Intern at a company
- Get a job that is related to your career path
- Join business organizations
Updated
Damien’s Answer
I think there are a few great ways to prepare yourself for a career in business through extra-curricular activities
1. Join a future business leaders of america chapter at your school or a school near you (website: https://www.fbla-pbl.org/)
2. Harness leadership opportunities in school and your community by taking part in student council, coaching a team (I coached a swim team), or organizing a volunteer event with your peers
3. If you have an idea of the type of business you want run, certainly learn the business from an establishment in your town (if you want to own a restaurant, work at a restaurant and use that as an opportunity to learn from the owner)
1. Join a future business leaders of america chapter at your school or a school near you (website: https://www.fbla-pbl.org/)
2. Harness leadership opportunities in school and your community by taking part in student council, coaching a team (I coached a swim team), or organizing a volunteer event with your peers
3. If you have an idea of the type of business you want run, certainly learn the business from an establishment in your town (if you want to own a restaurant, work at a restaurant and use that as an opportunity to learn from the owner)
Updated
Jolese’s Answer
Hi Un!
If you wanted to be an entrepreneur my suggestions for extra curricular activities would be to intern at some businesses that are exactly or close to what kind of business your looking to start. Interning for other small businesses would be more ideal because it would allow you to see small hiccups at start ups and give you some guidance on which steps are necessary and which steps are not. I hope this helps. Best wishes on your journey to entrepreneurship!
If you wanted to be an entrepreneur my suggestions for extra curricular activities would be to intern at some businesses that are exactly or close to what kind of business your looking to start. Interning for other small businesses would be more ideal because it would allow you to see small hiccups at start ups and give you some guidance on which steps are necessary and which steps are not. I hope this helps. Best wishes on your journey to entrepreneurship!
Updated
Greta’s Answer
There are a lot of clubs/extra curricular activities that help develop business skills while still in school. See below:
DECA (focuses on marketing, hospitality, finance, and management)
National Beta Club (focuses on leadership development)
Speech/Debate Teams
Future Business Leaders of America
Internships in your area of interest would also be great.
DECA (focuses on marketing, hospitality, finance, and management)
National Beta Club (focuses on leadership development)
Speech/Debate Teams
Future Business Leaders of America
Internships in your area of interest would also be great.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Un,
I agree with some prior responses that the type of business you're looking to enter may make a difference. I work in Financial Services, Wealth Management specifically, and can tell you that there are a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences among professionals in this field. We have Advisors who have studied finance and have only been involved in related activities, and I have worked with many Advisors who came from other professions such as law , law enforcement, medicine and retail, to name a few. Wealth Management is really a "people" business, and the ability to build relationships and earn trust and really most important. We also focus heavily on serving the communities we live in and frequently volunteer at food banks, schools and for non-profit organizations, so involvements in those kinds of activities would also look great for a hiring manager!
I have seen some universities offer investment clubs for students, those would be good to join if you have interest in the investment and wealth management world, to gain exposure to what the work could be like. Many kinds of activities could provide relevant discussion points , though. For instance, if you got involved in climate change or sustainability related organizations, you would be well-versed in connecting to sustainable investing ideas. If you volunteered at a hospital, you might learn about some of the challenges in the medical field that can be relevant in discussing investment in the healthcare sector.
Best of luck to you!
I agree with some prior responses that the type of business you're looking to enter may make a difference. I work in Financial Services, Wealth Management specifically, and can tell you that there are a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences among professionals in this field. We have Advisors who have studied finance and have only been involved in related activities, and I have worked with many Advisors who came from other professions such as law , law enforcement, medicine and retail, to name a few. Wealth Management is really a "people" business, and the ability to build relationships and earn trust and really most important. We also focus heavily on serving the communities we live in and frequently volunteer at food banks, schools and for non-profit organizations, so involvements in those kinds of activities would also look great for a hiring manager!
I have seen some universities offer investment clubs for students, those would be good to join if you have interest in the investment and wealth management world, to gain exposure to what the work could be like. Many kinds of activities could provide relevant discussion points , though. For instance, if you got involved in climate change or sustainability related organizations, you would be well-versed in connecting to sustainable investing ideas. If you volunteered at a hospital, you might learn about some of the challenges in the medical field that can be relevant in discussing investment in the healthcare sector.
Best of luck to you!
Updated
Katie’s Answer
I would encourage you to consider extracurricular activities that support a passion or help you develop a skill you might feel uncertain about, too. For example, I worked on the college newspaper. I didn't become a journalist, but I frequently reference communication skills I learned there (not to mention that it was the best grammar class I could have taken!).
Updated
Shreya’s Answer
I would do any extracurriculars that interest you! A lot of companies these days look for a well- rounded person who can speak to more leadership qualities than technical skills. If you do something in college for all 4 years and can speak to growing into a leadership role and how you navigated getting there and doing well in the role, that is a great talking point in the resume and interview. This is a great way to get internships early in your college career and appeal to companies you are interested in.
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
A simple suggestion I have is to consider joining a business club, as it can be a great way to spend your free time actively engaged. I discovered a list of clubs that might interest you: https://admissionsight.com/the-top-extracurricular-activities-for-high-schoolers-pursuing-business/
Updated
Keerthi’s Answer
Attending Business and Networking events helps a lot in building connections. EventBrite and Linkedin could be great for exploring ongoing events in your location. Also taking extra courses that provides certification which helps your major is always a benefit. Ex : Business Analytics/ PMP Certification/ Digital Marketing/ Technical Certifications (Microsoft, AWS, Google).
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Read Business Books, Follow market trends, Listen to business podcasts. I believe that extracurriculars extend beyond networking and joining organizations. Your goal is to be on a journey of self development and that includes educating yourself beyond formal education and organizations.
Updated
Mohamed’s Answer
Lean how to use Gen AI to the best of your ability. It will be the skillset of the future and will increase efficiency and productivity and give you a competitive edge in whatever you do.
Updated
Bob’s Answer
Un,
Everyone provided great advice. In addition, some companies look at how much time students spend outside of school in their activities. These companies are looking for people that are well rounded, and may be more likely to hire someone that has a 3.5 GPA that is involved in activities during the school year and/or work part time over someone that has a 3.9 GPA and was not involved in any activities and/or did not work part time.
Wishing you all the best,
Bob
Everyone provided great advice. In addition, some companies look at how much time students spend outside of school in their activities. These companies are looking for people that are well rounded, and may be more likely to hire someone that has a 3.5 GPA that is involved in activities during the school year and/or work part time over someone that has a 3.9 GPA and was not involved in any activities and/or did not work part time.
Wishing you all the best,
Bob
Updated
Jairo’s Answer
Hi Un,
In college, I joined the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) when I was a Business student. The organization helped write a cohesive resume, prepare for interviews and gave me access to companies who came to campus to share more about their opportunities. NABA was not exclusive to Accounting majors only - you could join and be of any major. They also have a professional members branch if you're not enrolled in school at the moment.
In college, I joined the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) when I was a Business student. The organization helped write a cohesive resume, prepare for interviews and gave me access to companies who came to campus to share more about their opportunities. NABA was not exclusive to Accounting majors only - you could join and be of any major. They also have a professional members branch if you're not enrolled in school at the moment.
Updated
Carolyn’s Answer
To put the great advice shared by others into action, follow these steps:
1. Research your school's student council and class officer positions: Find out the requirements for joining or running for a position in your student council, as well as how to become a class officer. Gather information about the roles and responsibilities of each position and choose the one that aligns best with your interests and skills.
2. Prepare your campaign or application: If you need to run a campaign for a student council position, plan your strategies for gaining support and promoting your candidacy. If it's an application-based process, prepare a compelling application highlighting your strengths, experience, and goals.
3. Attend student council meetings and engage with current members: Familiarize yourself with how the student council works, and start networking with the members to learn from their experiences and gain insights.
4. Seek out volunteering opportunities: Explore local volunteer programs, such as community service initiatives, charities, or non-profit organizations. Look for opportunities that align with your interests and skills, or those that challenge you to develop new skills.
5. Commit to a regular volunteering schedule: Determine how much time you can dedicate to volunteering, whether it's a few hours a week or a larger commitment, and stick to that schedule. Consistency is key to truly making a difference and growing as a person.
6. Track your achievements and growth: As you engage in student council and volunteering activities, make note of the accomplishments and skills you develop. This will help in showcasing your experiences during college applications or job interviews and will help you stand out from the competition.
By actively participating in student government and volunteering, you'll develop invaluable project management, communication, and leadership skills, while also giving back to your community and expanding your network.
1. Research your school's student council and class officer positions: Find out the requirements for joining or running for a position in your student council, as well as how to become a class officer. Gather information about the roles and responsibilities of each position and choose the one that aligns best with your interests and skills.
2. Prepare your campaign or application: If you need to run a campaign for a student council position, plan your strategies for gaining support and promoting your candidacy. If it's an application-based process, prepare a compelling application highlighting your strengths, experience, and goals.
3. Attend student council meetings and engage with current members: Familiarize yourself with how the student council works, and start networking with the members to learn from their experiences and gain insights.
4. Seek out volunteering opportunities: Explore local volunteer programs, such as community service initiatives, charities, or non-profit organizations. Look for opportunities that align with your interests and skills, or those that challenge you to develop new skills.
5. Commit to a regular volunteering schedule: Determine how much time you can dedicate to volunteering, whether it's a few hours a week or a larger commitment, and stick to that schedule. Consistency is key to truly making a difference and growing as a person.
6. Track your achievements and growth: As you engage in student council and volunteering activities, make note of the accomplishments and skills you develop. This will help in showcasing your experiences during college applications or job interviews and will help you stand out from the competition.
By actively participating in student government and volunteering, you'll develop invaluable project management, communication, and leadership skills, while also giving back to your community and expanding your network.
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
There are many extracurricular activities that can help you develop important skills and gain valuable experience if you are studying business. Here are some examples:
Joining a business club or organization: Many universities have clubs or organizations that are dedicated to business and entrepreneurship. Joining one of these clubs can provide opportunities to network with other students, attend events, and learn from guest speakers.
Volunteering: Volunteering for a non-profit organization or participating in community service projects can help you develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, which are all valuable for a career in business.
Internships: Internships provide hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting. Many businesses offer internships for college students, which can be a great way to gain experience and build your resume.
Competitions: Business competitions, such as case competitions or business plan competitions, provide opportunities to work on real-world business problems and present your ideas to a panel of judges. These competitions can help you develop critical thinking and presentation skills.
Starting your own business: Starting your own business, even on a small scale, can provide valuable experience in areas such as marketing, finance, and operations. It also demonstrates initiative and entrepreneurship, which can be attractive to potential employers.
Joining a business club or organization: Many universities have clubs or organizations that are dedicated to business and entrepreneurship. Joining one of these clubs can provide opportunities to network with other students, attend events, and learn from guest speakers.
Volunteering: Volunteering for a non-profit organization or participating in community service projects can help you develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, which are all valuable for a career in business.
Internships: Internships provide hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting. Many businesses offer internships for college students, which can be a great way to gain experience and build your resume.
Competitions: Business competitions, such as case competitions or business plan competitions, provide opportunities to work on real-world business problems and present your ideas to a panel of judges. These competitions can help you develop critical thinking and presentation skills.
Starting your own business: Starting your own business, even on a small scale, can provide valuable experience in areas such as marketing, finance, and operations. It also demonstrates initiative and entrepreneurship, which can be attractive to potential employers.
Updated
Robert’s Answer
I went to answer this question sand see John and Chelsie answered which are some of the best of many I have seen on my time helping out on this I don't have a lot to add but stress any job, volunteering, internship you do that shows critical thinking and interaction on some business & operational level shows initiative.
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Un,
I agree with the answers that others gave to your question. One thing I would add is that the schools I went to really focused on teamwork. When I later entered the business world I realized why they had emphasized teamwork so much. Almost everything I do throughout an average work day involves working with others. Showing schools that you have experience working on teams and getting along with others is very valuable.
I also mention this because a lot of students don’t have prior work experience or internships, but many play team sports. Don’t underestimate the importance of team sports when it comes to preparing for the business world. Sports give people experience with adversity, critical thinking, leadership, building relationships, and working with others to achieve a common goal. This is something that is valuable to admissions counselors and employers as well.
If you’re not already involved in a sports team there are typically a lot of options at schools or in the community. Even joining pick-up games of basketball at a local park would count.
I hope this helps!
-Nicole
I agree with the answers that others gave to your question. One thing I would add is that the schools I went to really focused on teamwork. When I later entered the business world I realized why they had emphasized teamwork so much. Almost everything I do throughout an average work day involves working with others. Showing schools that you have experience working on teams and getting along with others is very valuable.
I also mention this because a lot of students don’t have prior work experience or internships, but many play team sports. Don’t underestimate the importance of team sports when it comes to preparing for the business world. Sports give people experience with adversity, critical thinking, leadership, building relationships, and working with others to achieve a common goal. This is something that is valuable to admissions counselors and employers as well.
If you’re not already involved in a sports team there are typically a lot of options at schools or in the community. Even joining pick-up games of basketball at a local park would count.
I hope this helps!
-Nicole
Updated
Dhimant’s Answer
Get involved in community service and seize the opportunity to mingle with individuals from varied business backgrounds and diverse groups. Engage in conversations with business owners and make the most of business or leadership events - the city is always buzzing with such activities. Become a member of professional groups like the Project Management Institute (PMI), Scrum Alliance, or SAFe. It's a great way to broaden your horizons and boost your career prospects!