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A few questions, which are all relatively different.
Question 1: Are there some college classes which can be done early, to only attend classes which focus on the chosen Major?
Question 2: For a Business Major, what are some extra classes that can be taken to help one exceed in the Business world?
Question 3: If one was to seek a position as a Computer Programmer, what are some suggested licenses or classes someone should take?
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Updated
Harish’s Answer
Hi Cai,
1: Yes, people generally complete their gen-eds/core classes as early as they can (freshman/sophomore year) to free up time for classes in their actual major. If you have good AP scores, you can apply them to these gen-ed classes so you don't have to take them in college. Many colleges only allow you to use your AP score if you got a 5, though, so beware of that. You also want to take your major pre-reqs early, so that you can take the rest of your major's classes afterwards.
2. Take micro/macroeconomics, finance, international economics, econometrics, taxation, public policy/economics, strategy, management, leadership, public speaking, etc. Look at which courses are recommended for your major or that you're interested in. Also, do 1 or more internships during colleges and join clubs if you have any interest. The internships are far more important than clubs, though.
3. Data structures is a mandatory class that is taken pretty early on. Other classes may include front-end/back-end programming, databases, AI, Human-Computer Interaction, SQL programming, Game design, Functional Programming, Cloud Engineering, Networking, Cybersecurity .etc.
Get good at data structures/coding; your coding skills are what will get you jobs in the future.
If you have any interest in Cloud, perhaps get AWS/GCP/Azure/Oracle certs; I have a few AWS/Oracle certs. If you have interest in cybersecurity/networking, look into the Comptia+ certs. For other fields, there are other certs.
Complete gen-eds/major pre-req classes early
Learn as much about business as possible, and do internships
Get good at data structures and programming
Perhaps do a few certs, depending on your interest
1: Yes, people generally complete their gen-eds/core classes as early as they can (freshman/sophomore year) to free up time for classes in their actual major. If you have good AP scores, you can apply them to these gen-ed classes so you don't have to take them in college. Many colleges only allow you to use your AP score if you got a 5, though, so beware of that. You also want to take your major pre-reqs early, so that you can take the rest of your major's classes afterwards.
2. Take micro/macroeconomics, finance, international economics, econometrics, taxation, public policy/economics, strategy, management, leadership, public speaking, etc. Look at which courses are recommended for your major or that you're interested in. Also, do 1 or more internships during colleges and join clubs if you have any interest. The internships are far more important than clubs, though.
3. Data structures is a mandatory class that is taken pretty early on. Other classes may include front-end/back-end programming, databases, AI, Human-Computer Interaction, SQL programming, Game design, Functional Programming, Cloud Engineering, Networking, Cybersecurity .etc.
Get good at data structures/coding; your coding skills are what will get you jobs in the future.
If you have any interest in Cloud, perhaps get AWS/GCP/Azure/Oracle certs; I have a few AWS/Oracle certs. If you have interest in cybersecurity/networking, look into the Comptia+ certs. For other fields, there are other certs.
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Updated
Liz’s Answer
As a business major, so much of business is being automated and requires keeping up with the latest technology. I would take classes that have a technology focus so that you are aware of the various technologies out there being used.
Christa Semko
Chief of Staff and Director, Strategy & Operations at Dell
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Christa’s Answer
Hi Cai, Thanks for your questions. I'm going to specifically weigh in on this one:
Question 2: For a Business Major, what are some extra classes that can be taken to help one exceed in the Business world?
I think some classes / focus areas for you that could be useful in the business world are around writing and communications. So much of what happens in the business world requires you to be able to engage others / bring them along with your idea / help them understand what this means for them --- and all of that requires you to be able to articulate your thoughts clearly and succinctly. Having really solid understanding of communications styles, strategics, approaches in connection with solid writing skills will absolutely serve you well in the business world (or anywhere!).
I hope this helps and best wishes on your studies and career journey!
Question 2: For a Business Major, what are some extra classes that can be taken to help one exceed in the Business world?
I think some classes / focus areas for you that could be useful in the business world are around writing and communications. So much of what happens in the business world requires you to be able to engage others / bring them along with your idea / help them understand what this means for them --- and all of that requires you to be able to articulate your thoughts clearly and succinctly. Having really solid understanding of communications styles, strategics, approaches in connection with solid writing skills will absolutely serve you well in the business world (or anywhere!).
I hope this helps and best wishes on your studies and career journey!
Updated
Ken’s Answer
Hi Cai,
For question 1, I agree that if you are in high school and can take and pass the AP classes, then you would have less classes to take in college.
Best of luck!
For question 1, I agree that if you are in high school and can take and pass the AP classes, then you would have less classes to take in college.
Best of luck!
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Cai!
Great questions and I hope I can provide some help.
1) Yes, there are definitely classes that you can take early so that you can focus on the business classes that really interest you. These "core" courses are often offered in high school as AP courses (college biology, history, english, etc.). If you still have the ability to take those courses and "test out" of them so you do not have to take them again in college, that is a great route to take. If you test out of them, then you can accelerate your time in college to either graduate early or to take more courses that you are specifically interested in but may not have had the time to take without testing out of the core courses.
2) Regarding what classes to take as a business major, it depends on what you are interested in. There are a lot of different parts of business that could be interesting to you - such as Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Accounting, etc. As a business major you will likely take a few of these courses as a part of the path to graduation already, but I would do a little research on your own or speak with some folks that you know that are in the business world to understand if you might be interested in a specific area or two. I have always had a passion for people and love interacting with people so I have found myself interested in Human Resources....and I have had an interest in technology too....so now I sell Human Resources software for a living.
3) Computer Programming has a few different paths. You can take local classes at vocational institutes to become more knowledgeable in specific languages (PYTHON, C++, etc.). I'm not super knowledgeable on computer programming but do know that these classes are pretty common. If you are heading into college, then you would want to pursue a Computer Science degree and the school will help direct you in a certain path.
I hope this helps!!
Ryan
Great questions and I hope I can provide some help.
1) Yes, there are definitely classes that you can take early so that you can focus on the business classes that really interest you. These "core" courses are often offered in high school as AP courses (college biology, history, english, etc.). If you still have the ability to take those courses and "test out" of them so you do not have to take them again in college, that is a great route to take. If you test out of them, then you can accelerate your time in college to either graduate early or to take more courses that you are specifically interested in but may not have had the time to take without testing out of the core courses.
2) Regarding what classes to take as a business major, it depends on what you are interested in. There are a lot of different parts of business that could be interesting to you - such as Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Accounting, etc. As a business major you will likely take a few of these courses as a part of the path to graduation already, but I would do a little research on your own or speak with some folks that you know that are in the business world to understand if you might be interested in a specific area or two. I have always had a passion for people and love interacting with people so I have found myself interested in Human Resources....and I have had an interest in technology too....so now I sell Human Resources software for a living.
3) Computer Programming has a few different paths. You can take local classes at vocational institutes to become more knowledgeable in specific languages (PYTHON, C++, etc.). I'm not super knowledgeable on computer programming but do know that these classes are pretty common. If you are heading into college, then you would want to pursue a Computer Science degree and the school will help direct you in a certain path.
I hope this helps!!
Ryan
Updated
Amy’s Answer
You can definitely take classes at many community colleges for under graduate classes. My daughter took Music Appreciation, and History of Rock & Roll for example. You can also get your language requirement done this way, over the summer for example. It's great to do this because you can knock out some units before you even go to college. Once you finish your under graduate classes you can focus on your major.
Talk to your high school counselor, they can help point you to community colleges and usually have a catalog of courses. I know for my daughter the class was free for high school students. She only had to buy her book.
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