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is studying business worth it?
im thinking of studying business, though there are many majors like finance, accounting, marketing, economics, business administration etc. and im super confused as to what to choose, and if it’s a good idea to study business or not, and if it’s a good idea, then is there any other subject which i should minor in, pls help me out !!
13 answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Allaya,
It's a good question. While I don't have a business degree, I have friends who do, and one benefit is that it's a versatile degree. In other words, many disciplines require business fundamentals. Most likely, the classes you take in your first two years of a business degree will be applicable if you decide you want to fine-tune your major (like finance, accounting, marketing, etc.) Or, you may decide to finish with a business degree, which is still versatile in the job market. As far as a minor, I would suggest working on something that interests you, and if you don't know yet, that's okay as well. I personally switched majors from engineering to computer science; I did this because I found myself enjoying my computer classes more than my engineering classes, and my summer internship was doing database work. I say this because I believe a lot of people don't have clarity on what degree they want when they first enter college and it may take a year of classes to start to understand what you like. That's fine; I think the college experience includes an exploration of what you really want to do.
It's a good question. While I don't have a business degree, I have friends who do, and one benefit is that it's a versatile degree. In other words, many disciplines require business fundamentals. Most likely, the classes you take in your first two years of a business degree will be applicable if you decide you want to fine-tune your major (like finance, accounting, marketing, etc.) Or, you may decide to finish with a business degree, which is still versatile in the job market. As far as a minor, I would suggest working on something that interests you, and if you don't know yet, that's okay as well. I personally switched majors from engineering to computer science; I did this because I found myself enjoying my computer classes more than my engineering classes, and my summer internship was doing database work. I say this because I believe a lot of people don't have clarity on what degree they want when they first enter college and it may take a year of classes to start to understand what you like. That's fine; I think the college experience includes an exploration of what you really want to do.
thank u so much for the advice, jeff !!
allaya
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
It’s tough to know what you want to do when you’re learning in school. It’s theoretical work, not practical. What could be helpful is starting out like others have said, with a more general business degree in mind. Then, try to do some internships to see where to focus. In all honesty, if you graduate that is probably all you need from your degree. Finding a rotation program within a company for new grads would give you the most practical experience and allow you to test the waters a bit in the real world. You may hate your accounting classes but love actually applying your knowledge to an accounting role. Explore! Find ways to try things out rather than just guessing. Also, there is no wrong way to go. I’ve changed directions as I navigate the job world and enjoyed growing into new paths. I did accounting then contracts and now I’m in compliance. You’ll learn as you go- that’s what we’re all doing even us old people. 🙂
thank u for the advice, rebecca !!
allaya
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hi Allaya!
First things first - that's ok. Most people do not know what they want to do the rest of their lives and it can be stressful to think about. I felt the same way a couple of years ago right before I graduated high school. My suggestion is to go to a community college to obtain your basics. This will help you have time to try some different jobs in completely different fields. Also, by going to a community college you will be saving money and giving yourself more time to decide on a career/job while making progress on your degree. Don't let people put pressure on you that you have to decide now on the rest of your work life. I had a teacher in high school tell me that I would be a failure if I did not know what degree/career I wanted by the time I graduated high school. Well, I did not by graduation but decided a year later on what I wanted to do and absolutely love it (operations)
I really think business is a great field to go into since it keeps your options wide open. That way you are not committing to one specific field and find out later that you hate it. Some fields in business include:
1. Operations
2. Finance
3. Sales
4. Marketing
5. Human Resources
I decided to go into Business Operations since operations touches almost every facet of the organization. I enjoy the different challenges and operations also gives me the flexibility to try new things. Another great aspect about operations is they usually support the other divisions of an organization. Since, there are many divisions of an company if you do not enjoy one area its not a big deal since you can support other areas of the business.
Many larger companies will start you in a rotational analyst program. By doing this you will get to see usually 2-4 different sections of the business. Companies offer this to not only help you hone in on your career path but many companies have realized that if there employees actually enjoy their job they will get better overall performance.
I know this can be a stressful time in your life. Please know that you are not alone.
First things first - that's ok. Most people do not know what they want to do the rest of their lives and it can be stressful to think about. I felt the same way a couple of years ago right before I graduated high school. My suggestion is to go to a community college to obtain your basics. This will help you have time to try some different jobs in completely different fields. Also, by going to a community college you will be saving money and giving yourself more time to decide on a career/job while making progress on your degree. Don't let people put pressure on you that you have to decide now on the rest of your work life. I had a teacher in high school tell me that I would be a failure if I did not know what degree/career I wanted by the time I graduated high school. Well, I did not by graduation but decided a year later on what I wanted to do and absolutely love it (operations)
I really think business is a great field to go into since it keeps your options wide open. That way you are not committing to one specific field and find out later that you hate it. Some fields in business include:
1. Operations
2. Finance
3. Sales
4. Marketing
5. Human Resources
I decided to go into Business Operations since operations touches almost every facet of the organization. I enjoy the different challenges and operations also gives me the flexibility to try new things. Another great aspect about operations is they usually support the other divisions of an organization. Since, there are many divisions of an company if you do not enjoy one area its not a big deal since you can support other areas of the business.
Many larger companies will start you in a rotational analyst program. By doing this you will get to see usually 2-4 different sections of the business. Companies offer this to not only help you hone in on your career path but many companies have realized that if there employees actually enjoy their job they will get better overall performance.
I know this can be a stressful time in your life. Please know that you are not alone.
thank u sm, daniel !!
allaya
Updated
Jesse’s Answer
Pursuing a business degree is indeed an excellent choice, as it opens up numerous diverse and promising career paths, as you rightly mentioned. While you may initially be uncertain about the specific type of business degree you wish to pursue, it is important to note that certain educational institutions require students to complete their introductory courses before declaring a major. This approach allows you ample time to explore various fields of study and identify your true interests and areas of proficiency. Subsequently, leveraging internship opportunities can provide valuable real-world experience and expose you to diverse career paths aligned with your chosen degree program.
thank u sm, jesse !!
allaya
Updated
Yash’s Answer
Hi Allaya,
I believe that business is a great area of study, as an ex-computer science major I realized that I although I loved technology I wanted to explore the management and business aspect as well as the technical side. I decided to change my major to Business Analytics and Information Systems and have been loving it!
To me business offers a variety of different disciplines and as long as you enjoy your major and are actively looking for opportunities for internships and relevant work experience I am confident that you will find success.
I am also minoring in communications, however a lot of people actually like adding my major (often times called MIS - Managing Information Systems) since having knowledge of technology is a big plus for an business career so if you are interested in it I would definitely recommend at least picking up a minor in that field.
Hope that helps :)
I believe that business is a great area of study, as an ex-computer science major I realized that I although I loved technology I wanted to explore the management and business aspect as well as the technical side. I decided to change my major to Business Analytics and Information Systems and have been loving it!
To me business offers a variety of different disciplines and as long as you enjoy your major and are actively looking for opportunities for internships and relevant work experience I am confident that you will find success.
I am also minoring in communications, however a lot of people actually like adding my major (often times called MIS - Managing Information Systems) since having knowledge of technology is a big plus for an business career so if you are interested in it I would definitely recommend at least picking up a minor in that field.
Hope that helps :)
thank u sm, yash !!
allaya
Updated
Roma’s Answer
One way that assisted me in discovering my preferred area within the business world was enrolling in various business courses. A majority of colleges require students to complete introductory-level business electives, such as accounting, finance, marketing, ITM, and statistics. These classes were instrumental in helping me find the right fit for my interests. Additionally, some educational institutions offer the option of an undecided major with a general business focus, allowing students to postpone choosing a specific field and simply explore their options!
thank u sm, roma !!
allaya
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Allaya,
Indeed, the numerous paths available for business students make it a great choice. A variety of courses, such as accounting, business management, marketing, and more, are often part of many business programs' introductory courses. This diverse selection can help you pinpoint the business major that suits your interests. When it comes to minors, you can conveniently choose another business-related subject, as it will likely share credits with your major.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Indeed, the numerous paths available for business students make it a great choice. A variety of courses, such as accounting, business management, marketing, and more, are often part of many business programs' introductory courses. This diverse selection can help you pinpoint the business major that suits your interests. When it comes to minors, you can conveniently choose another business-related subject, as it will likely share credits with your major.
Wishing you the best of luck!
thank u sm, madisyn !!
allaya
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Allaya!
I think the best advice I have is this:
You can major in any area of business, but what matters is what you learn outside of your degree.
Many people feel confused or unsure of what career they want after college.
Many people decide to work in a field that doesn't relate to their graduated major.
Regardless: The main way people manage to transfer into different fields is their 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 and 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.
The best way to learn what you want to do is by doing.
Doing can take the form of:
⇢ Entering undeclared and taking intro business courses your first two years. In most colleges, you have to take a set of business courses before entering a specific business curriculum.
An example of this is SUNY's requirements for both Accounting and Business Administration:
https://tinyurl.com/binghamton-acc | https://tinyurl.com/binghamton-bus-admin
Notice that they each have similar classes in their requirements.
See if you can take the intro classes. Keep an open mind and notice how you feel about the classes as you go along.
⇢ Joining a campus organization related to business. Some colleges have Major-specifc clubs, such as a Marketing Association or Economics Club. Try to join some and talk to sophomore, junior, and senior students!
⇢ Get work experience. Take a job that allows you to learn. Maybe that's a marketing job for your school's social media, or being a sales representative for a local brand near you.
To echo Rebecca's answer, "𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭."
When you try new things, you find better clarity on your likes and dislikes and know better how you like to work in real life.
As long as you make learning, doing, and reflecting about business a core goal, you'll eventually figure out what type of work you want in your life.
Learn. Do. Reflect.
(Also, breathe! You got this!)
Sending you encouragement as you enter the world of business :)
I think the best advice I have is this:
You can major in any area of business, but what matters is what you learn outside of your degree.
Many people feel confused or unsure of what career they want after college.
Many people decide to work in a field that doesn't relate to their graduated major.
Regardless: The main way people manage to transfer into different fields is their 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 and 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.
The best way to learn what you want to do is by doing.
Doing can take the form of:
⇢ Entering undeclared and taking intro business courses your first two years. In most colleges, you have to take a set of business courses before entering a specific business curriculum.
An example of this is SUNY's requirements for both Accounting and Business Administration:
https://tinyurl.com/binghamton-acc | https://tinyurl.com/binghamton-bus-admin
Notice that they each have similar classes in their requirements.
See if you can take the intro classes. Keep an open mind and notice how you feel about the classes as you go along.
⇢ Joining a campus organization related to business. Some colleges have Major-specifc clubs, such as a Marketing Association or Economics Club. Try to join some and talk to sophomore, junior, and senior students!
⇢ Get work experience. Take a job that allows you to learn. Maybe that's a marketing job for your school's social media, or being a sales representative for a local brand near you.
To echo Rebecca's answer, "𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭."
When you try new things, you find better clarity on your likes and dislikes and know better how you like to work in real life.
As long as you make learning, doing, and reflecting about business a core goal, you'll eventually figure out what type of work you want in your life.
Learn. Do. Reflect.
(Also, breathe! You got this!)
Sending you encouragement as you enter the world of business :)
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Yes, for sure!
Updated
Jaquan’s Answer
Hi! Studying business can provide a strong foundation for a wide range of career paths. Whether or not it's "worth it" depends on your personal interests, career goals, and the specific business program you're considering. Here are some potential benefits and drawbacks to consider:
Benefits of Studying Business:
Broad Career Options: A business degree can open doors to a wide range of careers in various industries, including marketing, finance, human resources, operations, entrepreneurship, and more.
Transferable Skills: You can acquire skills that are valuable in many roles, such as leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, negotiation, and communication.
Understanding of How Businesses Operate: You can gain a holistic view of how businesses operate, including how different functions interact, which can be valuable in any role.
Networking Opportunities: Business programs often provide opportunities to network with classmates, alumni, and industry professionals, which can be beneficial for future job searches.
Potential for High Earning: Many high-paying roles, such as management consulting or investment banking, require or prefer candidates with a business degree.
Drawbacks of Studying Business:
Cost: Business programs, particularly MBAs, can be expensive. It's important to consider the return on investment, including potential salary increases and career advancement opportunities.
Competition: Given the popularity of business degrees, there may be high competition for certain roles or programs.
Lack of Specialization: Some critics argue that business degrees are too general and don't provide the specialized skills needed for certain roles.
Before deciding whether to study business, it's important to research specific programs, consider your career goals, and reflect on your interests. Speak with professionals in the field, attend career fairs or information sessions, and consider meeting with a career counselor to help make your decision. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question - what's most important is that the path you choose aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Benefits of Studying Business:
Broad Career Options: A business degree can open doors to a wide range of careers in various industries, including marketing, finance, human resources, operations, entrepreneurship, and more.
Transferable Skills: You can acquire skills that are valuable in many roles, such as leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, negotiation, and communication.
Understanding of How Businesses Operate: You can gain a holistic view of how businesses operate, including how different functions interact, which can be valuable in any role.
Networking Opportunities: Business programs often provide opportunities to network with classmates, alumni, and industry professionals, which can be beneficial for future job searches.
Potential for High Earning: Many high-paying roles, such as management consulting or investment banking, require or prefer candidates with a business degree.
Drawbacks of Studying Business:
Cost: Business programs, particularly MBAs, can be expensive. It's important to consider the return on investment, including potential salary increases and career advancement opportunities.
Competition: Given the popularity of business degrees, there may be high competition for certain roles or programs.
Lack of Specialization: Some critics argue that business degrees are too general and don't provide the specialized skills needed for certain roles.
Before deciding whether to study business, it's important to research specific programs, consider your career goals, and reflect on your interests. Speak with professionals in the field, attend career fairs or information sessions, and consider meeting with a career counselor to help make your decision. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question - what's most important is that the path you choose aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Updated
Emily’s Answer
I am happy to share my perspective as an accounting major with 14 years of work experience after getting my accounting degree!
I have found my business major, and specifically my accounting major, to be very useful. There are a lot of different career paths, and different organizations, you can work with as an accountant. When you think about it, just about every type of organization needs accountants! (Start up companies, non-profit organizations, healthcare companies, banks, manufacturing companies...you name it!)
I work for a public accounting firm, which is one of many things you can do with an accounting degree. In my job, I work with different companies to help them analyze their financial and accounting information, and provide advice and recommendations on how they can improve their accounting-related practices in the future.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in accounting, I would recommend checking your state's requirements for becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Once you know what those requirements are (credit hours, course requirements, etc.) then you can work to plan your courses to align with the requirements. Hope this helps!
I have found my business major, and specifically my accounting major, to be very useful. There are a lot of different career paths, and different organizations, you can work with as an accountant. When you think about it, just about every type of organization needs accountants! (Start up companies, non-profit organizations, healthcare companies, banks, manufacturing companies...you name it!)
I work for a public accounting firm, which is one of many things you can do with an accounting degree. In my job, I work with different companies to help them analyze their financial and accounting information, and provide advice and recommendations on how they can improve their accounting-related practices in the future.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in accounting, I would recommend checking your state's requirements for becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Once you know what those requirements are (credit hours, course requirements, etc.) then you can work to plan your courses to align with the requirements. Hope this helps!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I think that it is a good choice. Business is a flexible degree, that can provide excellent options and opportunities for a future career.
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Allaya,
I can offer my personal thoughts on the options you listed in case you find any value in them. Keep in mind that I majored in accounting for bias reasons!
Finance – I believe it depends on where you are studying. A target school for Investment banking can turn this degree into one of the most lucrative around. It teaches you important information that you can use for your own life financial decisions. A lot of people choose finance so it can be harder to find a good position if you are not at a school with good relationships to local businesses.
Accounting (what I did) – “The language of business.” Accounting is very versatile, you can do audits, tax, government work, industry work, or quite easily sidestep into a multitude of different business careers. I chose it because I just wanted to make sure I could get a job! Every company needs an accountant after all.
Marketing – If you have a creative mind and don’t want to look at Excel so much, this can be a great option. The downside is it’s another popular degree and job opportunities can fluctuate more depending on how the economy is doing.
Economics – A good ground level degree with a lot of options. While there aren’t hundreds of thousands of economist jobs, the degree itself allows you to flex into lots of different jobs. You will find job listings that will happily accept either a finance or econ degree. If you truly love it, it’s a good option to continue even to a PHD level.
Business admin – Typically, these programs tend to dabble in all the above without specializing in any. This can be good if you want that jack of all trades vibe or want to sample everything without over committing. My personal experience is that specialization pays off better in the end, however.
At the end of it all, it is your career. No-one wants to grind away every day at something they hate. So, major in something you find interesting. My first accounting class highlighted to me that it was a good fit as it all seemed to make sense whereas others found it confusing. Remember, this isn’t a choice for life, you can change majors, or even careers later. Don’t stress too much, find what interests you and chase it! A business degree is a fine choice.
I can offer my personal thoughts on the options you listed in case you find any value in them. Keep in mind that I majored in accounting for bias reasons!
Finance – I believe it depends on where you are studying. A target school for Investment banking can turn this degree into one of the most lucrative around. It teaches you important information that you can use for your own life financial decisions. A lot of people choose finance so it can be harder to find a good position if you are not at a school with good relationships to local businesses.
Accounting (what I did) – “The language of business.” Accounting is very versatile, you can do audits, tax, government work, industry work, or quite easily sidestep into a multitude of different business careers. I chose it because I just wanted to make sure I could get a job! Every company needs an accountant after all.
Marketing – If you have a creative mind and don’t want to look at Excel so much, this can be a great option. The downside is it’s another popular degree and job opportunities can fluctuate more depending on how the economy is doing.
Economics – A good ground level degree with a lot of options. While there aren’t hundreds of thousands of economist jobs, the degree itself allows you to flex into lots of different jobs. You will find job listings that will happily accept either a finance or econ degree. If you truly love it, it’s a good option to continue even to a PHD level.
Business admin – Typically, these programs tend to dabble in all the above without specializing in any. This can be good if you want that jack of all trades vibe or want to sample everything without over committing. My personal experience is that specialization pays off better in the end, however.
At the end of it all, it is your career. No-one wants to grind away every day at something they hate. So, major in something you find interesting. My first accounting class highlighted to me that it was a good fit as it all seemed to make sense whereas others found it confusing. Remember, this isn’t a choice for life, you can change majors, or even careers later. Don’t stress too much, find what interests you and chase it! A business degree is a fine choice.
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