9 answers
Nicholas
Student
Durham, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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Are there any specific classes I should take in high school if I want to major in business?
I'm a junior btw.
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9 answers
Desiree Juby
Training and Development
11
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Hi Nicholas,
Great question! Each high school may have different class selections or offerings. A few that come to mind that may be useful are accounting, marketing, economics, personal finance, business management or business law. You might also consider taking a computer class on how to use programs like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel or data management classes as these are transferable skills needed in the business world. Most business colleges have math requirements beyond College Algebra, so it is recommended to take math classes each year beyond your high school's minimum requirements for graduation.
Many high schools partner with local community colleges and you can take free college level classes on business topics that will likely transfer to the college you choose to attend. This is a good way to get a head start on graduating college and you'll save money on classes if you complete them while you're in high school.
You might also explore internship programs available to high school student in the summer in your local community. Even if the tasks are filing documents or creating presentations, being present in a business environment will have many benefits to you.
Also check into clubs or activities at your school. I attended high school in North Carolina as well and we had a marketing club called DECA and a Future Business Leaders of America club.
Best wishes on your high school experience and exploring business education and experiences.
Great question! Each high school may have different class selections or offerings. A few that come to mind that may be useful are accounting, marketing, economics, personal finance, business management or business law. You might also consider taking a computer class on how to use programs like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel or data management classes as these are transferable skills needed in the business world. Most business colleges have math requirements beyond College Algebra, so it is recommended to take math classes each year beyond your high school's minimum requirements for graduation.
Many high schools partner with local community colleges and you can take free college level classes on business topics that will likely transfer to the college you choose to attend. This is a good way to get a head start on graduating college and you'll save money on classes if you complete them while you're in high school.
You might also explore internship programs available to high school student in the summer in your local community. Even if the tasks are filing documents or creating presentations, being present in a business environment will have many benefits to you.
Also check into clubs or activities at your school. I attended high school in North Carolina as well and we had a marketing club called DECA and a Future Business Leaders of America club.
Best wishes on your high school experience and exploring business education and experiences.
Shweta Jain
Finance
2
Answers
Dublin, California
Updated
Shweta’s Answer
Nicholas,
You've posed an excellent question! I highly recommend you consider enrolling in courses such as corporate communications, sales & marketing, and finance management. These are the pillars that uphold any successful business, especially from a senior management standpoint. By solidifying your understanding in these areas, you'll be well-equipped to thrive in business operations across various industries.
Corporate communications are vital as they shape the perception of organizations among both internal and external parties.
Sales and Marketing courses will equip you with the skills to effectively communicate with customers and persuade them to invest in your products or services.
Finance Management is crucial in ensuring the profitability of your business.
Furthermore, it's beneficial to familiarize yourself with essential tools like the Microsoft Office Suite, data analytics tools, and so on, through additional classes.
Remember, every step you take in learning is a step towards success. Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey!
You've posed an excellent question! I highly recommend you consider enrolling in courses such as corporate communications, sales & marketing, and finance management. These are the pillars that uphold any successful business, especially from a senior management standpoint. By solidifying your understanding in these areas, you'll be well-equipped to thrive in business operations across various industries.
Corporate communications are vital as they shape the perception of organizations among both internal and external parties.
Sales and Marketing courses will equip you with the skills to effectively communicate with customers and persuade them to invest in your products or services.
Finance Management is crucial in ensuring the profitability of your business.
Furthermore, it's beneficial to familiarize yourself with essential tools like the Microsoft Office Suite, data analytics tools, and so on, through additional classes.
Remember, every step you take in learning is a step towards success. Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey!
Christina Zappel
Senior Manager, Vendor Operations
3
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Christina’s Answer
It's commendable that you're proactively seeking to accumulate experience relevant to your prospective major. Should you be considering a career in business, I'd suggest enrolling in the following subjects if they're available at your educational institution:
1. Statistics
2. Economics
3. Finance
4. Accounting
5. Excel for data management and data analysis
6. Public speaking or joining a debate club
7. Marketing
8. Communication
Moreover, if there's an opportunity for you to participate in a club or organization managed by the school (such as those involved in fundraising or event planning), it would be highly beneficial. This will provide you with firsthand exposure to practical situations that resemble the business world and utilize the skills you'll gain from the aforementioned courses.
1. Statistics
2. Economics
3. Finance
4. Accounting
5. Excel for data management and data analysis
6. Public speaking or joining a debate club
7. Marketing
8. Communication
Moreover, if there's an opportunity for you to participate in a club or organization managed by the school (such as those involved in fundraising or event planning), it would be highly beneficial. This will provide you with firsthand exposure to practical situations that resemble the business world and utilize the skills you'll gain from the aforementioned courses.
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
108
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
A. Michelle’s Answer
There are so many different areas of business that diverse skills and knowledge can help prepare you for success in the field. I would focus on math, statistics and economics, as well as entrepreneurship, marketing and accounting if they are offered. Strong communications - written and oral - are important, so also take classes and improve your skill in public speaking, writing and PowerPoint presentations. Outside of class, join a student business club, shadow a business professional and/or do research on a business topic.
Kimberly Pryor
Business Consultant/Clinical Research Professional
3
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hello Nicholas,
Glad to see you are interest in your future and are setting goals!
When I was in high school, I took accounting 1&2, marketing, computer applications and I was in future business leaders of America club. All of these helped me become familiar with business and once I was in college I understood and had experience in many areas of business. Definitely take classes that are business related and also participate in clubs in high school that are business focused. Look into volunteering at organizations or small businesses in roles where you can learn about business. If you are knowledgeable about taxes assist an accountant. Maybe someone needs help answering phones, copying, filing or data entry. Reach out to a business and see if they need help with their business tasks. Volunteermatch.org is a great volunteer database to start or maybe you know someone with a small business that can mentor you in business.
Best Wishes in whatever you choose!
Glad to see you are interest in your future and are setting goals!
When I was in high school, I took accounting 1&2, marketing, computer applications and I was in future business leaders of America club. All of these helped me become familiar with business and once I was in college I understood and had experience in many areas of business. Definitely take classes that are business related and also participate in clubs in high school that are business focused. Look into volunteering at organizations or small businesses in roles where you can learn about business. If you are knowledgeable about taxes assist an accountant. Maybe someone needs help answering phones, copying, filing or data entry. Reach out to a business and see if they need help with their business tasks. Volunteermatch.org is a great volunteer database to start or maybe you know someone with a small business that can mentor you in business.
Best Wishes in whatever you choose!
Layne Buckley
Human Resources
42
Answers
Salinas, California
Updated
Layne’s Answer
That's a great question! It may surprise, but most of the courses you take in high school contribute in some way to a career in business. That's because businesses need people who have all kinds of knowledge, and also people who can think about things differently to help their business succeed. Specifically, your studies in all of your mathematics programs will be helpful to understanding finance, economics and accounting. Knowledge of the numbers will help you in all aspects of business. But would you believe that your English classes will be just as important. Written communication, storytelling, research and presentation are all part of modern business. It's not just enough to know your business, but you also need to be a great written and oral communicator. Don't worry about picking the perfect courses, but instead focus on getting the most out of them and being ready to apply those skills later once you are in your business career.
Apply yourself to what is taught in each class, whether it is math, science, language or the arts.
Think about how all of these skills can come together in a business setting.
Layne recommends the following next steps:
Cathy Caruso
Marketing strategy
1
Answer
Somerville, New Jersey
Updated
Cathy’s Answer
Should you find yourself with the chance to enroll in an accounting or psychology course, definitely seize it! Both subjects will prove invaluable as you delve deeper into the fascinating world of business operations. Mastering the fundamentals of accounting is beneficial as it enables you to monitor the financial wellbeing of a business. Meanwhile, studying psychology can provide insights into customer thinking patterns, an essential skill for predicting market trends and innovating products. So, go for it and equip yourself with these powerful tools for success!
Stuart Reoch
Financial Analyst
6
Answers
Des Moines, Iowa
Updated
Stuart’s Answer
Hi Nicholas, I would recommend that you take a statistics class and an accounting class if possible. This will give you a better understanding of financial cycles, and the forecasting done for these, which many companies go through on an annual basis at least. Also, any type of experience in computer skills will give you an advantage and you will be able to leverage those skills to further your learning.
Omani Gilliam
Business Executive | Opening the Doors of Power & Influence for Lasting Inclusive Change. Cross-Functional Doer & Cross Silo Collaborator | CFO
20
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Omani’s Answer
Hi,
I recommend as much psychology, communication and social science as much possible. Social science is a great subject to understand human behaviors, particularly in business and negotiations.
I recommend as much psychology, communication and social science as much possible. Social science is a great subject to understand human behaviors, particularly in business and negotiations.
Thank you, Omani!
Eduardo