Is a Business Major a good fit?
Hi, I am a junior in High school looking at graduating with an Associate's and hoping to nail down a major. I previously thought about psychology or creative writing but they don't feel like the right fit. I really enjoy writing and want to find a job I can be creative with. I also want a challenge, and something with a changing work pace that keeps me engaged. I was looking at creative directing but I know that is an end game career. What jobs would allow me to pitch ideas, work on projects, or allow me to make ideas into a reality? At the same time I am hoping those projects wouldn't be only numbers on a screen. With this in mind, would business fit? If so, any ideas? I am finding it hard to narrow down any careers. Thank you.
28 answers
Samantha’s Answer
Kristine’s Answer
Emily’s Answer
Melissa’s Answer
Nic’s Answer
Justine’s Answer
Choosing a business major could be an excellent choice for you! This field opens up a wide variety of career paths. My advice for you is to seize every opportunity to gain practical experience while you're still pursuing your degree. This hands-on approach will not only give you an idea of what a career in your major would be like, but it may also help you discover a passion in a particular area, prompting you to either switch majors or add a business concentration. Make the most of your summer breaks by securing internships, or tap into your existing connections to explore various career areas through job shadowing.
Michelle’s Answer
It's wonderful that you have given a lot of thought to how you want to spend your future. You have described Advertising, so I would suggest going into advertising or public relations for the duties you mention that you prefer.
If you major in Business find out the exact majors, like Business Management or Business Administration, etc., and other concentrations for Business. You can minor in Mass Media, Communications or anything that will teach the fundamentals of advertising. I have left a link to a list of your local colleges for you to explore. Read their websites and see what exact courses are contained in the Business Major and which schools have a Mass Media program that you can minor in. I would suggest getting your Bachelors degree and than if you have the means to do so, a Masters degree.
There are a wide range of jobs you can have with a business degree and many websites list those careers, but a lot deal with numbers which you said you didn't want. If it was me, I would Major in Communications which would cover a wide range of media. This is because you've said that you want something in which you can be creative and see your ideas become reality. You can go a few different ways. Although a degree in Business is one of those degrees that transfers to several types of work, a lot of first hand reading will help you decide which major is best for what you plan to do. It's great that you have the writing skills already which will only progress when you are in college.
It might be a good idea to visit the various schools as well. You can get a first hand glimpse of what the campus is like and ask questions of the staff and students. See if any of them have an orientation that you can attend. That would bring things to light for you. I would suggest doing this as soon as possible so that perhaps by your senior year next year you can make set plans for a major and college enrollment.
I hope that this was a bit of help and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Megan’s Answer
From what you have shared- graphic design, marketing and communications come to mind. I had similar interests to you. I was a communications major with a creative writing minor. What I loved about communications was it had a lot of cross over with the theatre major and I was able to take some really great theatre courses. My favorite I took was an education theatre course that helped run a weeklong theatre summer camp for kids. What I think will be most helpful to you is finding some internships that align with your interests. Business and Communications are both general degrees that need to be paired with experience. I would look into internships to help guide you in your career exploration. I suggest looking at Disney Professional Internships since they have many creative aligned internships.
I hope this helps!
Kitten’s Answer
There are many avenues for creative writing and there is a demand for it, particularly in social media. You can explore the world of digital ebooks with Kindle as well. The possibilities are endless. Research types of creative writing or look through a job search engine for salary ideas.
Since the world of psychology is also of interest, with your creativity and leadership skills, you might investigate Art Therapy. It is a lucrative career that helps a lot process trauma and emotions through art. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN has a library of information that would be a good resource for you. If you're unable to visit them, they can mail you educational materials.
Here is a link for information to see if it might be of interest.
Good luck in your exploration toward your future goals.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/the-intersection-of-art-and-health-how-art-can-help-promote-well-being/
Hilary’s Answer
Oh WOW. You have a lot of great skill sets. How about Marketing ? Marketing is creative in creation of ideas.
Business has several careers to consider. Project Managers in all disciplines also have to be creative to achieve their goals.
Business has many avenues that you can explore. Look into several schools to see what types of business degrees they offer. That will give you an idea of what opportunities may interest you.
Patrick’s Answer
Opting for a Business Major can offer a blend of adaptability and satisfaction, opening doors for creativity, project coordination, and the realization of ideas, particularly in fields like Marketing, Advertising, or Brand Management. I would suggest you look into specializations within business programs, with an emphasis on areas such as Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or Management, as these often encourage inventive thinking. Business Strategy, Product Development, or Entrepreneurial Ventures might be courses that align with your interests.
Although the role of a creative director might be viewed as a final career goal, acquiring skills and experience in business-related positions can lay the groundwork for such aspirations. Many accomplished creative directors boast varied backgrounds in business and marketing. To ensure your projects yield tangible results, consider engaging in practical roles in Project Management, Product Development, or even kick-starting your entrepreneurial ventures.
Feeling uncertain about refining your career options is completely normal at this point. Make the most of internships, informational interviews, and career exploration opportunities to gather insights for well-informed decision-making about your future.
Always keep in mind that a Business Major could be a perfect match for your creative and ambitious objectives. Investigate various specializations and career trajectories within business to discover the niche that resonates most with you. Remember, your journey is about finding what brings you joy and aligns with your passions.
Patrick’s Answer
A Business Major is versatile and opens up a wide range of opportunities for those who are keen to use their creativity in a professional setting. Roles such as Marketing Manager, Brand Strategist, and Product Development Specialist might be a great fit for you as they involve pitching ideas, working on innovative projects, and turning ideas into reality. These roles offer a unique combination of creative input and strategic contribution towards a company's goals.
Moreover, a Business Major can lead to roles in Entrepreneurship or Business Development, where your creative thinking is crucial in starting and expanding businesses. These roles' dynamic nature aligns perfectly with your preference for a varied work pace and the challenge you're looking for.
Importantly, the business world is not just about numbers. Many roles require analytical thinking and creative problem-solving. Jobs in Business Consulting or Management Consulting, for example, involve creating strategies and implementing solutions that go beyond numerical data.
The bottom line is that a Business Major is a perfect match for your desire for a challenging, creative, and dynamic career. It provides opportunities to pitch ideas, work on exciting projects, and bring your creative ideas to life. As you continue your academic journey, consider looking for internships and networking opportunities to gain practical experience in your specific areas of interest within the business world.
deborah’s Answer
You will want to research colleges that have strong Marketing or Advertising programs within their College of Business. It will tap into your interest in creativity and psychology, and leverage it in a marketing job. Some example jobs:
Marketing - marketing manager, product manager, social media manager, marketing communications manager
Advertising/promotion - account executive in agency, or advertising manager with a company
I hope you find my answer helpful to you. Good luck!
Amalya’s Answer
I am really impressed by the way you consider your future and career options! It’s obvious that you have an aesthetic nature and creative personality traits. NO matter which industry you will work in, do keep writing and developing your artistic skills. What refers to generating and realizing ideas, there are various options for that goal. Based on the way you write and interpret reality, I think the academic/research career may be right for you. Being a researcher or lecturer, you will be able to work on scientific and academic projects, suggesting and implementing different ideas. You can also become a journalist, representing different life stories, evaluating them, and helping others be heard by your profession.
When it comes to business career, it definitely can give you opportunities to generate and implement ideas: Creativity is necessary in every field, and business creativity is a common term these days. So consider each option in detail and decide which one can be a better career path for you.
I wish you all the best.
Kim Bauerlein
Kim’s Answer
Within marketing and advertising, there are a variety of roles you could pursue. Some options include:
- Copywriter: In this role, you would write copy for ads, websites, and other marketing materials. You would need to be creative and have a way with words.
- Art director: As an art director, you would be responsible for the visual elements of a campaign. You would work with designers and photographers to create ads, billboards, and other materials.
- Brand manager: In this role, you would be responsible for developing and executing a brand's marketing strategy. You would need to be able to think creatively and strategically.
- Social media manager: As a social media manager, you would be responsible for creating and executing a brand's social media strategy. You would need to be creative and have a good understanding of social media platforms.
Business could also be a good fit for you, particularly if you're interested in entrepreneurship. As a business owner, you would have the opportunity to be creative and work on projects that interest you. You could start your own business or work for a startup.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out what career is right for you is to gain experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. This will give you a better sense of what you enjoy and what you're good at. Good luck!
Stefan’s Answer
Your post clearly reflects your creative spirit and the quest to find a major that can harness this creativity for a fruitful future. I believe a business major could be an excellent fit for you. This choice offers the opportunity to explore diverse aspects of business, ranging from marketing and accounting to communications and more.
Drawing from my own college experience, I was initially uncertain about my major. However, introductory classes played a pivotal role in helping me discover my strengths and passions. I trust you'll find a similar path.
Remember, your chosen major is not a limitation but a launchpad. It doesn't confine you to specific career paths post-college. It's just a stepping stone towards your broader career journey. I hope you find this advice useful and encouraging.
Christopher’s Answer
Mary-Catherine’s Answer
Barbara’s Answer
Sonia’s Answer
Ken’s Answer
Moataz’s Answer
Marketing:
Description: Marketing involves promoting products or services, and it often requires creativity. You could work on advertising campaigns, content creation, and social media strategies.
Advertising:
Description: Similar to marketing, advertising focuses on creating and delivering persuasive messages to target audiences. This field involves creativity, copywriting, and visual design.
Entrepreneurship:
Description: If you enjoy creating your own projects and ideas, entrepreneurship might be a good fit. This involves starting and managing your own business.
Management and Leadership:
Description: If you're interested in overseeing projects and teams, a focus on management or leadership can provide the skills to lead and execute ideas.
Innovation and Product Development:
Description: This area involves bringing new products or services to market. You can be involved in the creative process of developing and launching innovative ideas.
Business Development:
Description: Business development professionals work to identify opportunities for growth, partnerships, and expansion. This role often involves strategic thinking and project management.
Public Relations:
Description: Public relations professionals manage the public image of a company or individual. This can include crafting messages, managing events, and working on communication strategies.
Event Planning:
Description: Event planning is a creative field within business where you can organize and execute events. This can range from small meetings to large conferences.
Sales:
Description: Sales involves persuading customers to purchase a product or service. It can be a dynamic and challenging field that requires effective communication and relationship-building skills.
Digital Marketing:
Description: With the increasing importance of online presence, digital marketing focuses on strategies for the digital space, including social media, content creation, and online advertising.
When pursuing a business major, consider choosing concentrations or electives that align with your specific interests. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships, projects, or extracurricular activities can help you develop real-world skills and make informed career choices.
Remember that your choice of major is not a rigid commitment, and many professionals find success in fields that may not directly align with their college major. It's more about acquiring skills, gaining experiences, and adapting your education to your evolving interests and goals.
Murph,’s Answer
With that said, it sounds like you might be interested in Marketing or Advertising, which could lead you into either business or communications. Do more research on marketing and advertising and try to determine which path works best for you.
Jerome’s Answer
Brandon’s Answer
Here are some reasons why a Business major could align with your interests and career aspirations:
Marketing and Advertising: These fields often require creative thinking, project management, and the ability to pitch ideas. You could focus on areas like brand management, digital marketing, or content creation.
Entrepreneurship: If you have a passion for turning ideas into reality, this could be a great path. It involves creative problem-solving, innovation, and the ability to adapt to different challenges.
Management with a Creative Focus: Courses in business management with an emphasis on innovation and creative industries could align well with your interests. This could lead to roles in creative project management or product development.
Media and Entertainment Management: If you're interested in the creative side of media, consider specializing in media management. This combines business skills with an understanding of the media landscape.
Strategic Communication: This involves crafting messages and strategies for organizations, blending elements of writing, persuasion, and business acumen.
Graphic Design and Business: Combining a minor in graphic design with a major in business could be ideal if you're interested in the visual aspect of creative projects.
Creative Direction: While this is more of a long-term goal, you could start by focusing on related fields like marketing, advertising, or brand strategy, and gradually move towards creative direction roles.
When considering a Business major, look for programs that offer courses or concentrations in areas like marketing, entrepreneurship, media management, or strategic communication. Also, seek out internships or part-time jobs in fields that interest you. This real-world experience can be invaluable in helping you decide which path suits you best.
Remember, your college major doesn't necessarily dictate your career path. It's more about the skills you gain and how you apply them. With a business degree, you gain a versatile skill set that can be applied in many creative and dynamic roles. Keep exploring your interests, and you'll find the right fit for your skills and passions.
Kara’s Answer
Congrats on your junior year! This can feel like a scary time to make such a big decision in choosing your major.
Business management/administration courses can offer a well-rounded education and allows you to enter related career paths fairly easily. In my experience (aside from highly technical roles or roles that require specific degrees/certifications i.e. IT, finance), folks that work in business might possess a business-related degree, or perhaps something different. I work with some awesome people in Human Resources that came from science or teaching backgrounds and as life had it, they ended up in HR and are loving it.
I'd recommend exploring internships or work-study programs as well to immerse yourself into what different fields look like. Sometimes learning what you DON'T want to do is the best type of learning! Networking/relationship building is very important in the business world so use those experiences to learn and build connections that last.
Best of luck to you!
Emily’s Answer
Based on your interests, I think being a copywriter in the Advertising industry would be a great fit. As a copywriter, you get to write for various clients' websites, social media posts, ads, campaigns, and more! You get to wear many different hats and explore their unique voices.
I am less familiar with Business since I did not study that in college, but from what I know, Business is less creative.
Hope this helps!
Stacey’s Answer
I'm a recruiter, and I just wanted to let you know that a Business Degree is a versatile choice, especially if you're still figuring things out and want to keep your future possibilities wide open.