Skip to main content
15 answers
16
Updated 600 views

I'm interested in being in business/marketing as a job and signed up for a financial literature class for next year when I get into 9th grade. How do I prepare myself for success so I can achieve my goals in business?

I'm in 8th grade currently but I'm going into 9th soon.

Thank you comment icon You’ve received great advice already. You are clearly well on your way already! I’ll leave you with a few words: Get Involved - there are valuable hands-on lessons and contacts you will make on “side-quests”. Be Brave - take advice but make sure the counsel is to help you, not discourage you because of their own fear of failure. It’s ok to fail, as long as you learn. Listen - teachers, mentors, podcasts. Never stop learning and listening. That’s how you will always differentiate yourself. Knowledge really is power. MJ Bulmer

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

16

15 answers


1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Melissa’s Answer

The fact that you're already pondering these questions in the 9th grade suggests that you're on a trajectory towards remarkable success, no matter the path you select. You've already gathered a wealth of valuable advice, but keep in mind the crucial concept of lifelong learning. Don't shy away from exploring new territories. Books can't teach you everything; be ready to learn from experience. Strive to be your best, and put in the necessary effort.

Work together with your team, and understand the essence of teamwork; remember, no one accomplishes everything single-handedly. Focus on honing crucial skills like communication, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and creativity. Dabble in graphic design and digital marketing - in our digital era, these skills can give your business knowledge a significant boost.

Analyze other businesses, identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Always be on the lookout for ways to enhance your performance.
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Abdul Qodir’s Answer

That's fantastic! Starting early is a great idea. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for success in business and marketing:

1. Read Widely: Beyond your financial literature class, read books, articles, and blogs about business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. This will give you a broad understanding of the field.

2. Stay Informed: Keep up with current events in the business world. Follow industry leaders on social media, subscribe to business newsletters, and read financial news websites.

3. Learn Basic Finance: Since you're taking a financial literature class, make sure to grasp the fundamental concepts of finance. Understanding financial statements, budgeting, and basic accounting will be invaluable.

4. Develop Analytical Skills: Practice critical thinking and problem-solving. Analyzing case studies and real-world business scenarios will help you develop these skills.

5. Get Involved: Join business clubs or entrepreneurship programs at school. Participate in competitions like DECA or FBLA to gain practical experience and network with other students interested in business.

6. Start Something: Consider starting your own small business or project, even if it's just a lemonade stand or a blog. This will give you hands-on experience and teach you valuable lessons about entrepreneurship.

7. Build Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential in business. Practice public speaking, writing, and networking to become a confident communicator.

8. Embrace Technology: Familiarize yourself with digital marketing tools and platforms. Learn about social media marketing, SEO, and analytics to stay competitive in the modern business landscape.

9. Stay Flexible: The business world is constantly evolving, so be open to learning new skills and adapting to change.

10. Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor in the business or marketing field who can offer guidance, advice, and support as you pursue your goals.

By following these tips and staying dedicated to your goals, you'll be well on your way to success in business and marketing!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lisa’s Answer

I'm impressed you're thinking about a career in business/marketing already! As you work through your high school career, it'll be important to take classes that reflect that interest, if your school has them. Most important, I think, is to have really solid writing and communications skills. Any job in marketing is going to require someone to be an excellent communicator. With that solid base, you can build on other skills, like understanding data. Everything I do today relies on analyzing data to determine if the marketing campaigns I'm working on are as successful as they can be. So, take classes that will help you interpret data, like statistics.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Grace’s Answer

If your school has a DECA chapter be sure to join that as well. There are lots of events and resources catered to marketing in that organization.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Deena’s Answer

It's truly impressive to see such career-driven enthusiasm at your age. However, it's crucial not to become overly fixated to the point where you're unable to embrace fresh career concepts and prospects. Stay on track, but keep your thought process flexible. As for preparation, you might want to explore if your high school provides business or entrepreneurship classes. You could also consider enrolling in a summer course in these subjects, or maybe even pursue an internship. Have you thought about launching your own venture at this stage? All these experiences will undoubtedly be beneficial.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Joseph’s Answer

There are a lot of great answers here. One thing I would add is to sign up for any COOP programs offered by the school relating to business and/or if your area offers a Junior Achievement program I would sign up for these.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kimberly’s Answer

So awesome that you're already thinking about this! To avoid duplicating other answers, I'll just add that any courses, internships, or practical experience you can get are not only helpful to demonstrate your knowledge/experience, but they may also give you new perspectives on what you want to do. Your career goal could become more specific or it could even change. What's great about business and marketing is these are staples at most companies (unless they're very early-stage in which case perhaps a formal marketing department hasn't been established yet but they are doing some form of eminence). If there are local organizations or volunteer opportunities, those could also offer additional learnings and more direction. If you have a passion project like a blog or online shop that you manage on your own, those could almost be case studies of your work and be another way to get experience through trial and error.

Two things I want to throw out there... business is pretty broad which can be good. If you have an interest in a more specific element of business, definitely look into courses and practical application opportunities for that. Also, while technical mastery and educational courses are important, sometimes what I've seen make a difference both in interviews and on the job is soft skills. Make sure you're also practicing your elevator pitch, how to correspond with leaders/stakeholders, leading ways to communicate with different types of audiences, and how to be persuasive yet authentic when making an ask or recommendation.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Boris’s Answer

Hi there Nellie,

Kudos to you for mastering the art of finance, a vital piece of the business and marketing puzzle! But don't stop there. Your creative flair and adaptability are equally valuable, helping you to navigate new situations, think outside the box, and tailor your approach to different audiences.

Remember, being a pro at managing change and solving problems is key. Also, polishing your communication skills can make a world of difference. Stay in tune with the pulse of your market, keeping an eye on its evolution and the shifting needs of both individuals and companies.

Here's wishing you all the best on your journey to success!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Karen’s Answer

Hello Nellie,
Sometimes the best way to start preparing is to read a lot about what you are interested in learning, business books, marketing books. I am now in college and I am studying Business Administration. In my Marketing classes and in the introduction to business class I have had at my disposal 2 books that have helped me a lot to understand more about business and what we should take into account when starting a business, so I dare to tell you that in them you can find the basics to begin to understand business and marketing.
The first is Understanding Business Thirteenth Edition by Nickels / James & Susan McHugh, the second book is Marketing 8 Edition by Grewall/Levy.
I hope you find them interesting.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kettlie’s Answer

Hi Nellie,

Congratulations on taking the first step towards your goals by signing up for a financial literature class! Preparing yourself for success in business requires a combination of developing skills, building knowledge, and cultivating a strong work ethic. Here are some tips to help you prepare yourself for success in business:

1) Develop a strong foundation in math and language skills

2) Build your analytical and problem-solving skills

3) Engage in activities that encourage out-of-the-box thinking, such as brainstorming

4) Develop your leadership skills by taking on roles in school clubs, sports teams, or volunteer work

5) Develop good time management skills, and stay organized to achieve your goals

6) Break down your long-term goals into smaller, achievable objectives. Create a roadmap for your success, and regularly track your progress.

Kettlie recommends the following next steps:

Start a small business or project, such as a lemonade stand or a social media campaign, to apply your skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.
Join business-related clubs or organizations in school to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Damon’s Answer

Continue taking business classes while you're in High School, partially Business Math, Accounting, Business Management, and Strategic Management. When you graduate, you should attend college with your Bachelor's degree with studies in Business Management/Business Marketing. You can do a duel degree or minor in Marketing if you choose. Remember your GPA in High School, as well as in College is super important. Noting less than 3.0 or 3.5. The better you shine, the more eyes will look upon you when you graduate. If you choose to get your Master's degree in business is up to you. Although, an MBA doesn't sound half bad either.

Secondly, gain as much work experience as you can, but DO NOT LET IT interfere with your studies. The best way to do that is to get a summer job and/or internship while you're in school.


The more you know and the more people you know, the further you'll go. So keep your contacts handy, because you'll never know when you could use one. Good luck and I wish you well. If you'd like to keep in touch with me, you can find my profile on LinkedIn. My name is Damon Jones.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Melissa’s Answer

So glad you are thinking ahead at such a young age.
To start, you might want to explore the many aspects of Marketing. Within Marketing there are so many different avenues to explore.

I am a designer in Marketing, and its important for us to understand the following things:

- Ways people consume media: Business to Business, Business to Consumer, and in my case, Business to Government.
- The different media types, where ads show up: paid, social, programmatic display ads, native, GooglePmax, Youtube.

Exploring the simple basics of marketing would be a great place to begin!

Best of luck, Melissa
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jim’s Answer

Keep reading and investigating! Here is information that could be very useful for you, as you learn more about finance and money:
https://www.lifeandmoney.citi.com/lam/home

When choosing what to read as you learn, choose only reputable "real" sites from real companies. As a student, you should also receive deep-discounted magazines to help in your self-teaching about finance.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Vignesh’s Answer

To prepare for success in business and marketing, it's important to start by educating yourself. Taking a financial literature class is a great first step, and you can further enhance your knowledge by reading books, articles, and blogs on these subjects.Practical experience is also crucial. Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in business or marketing to gain hands-on experience and insights into the industry. Developing key skills such as communication, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and creativity will also be beneficial. Additionally, learning digital marketing tools and techniques can give you a competitive edge in the digital age.Networking is another essential aspect of preparing for success. Connect with professionals in the field, attend industry events, and stay updated with the latest trends and developments.
Lastly, stay curious and open-minded. Business and marketing are dynamic fields, so it's important to continuously learn and adapt to changes.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Nellie,

Preparing for Success in Business and Marketing:

To prepare yourself for success in the field of business and marketing, especially as you are planning to take a financial literature class in 9th grade, there are several steps you can take to set yourself up for a successful career in this industry. Here are some key strategies to help you achieve your goals:

1. Develop a Strong Educational Foundation:

Focus on Core Subjects: While marketing and business will be your main focus, it is essential to have a strong foundation in core subjects like mathematics, English, and economics. These subjects will provide you with the necessary analytical and communication skills required in the business world.
Take Relevant Courses: Enroll in courses that will enhance your knowledge in marketing, finance, economics, and business management. Your financial literature class will be a great start, but consider taking additional classes or workshops related to these fields.

2. Gain Practical Experience:

Internships and Volunteering: Look for opportunities to intern or volunteer at local businesses, marketing agencies, or non-profit organizations. This hands-on experience will give you valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of businesses and help you build a professional network.
Participate in Extracurricular Activities: Join clubs or organizations at school that focus on entrepreneurship, marketing, or finance. This will allow you to apply your classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios and develop leadership skills.

3. Develop Key Skills:

Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in business and marketing. Practice public speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication to convey ideas clearly and persuasively.
Analytical Skills: Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing case studies, conducting research projects, and interpreting financial data.
Digital Literacy: In today’s digital age, having knowledge of digital marketing tools and platforms is essential. Familiarize yourself with social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and data analytics.

4. Stay Informed and Network:

Read Industry Publications: Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the business and marketing world by reading industry publications, blogs, and books written by experts.
Attend Networking Events: Build connections with professionals in the field by attending networking events, conferences, or workshops related to business and marketing.

By following these steps and continuously learning and growing in the field of business and marketing, you will be well-prepared to achieve your goals and succeed in your future career endeavors.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

Harvard Business Review: A reputable source for insights on business management strategies, leadership development, marketing trends, and industry analysis.
Forbes: A leading publication covering business news, entrepreneurship advice, market insights, and career guidance in various industries including marketing.
American Marketing Association (AMA): A trusted resource for marketers providing research articles, best practices guides, industry reports, and networking opportunities within the marketing community.

God Bless You,
JC.
0