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I want to start a business one day what jobs should I do to know what type of business that I should start?
I am a business administration student trying to get my degree so I can have my own business one day, I want to run my business remotely, I'm looking for a job so I can know what to do
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Updated
isaac’s Answer
Hello, George!
To figure out what type of business you should start, consider taking jobs that offer experience and insight into different industries, business models, and remote work. Here are a few job types that can help you gain valuable knowledge:
1. Virtual Assistant: This role will give you insight into how various businesses operate remotely, allowing you to observe different business models and identify gaps or opportunities.
2. Freelance Work: Whether it’s in marketing, graphic design, writing, or consulting, freelancing exposes you to different industries and helps you understand market needs and client demands.
3. Customer Service Representative: Working in customer service helps you understand customer pain points and service needs, which can inspire ideas for a business.
4. Project Management: Managing projects, especially remotely, can help you learn about team dynamics, business operations, and workflow management, all of which are crucial for running your own business.
5. E-commerce Management: If you're interested in online retail, working for an e-commerce company can teach you about digital marketing, inventory management, and customer engagement.
6. Business Development: This role allows you to explore various markets and industries, helping you identify potential business opportunities.
7. Content Creation/Marketing: Understanding how to create and promote content is key for any business. This role will give you insights into branding, audience engagement, and digital presence.
By working in these areas, you'll gain practical experience, which will help you make informed decisions when starting your own business.
To figure out what type of business you should start, consider taking jobs that offer experience and insight into different industries, business models, and remote work. Here are a few job types that can help you gain valuable knowledge:
1. Virtual Assistant: This role will give you insight into how various businesses operate remotely, allowing you to observe different business models and identify gaps or opportunities.
2. Freelance Work: Whether it’s in marketing, graphic design, writing, or consulting, freelancing exposes you to different industries and helps you understand market needs and client demands.
3. Customer Service Representative: Working in customer service helps you understand customer pain points and service needs, which can inspire ideas for a business.
4. Project Management: Managing projects, especially remotely, can help you learn about team dynamics, business operations, and workflow management, all of which are crucial for running your own business.
5. E-commerce Management: If you're interested in online retail, working for an e-commerce company can teach you about digital marketing, inventory management, and customer engagement.
6. Business Development: This role allows you to explore various markets and industries, helping you identify potential business opportunities.
7. Content Creation/Marketing: Understanding how to create and promote content is key for any business. This role will give you insights into branding, audience engagement, and digital presence.
By working in these areas, you'll gain practical experience, which will help you make informed decisions when starting your own business.
Norah Cox-Peled, PMP
Business Operations Lead & Sr. Executive Assistant
4
Answers
Updated
Norah’s Answer
That's absolutely wonderful that you're thinking about setting up your own business someday!
Drawing from my background in Project Management, I'd suggest looking for roles that can help you hone your leadership, organization, and communication abilities. Jobs in project management, operations, or even as an executive assistant can offer you a wealth of knowledge about how businesses operate.
Also, why not think about internships with startups or small businesses? They can give you a firsthand look at different facets of running a company. This experience will allow you to discover what you love doing and where your talents shine, eventually leading you to a business concept that truly speaks to you. Wishing you all the best on your exciting journey!
Drawing from my background in Project Management, I'd suggest looking for roles that can help you hone your leadership, organization, and communication abilities. Jobs in project management, operations, or even as an executive assistant can offer you a wealth of knowledge about how businesses operate.
Also, why not think about internships with startups or small businesses? They can give you a firsthand look at different facets of running a company. This experience will allow you to discover what you love doing and where your talents shine, eventually leading you to a business concept that truly speaks to you. Wishing you all the best on your exciting journey!
Thanks for the help.
George
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
I recommend starting in Customer Service. No matter what type of business your start customer service will be KEY!
You can gain lots of experience and business knowledge and get a feel for what kind of business you may way to start. Try retail, like clothing stores, high end stores give you a different target audience. The food industry is great too! Maybe one day you'll want to be a chef or private caterer!
You can gain lots of experience and business knowledge and get a feel for what kind of business you may way to start. Try retail, like clothing stores, high end stores give you a different target audience. The food industry is great too! Maybe one day you'll want to be a chef or private caterer!
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Hello George, owning a business implies a broad spectrum of responsibilities encompassing various business functions and skills. Understanding finance can guide you on how to fund or purchase your business, while accounting helps you grasp your financial status. Operations management is crucial for running your business, and the list continues.
A frequently suggested strategy is to gain experience in a sales job for a few years before launching your business. This is because sales skills are vital for any business owner. After all, if you're not selling, you're not doing business. Plus, when seeking financing, you need to convincingly sell your business's capabilities, and when recruiting, you need to sell your business and yourself to potential employees.
Furthermore, sales roles can offer a comprehensive business perspective as they often require understanding your clients' businesses and conducting business discussions. Sales jobs can be challenging, fostering a robust work ethic. If you excel in your role, you can earn substantial commissions, which can be a significant contribution to your future business ownership plans.
A frequently suggested strategy is to gain experience in a sales job for a few years before launching your business. This is because sales skills are vital for any business owner. After all, if you're not selling, you're not doing business. Plus, when seeking financing, you need to convincingly sell your business's capabilities, and when recruiting, you need to sell your business and yourself to potential employees.
Furthermore, sales roles can offer a comprehensive business perspective as they often require understanding your clients' businesses and conducting business discussions. Sales jobs can be challenging, fostering a robust work ethic. If you excel in your role, you can earn substantial commissions, which can be a significant contribution to your future business ownership plans.
Updated
Dorian’s Answer
There is no better teacher than experience. It took me years to realize that The Universe teaches me in the way I learn best - Error and Trial and Try again, and again and again... eventually when I begin to get the hang of it, l realized WHY those other ways didn't work easily. I became knowledgeable, experienced and a Troubleshooter! That's right, by making MANY mistakes, over and over, but sticking with it, I have become someone who knows how to help people who don't get it perfect at first, but are willing to try again, and again, and again. However, an INCREDIBLE amount of patience and humility is suggested as this process can be trying and feel like failure. It is not. You only fail if you quit trying. Asking good questions, changing it up, being more "nuanced" in your approach and taking honest criticism and advice from those who you feel are successful are also key attributes to develop. The struggle and hard work are essential in the development of grit and persistence, traits that will help in ALL areas of life. Just get out there and DO something, doing it "wrong" can teach you more sometimes than getting it easy at first.
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
As you've already received a lot of generally good advice in this thread, I'll keep this brief --
Given that you have not specified any one type of business (which is fine!), there are some foundational skills you will need in most lines of business that you should aim to pick up either at one job or many over the course of your career.
I believe the most realistic would be for you to gain a broad understanding of foundational verticals required to run a business but specialize more deeply into one of those verticals and gain a strong understanding of that while finding partners who have a strong understanding of other verticals.
As others have mentioned, this could includes Sales, Engineering, Business Management, Product Management, Project Management, Operations, etc. depending on the industry you are interested in. You could spend an entire career really learning any one of these disciplines, so starting a job in the one you're most interested in while keeping tabs on and building a general understanding of the others would be a step in a positive direction for you.
Given that you have not specified any one type of business (which is fine!), there are some foundational skills you will need in most lines of business that you should aim to pick up either at one job or many over the course of your career.
I believe the most realistic would be for you to gain a broad understanding of foundational verticals required to run a business but specialize more deeply into one of those verticals and gain a strong understanding of that while finding partners who have a strong understanding of other verticals.
As others have mentioned, this could includes Sales, Engineering, Business Management, Product Management, Project Management, Operations, etc. depending on the industry you are interested in. You could spend an entire career really learning any one of these disciplines, so starting a job in the one you're most interested in while keeping tabs on and building a general understanding of the others would be a step in a positive direction for you.
Updated
Leatrice’s Answer
There are wonderful opportunities in society today to enhance your learning capabilities. I will start by suggesting a few ideas.
1. Owning your business requires the ability to withstand outside interference and challenges. Therefore, once you complete your studies, I suggest you invest time with a career coach. A career coach will prep you in the right direction and offer critical advice.
2. Financial planning is important, realizing that most businesses require upfront capital. Credit is also very important, so teaming with a financial advisor will encourage you to save, and invest, and will also equip you with the knowledge and understanding of financial matters, making you feel more informed and knowledgeable.
3. Always learn, especially from mistakes. Learn and adapt, and continue to surround yourself with like-minded individuals.
4. Volunteer your time within the community if you wish to open your business and develop relationships with business owners. Success comes from valuable experiences; therefore, it is critical to gain employment, especially in your field of interest.
I hope this helps. I believe in the power of simplicity and focusing on 101 fundamentals to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. Good luck and take care
1. Owning your business requires the ability to withstand outside interference and challenges. Therefore, once you complete your studies, I suggest you invest time with a career coach. A career coach will prep you in the right direction and offer critical advice.
2. Financial planning is important, realizing that most businesses require upfront capital. Credit is also very important, so teaming with a financial advisor will encourage you to save, and invest, and will also equip you with the knowledge and understanding of financial matters, making you feel more informed and knowledgeable.
3. Always learn, especially from mistakes. Learn and adapt, and continue to surround yourself with like-minded individuals.
4. Volunteer your time within the community if you wish to open your business and develop relationships with business owners. Success comes from valuable experiences; therefore, it is critical to gain employment, especially in your field of interest.
I hope this helps. I believe in the power of simplicity and focusing on 101 fundamentals to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. Good luck and take care
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Hi George,
Some good advice here! A bit tangental but you may consider a short stint in sales; it helps you get close to customers and their painpoints which is a great source of inspiration! The skillset is also very universal, so you don't need to worry about getting too locked into an industry (if you don't find inspiration!)
If you need a place to start, I would recommend finding a company that provides products or services to other businesses. These are typically easier to build a business around because you only have to handle a few large accounts vs trying to build a business with consumers; they also happen to be (generally) higher margin which is always great.
Best of luck on the venture!
Some good advice here! A bit tangental but you may consider a short stint in sales; it helps you get close to customers and their painpoints which is a great source of inspiration! The skillset is also very universal, so you don't need to worry about getting too locked into an industry (if you don't find inspiration!)
If you need a place to start, I would recommend finding a company that provides products or services to other businesses. These are typically easier to build a business around because you only have to handle a few large accounts vs trying to build a business with consumers; they also happen to be (generally) higher margin which is always great.
Best of luck on the venture!
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Since you have not chosen a particular industry/category for your future enterprise it's difficult to give specific advice. By way of general preparation at a minimum you should seek employment in a remote business that will familiarize you with EVERY aspect of the operation since you will need to be a swiss army knife during the early stages of your launch. Select an established remote business that you admire and knock on the door until they let you in. Based upon that work experience you can be realistic about the tasks that you enjoy and excel at versus others that you may be better outsourcing to third parties. A word of caution: remote and hybrid work have become popular of late due to a variety of social, financial and environmental circumstances. Those circumstances can change quickly and unexpectedly so my advice is to position your business for flexibility so if/when remote work no longer serves your purposes you can minimize disruption and pivot without having to start from scratch. For example flexibility can be a function of whether you cultivate local or global networks of consultants, advisors and clients. Liability and contractual matters are also important aspects of any business that may be impacted by the specifics of a remote vs, on site business. Seasoned entrepreneurs have learned the hard way not to keep all their eggs in a single basket and to always have a plan B.
Updated
Gavin’s Answer
Hello George,
If you plan on starting your own business one day, I would recommend looking at job opportunities in small (to medium) sized businesses. If you are willing, you will likely get to perform multiple roles and start building a solid business acumen for your future venture.
All the best.
Gavin
If you plan on starting your own business one day, I would recommend looking at job opportunities in small (to medium) sized businesses. If you are willing, you will likely get to perform multiple roles and start building a solid business acumen for your future venture.
All the best.
Gavin
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, George !
If you are undecided about what type of business you want to start - online - you can do some things that can provide inspiration for you, however, your education experience alone could very well show you where your interest may be. So you don't necessarily have to commit to employment to find this out, although that is one option, there are additional things you can do as a student.
As a Business Administration Major, you are just starting to become familiar with the substance of the career. Give it some time. No doubt you will start to be assigned projects in one of your Business courses. It just may be good to get some introduction and basic classes in to have that foundation and know the ways to apply it to business. One thing that you can do is next year apply for a Work Study job through the Federal Financial Aid Program. You can quickly obtain a part time job on campus in whichever department or building you inquire at. Your particular college may offer clubs and organizations for future business people, so look on campus first at the Career Center and at your Business Department. .
Another possibility is that you can join any organization, group or activity that is involved in business or entrepreneurship at your college. You may not have explored these yet, but I would advise that this would be your first inquiry. There are also conferences that are held outside of college in New York City and I have left a link for these below. There is also the Young Business Club in New York City (link is below) that you may want to read more about.
What type of business you decide on is best accomplished by your own ideas about a product or service that you feel strongly about. People can tell you all sorts of types of businesses to start, but you will have to discover your future career yourself, through taking your college path, doing projects and possible work experience. No one can tell you what business to start as it will be your business, not anyone else's. So take your time with this, there's no rush, and choose something that ultimately will be very fulfilling to you specifically.
Since you state that you want to begin an online business, I would also recommend taking some computer classes while you are in college. Try to take classes that teach how to create and operate a website. Remember, a job is not going to teach you as much as being a Business Major will. Employers almost always want to hire people who are qualified and know how to do the position they are hired for, not to teach them, especially in a fast pace environment such as New York City. You can always look into summer Business Internships next year. Most of the time colleges make students aware of Internships, so when you are in the middle of Spring Semester, start asking your professors, academic counselor and the Career Center on campus about Internships. Take full advantage of your college resources.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward with college and your future career plans !
BUSINESS CONFERENCES HELD IN NEW YORK CITY https://internationalconferencealerts.com/conferences/new-york/business
YOUNG BUSINESS CLUB IN USA IN NYC https://www.linkedin.com/company/ybcusa/
If you are undecided about what type of business you want to start - online - you can do some things that can provide inspiration for you, however, your education experience alone could very well show you where your interest may be. So you don't necessarily have to commit to employment to find this out, although that is one option, there are additional things you can do as a student.
As a Business Administration Major, you are just starting to become familiar with the substance of the career. Give it some time. No doubt you will start to be assigned projects in one of your Business courses. It just may be good to get some introduction and basic classes in to have that foundation and know the ways to apply it to business. One thing that you can do is next year apply for a Work Study job through the Federal Financial Aid Program. You can quickly obtain a part time job on campus in whichever department or building you inquire at. Your particular college may offer clubs and organizations for future business people, so look on campus first at the Career Center and at your Business Department. .
Another possibility is that you can join any organization, group or activity that is involved in business or entrepreneurship at your college. You may not have explored these yet, but I would advise that this would be your first inquiry. There are also conferences that are held outside of college in New York City and I have left a link for these below. There is also the Young Business Club in New York City (link is below) that you may want to read more about.
What type of business you decide on is best accomplished by your own ideas about a product or service that you feel strongly about. People can tell you all sorts of types of businesses to start, but you will have to discover your future career yourself, through taking your college path, doing projects and possible work experience. No one can tell you what business to start as it will be your business, not anyone else's. So take your time with this, there's no rush, and choose something that ultimately will be very fulfilling to you specifically.
Since you state that you want to begin an online business, I would also recommend taking some computer classes while you are in college. Try to take classes that teach how to create and operate a website. Remember, a job is not going to teach you as much as being a Business Major will. Employers almost always want to hire people who are qualified and know how to do the position they are hired for, not to teach them, especially in a fast pace environment such as New York City. You can always look into summer Business Internships next year. Most of the time colleges make students aware of Internships, so when you are in the middle of Spring Semester, start asking your professors, academic counselor and the Career Center on campus about Internships. Take full advantage of your college resources.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward with college and your future career plans !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Calvin’s Answer
1. Freelance or Consulting Roles
Why: Freelancing allows you to experience running a business on a small scale, handling clients, managing projects, and learning about pricing and service delivery. It also gives you flexibility and insight into remote work environments.
Relevant Jobs:
Freelance marketing or social media management
Content creation or copywriting
Consulting in areas like digital marketing, business strategy, or project management
2. E-commerce Jobs
Why: E-commerce is a rapidly growing sector where you can run businesses entirely online. Getting a job in this area will help you understand logistics, customer service, supply chain management, and digital marketing.
Relevant Jobs:
E-commerce manager for online stores
Dropshipping or online retail
Customer service or operations for e-commerce businesses
3. Product Management
Why: Product managers work closely with teams across marketing, development, and sales to bring new products to market. This role will give you insights into what customers want and how to scale a business effectively.
Relevant Jobs:
Product manager in tech, retail, or consumer goods
Product development or strategy roles
4. Operations and Project Management
Why: Understanding business operations and project management is crucial for running a remote business smoothly. You'll learn how to manage resources, timelines, and teams effectively from anywhere.
Relevant Jobs:
Operations coordinator or manager for startups or small businesses
Project management in IT, marketing, or business services
5. Sales and Business Development
Why: Sales teaches you about customer acquisition, market needs, and relationship-building—skills that are critical when starting a business. Business development focuses on partnerships and growth strategies.
Relevant Jobs:
Sales associate or business development representative
Account executive (remote sales roles are common)
6. Digital Marketing
Why: If you plan to run an online or remote business, digital marketing is essential. Knowing how to attract and convert customers online is key to running a successful remote business.
Relevant Jobs:
Digital marketing specialist (SEO, content marketing, email marketing)
Social media manager
Paid ads specialist (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
7. Startups or Remote Tech Companies
Why: Working at startups or remote tech companies will expose you to the challenges of building and scaling businesses in a fast-paced environment. Many startups operate remotely, giving you firsthand experience with tools, culture, and operations.
Relevant Jobs:
Remote customer success or support roles
Business operations or strategy roles at startups
Marketing, product, or sales roles at tech companies
8. Virtual Assistant or Executive Assistant
Why: A virtual assistant role allows you to learn the administrative side of running a business remotely. You’ll handle scheduling, operations, communication, and sometimes even project management.
Relevant Jobs:
Virtual assistant for entrepreneurs or small businesses
Remote executive assistant for startups or business owners
9. Remote Internships in Various Business Functions
Why: Internships in marketing, finance, operations, or consulting allow you to explore different industries and business models while gaining hands-on experience.
Relevant Jobs:
Marketing intern for a remote startup
Operations or business strategy intern for small businesses
Steps to Get Started:
Choose Jobs that Align with Your Business Interests: Identify areas you want to explore (e.g., e-commerce, consulting, tech) and look for roles that will expose you to those industries.
Network and Learn from Entrepreneurs: Surround yourself with people who run their own businesses, attend entrepreneurial events, or join online communities to learn from others' experiences.
Experiment with Side Hustles: Consider starting small side projects or freelance gigs while working or studying. This gives you practical experience with minimal risk.
Leverage Remote Tools: Familiarize yourself with tools like Slack, Zoom, Asana, or Trello, which are widely used for remote business operations. You'll need these when running your own business remotely.
Why: Freelancing allows you to experience running a business on a small scale, handling clients, managing projects, and learning about pricing and service delivery. It also gives you flexibility and insight into remote work environments.
Relevant Jobs:
Freelance marketing or social media management
Content creation or copywriting
Consulting in areas like digital marketing, business strategy, or project management
2. E-commerce Jobs
Why: E-commerce is a rapidly growing sector where you can run businesses entirely online. Getting a job in this area will help you understand logistics, customer service, supply chain management, and digital marketing.
Relevant Jobs:
E-commerce manager for online stores
Dropshipping or online retail
Customer service or operations for e-commerce businesses
3. Product Management
Why: Product managers work closely with teams across marketing, development, and sales to bring new products to market. This role will give you insights into what customers want and how to scale a business effectively.
Relevant Jobs:
Product manager in tech, retail, or consumer goods
Product development or strategy roles
4. Operations and Project Management
Why: Understanding business operations and project management is crucial for running a remote business smoothly. You'll learn how to manage resources, timelines, and teams effectively from anywhere.
Relevant Jobs:
Operations coordinator or manager for startups or small businesses
Project management in IT, marketing, or business services
5. Sales and Business Development
Why: Sales teaches you about customer acquisition, market needs, and relationship-building—skills that are critical when starting a business. Business development focuses on partnerships and growth strategies.
Relevant Jobs:
Sales associate or business development representative
Account executive (remote sales roles are common)
6. Digital Marketing
Why: If you plan to run an online or remote business, digital marketing is essential. Knowing how to attract and convert customers online is key to running a successful remote business.
Relevant Jobs:
Digital marketing specialist (SEO, content marketing, email marketing)
Social media manager
Paid ads specialist (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
7. Startups or Remote Tech Companies
Why: Working at startups or remote tech companies will expose you to the challenges of building and scaling businesses in a fast-paced environment. Many startups operate remotely, giving you firsthand experience with tools, culture, and operations.
Relevant Jobs:
Remote customer success or support roles
Business operations or strategy roles at startups
Marketing, product, or sales roles at tech companies
8. Virtual Assistant or Executive Assistant
Why: A virtual assistant role allows you to learn the administrative side of running a business remotely. You’ll handle scheduling, operations, communication, and sometimes even project management.
Relevant Jobs:
Virtual assistant for entrepreneurs or small businesses
Remote executive assistant for startups or business owners
9. Remote Internships in Various Business Functions
Why: Internships in marketing, finance, operations, or consulting allow you to explore different industries and business models while gaining hands-on experience.
Relevant Jobs:
Marketing intern for a remote startup
Operations or business strategy intern for small businesses
Steps to Get Started:
Choose Jobs that Align with Your Business Interests: Identify areas you want to explore (e.g., e-commerce, consulting, tech) and look for roles that will expose you to those industries.
Network and Learn from Entrepreneurs: Surround yourself with people who run their own businesses, attend entrepreneurial events, or join online communities to learn from others' experiences.
Experiment with Side Hustles: Consider starting small side projects or freelance gigs while working or studying. This gives you practical experience with minimal risk.
Leverage Remote Tools: Familiarize yourself with tools like Slack, Zoom, Asana, or Trello, which are widely used for remote business operations. You'll need these when running your own business remotely.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hey George, you might think any of these resources are things that are great for you:
Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose
This workbook (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/2017/14678_sgmb_book_eng.pdf?lang=eng)
Dave Ramsey's book EntreLeadership
Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose
This workbook (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/2017/14678_sgmb_book_eng.pdf?lang=eng)
Dave Ramsey's book EntreLeadership
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