7 answers
Vanshika
Student
San Mateo, California
5
Questions
Asked
532 views
Admissions Officers: What should I do in the summer of my junior year as an aspiring Business major?
In my junior year's summer, should I:
- Spend $8000 on a business program which enables participants to found a biz
- get a job
what is impressive??
7 answers
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Dear Vanshika,
As you plan your summer as a budding Business major, it's crucial to consider activities that will not only enhance your abilities but also make you stand out during college admissions.
Business Program: This could be a beneficial choice if it provides structured guidance, an opportunity to acquire entrepreneurial skills, and tangible results such as launching a project or learning from professionals. However, admissions officers often value depth of experience over the cost of a program. Therefore, it's important to evaluate whether this $8,000 investment will deliver substantial benefits that contribute to your growth.
Job: Securing employment, even if it's not directly related to business, can help you develop versatile skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and responsibility. Admissions officers often admire applicants with real-world work experience as it demonstrates dedication, discipline, and the readiness to face challenges beyond academics. Furthermore, earning your own money to fund your education can reflect positively on your character.
In the end, the most important aspect is how you express what you've learned from your experiences and how it ties to your future business aspirations. If the business program provides unique, practical experiences that mold your entrepreneurial thinking, it could be a worthwhile investment. Conversely, a job can be equally valuable if it aids in honing crucial life and professional skills.
Best Regards,
Aisha Taylor
As you plan your summer as a budding Business major, it's crucial to consider activities that will not only enhance your abilities but also make you stand out during college admissions.
Business Program: This could be a beneficial choice if it provides structured guidance, an opportunity to acquire entrepreneurial skills, and tangible results such as launching a project or learning from professionals. However, admissions officers often value depth of experience over the cost of a program. Therefore, it's important to evaluate whether this $8,000 investment will deliver substantial benefits that contribute to your growth.
Job: Securing employment, even if it's not directly related to business, can help you develop versatile skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and responsibility. Admissions officers often admire applicants with real-world work experience as it demonstrates dedication, discipline, and the readiness to face challenges beyond academics. Furthermore, earning your own money to fund your education can reflect positively on your character.
In the end, the most important aspect is how you express what you've learned from your experiences and how it ties to your future business aspirations. If the business program provides unique, practical experiences that mold your entrepreneurial thinking, it could be a worthwhile investment. Conversely, a job can be equally valuable if it aids in honing crucial life and professional skills.
Best Regards,
Aisha Taylor
Thank you for the advice, Aisha.
Vanshika
Anita Bopalkar
Consulting
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anita’s Answer
Hello, this is an excellent inquiry!
Often, employers are keen to ascertain that you possess the necessary work ethic and attitude required for the job. Whether you're seeking an internship or embarking on a job, it's important to demonstrate your ability to juggle various tasks and take full responsibility for your role. For instance, if you were to work in a restaurant over the summer, it could illustrate your ability to handle multiple duties, engage in interpersonal interactions, and oversee finances.
On another note, a business-related internship or summer course can also serve to highlight your early enthusiasm towards a career in business. Regardless of the path you opt for, it's crucial to ensure that you gain an experience that can either display your set of skills or help identify your interest in business.
Best of luck!
Often, employers are keen to ascertain that you possess the necessary work ethic and attitude required for the job. Whether you're seeking an internship or embarking on a job, it's important to demonstrate your ability to juggle various tasks and take full responsibility for your role. For instance, if you were to work in a restaurant over the summer, it could illustrate your ability to handle multiple duties, engage in interpersonal interactions, and oversee finances.
On another note, a business-related internship or summer course can also serve to highlight your early enthusiasm towards a career in business. Regardless of the path you opt for, it's crucial to ensure that you gain an experience that can either display your set of skills or help identify your interest in business.
Best of luck!
Your advice was so helpful!
Vanshika
Caterina Hache
Consulting
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Caterina’s Answer
Hi Vanshika! I think both options can be impressive, but it depends on your specific goals. If you are passionate about entrepreneurship and you like the idea of starting your own business, this is a great way to get some hands on experience and build something meaningful that could demonstrate your entrepreneurial spirit to the admissions officer. On the other hand, getting a job, especially one relevant to your field of interest, shows real-world experience in the workforce and could help you find some great mentors. Ultimately, admissions officers value drive and commitment, so choose the path that best aligns with your passions and long-term goals (and hopefully the one that genuinely excites you the most!).
Adaobi Ogheneovo B.SC Acct, MPA , IBM
CLIENT MANAGER
65
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Adaobi’s Answer
Spending your summer productively can significantly boost your college applications and prepare you for a future in business. Here are some activities you might consider:
1. Summer Business Programs: Enroll in a summer business program to gain insights into the field. Programs like the -Babson Summer Study, Berkeley Business Academy for Youth, and Wharton Global Youth Program offer valuable experiences and networking opportunities
2. Internships: Seek out internships at local businesses or startups. This hands-on experience can provide practical knowledge and help you build a professional network
3. Self-Driven Projects: Start a small business or a project. This could be anything from a blog about business trends to a small e-commerce store. It shows initiative and entrepreneur spirit.
4. Volunteering: Volunteer for organizations that align with your interests. For example, you could help a non-profit with their marketing strategy or financial planning
5. Online Courses: Take online courses in business-related subjects such as economics, finance, or marketing. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer many free courses.
6. Competitions: Participate in business competitions. These events can help you develop problem-solving skills and work effectively in teams.
7. Networking: Attend business seminars, webinars, or local networking events. Connecting with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and mentorship opportunities
8. Reading: Read books and articles on business topics. This can help you stay informed about the latest trends and theories in the business world.
Balancing these activities with some relaxation and fun is also important.
1. Summer Business Programs: Enroll in a summer business program to gain insights into the field. Programs like the -Babson Summer Study, Berkeley Business Academy for Youth, and Wharton Global Youth Program offer valuable experiences and networking opportunities
2. Internships: Seek out internships at local businesses or startups. This hands-on experience can provide practical knowledge and help you build a professional network
3. Self-Driven Projects: Start a small business or a project. This could be anything from a blog about business trends to a small e-commerce store. It shows initiative and entrepreneur spirit.
4. Volunteering: Volunteer for organizations that align with your interests. For example, you could help a non-profit with their marketing strategy or financial planning
5. Online Courses: Take online courses in business-related subjects such as economics, finance, or marketing. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer many free courses.
6. Competitions: Participate in business competitions. These events can help you develop problem-solving skills and work effectively in teams.
7. Networking: Attend business seminars, webinars, or local networking events. Connecting with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and mentorship opportunities
8. Reading: Read books and articles on business topics. This can help you stay informed about the latest trends and theories in the business world.
Balancing these activities with some relaxation and fun is also important.
Martine Louis
Management Consulting
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martine’s Answer
What matters most to admissions officers is how you make the most of your time!
Whether through a program or a job, admissions will want to see what you did with the opportunity, how you grew, and what you learned.
Be ready to explain why you chose that path, how it ties to your business aspirations, and how it’s preparing you for the future. If you take a job, especially if it’s something you secured yourself, that can show initiative and determination. If you join the business program, focus on how you applied your knowledge and whether you took it beyond the classroom.
Both can be impressive if you frame them in a way that highlights your growth, initiative, and the skills you gained. If you’re entrepreneurial by nature, maybe launching a business in the program is the right move. If you prefer real-world, hands-on learning, a job might provide that edge. You got this best of luck!
Whether through a program or a job, admissions will want to see what you did with the opportunity, how you grew, and what you learned.
Be ready to explain why you chose that path, how it ties to your business aspirations, and how it’s preparing you for the future. If you take a job, especially if it’s something you secured yourself, that can show initiative and determination. If you join the business program, focus on how you applied your knowledge and whether you took it beyond the classroom.
Both can be impressive if you frame them in a way that highlights your growth, initiative, and the skills you gained. If you’re entrepreneurial by nature, maybe launching a business in the program is the right move. If you prefer real-world, hands-on learning, a job might provide that edge. You got this best of luck!
Leah Lengel
Global Events Marketing Coordinator
5
Answers
New Albany, Indiana
Updated
Leah’s Answer
Hi Vanshika! First, that is incredible that you're able to have the resources to purchase these courses! I think that's super amazing and you definitely should take advantage of those when you can. Courses can absolutely help with giving a perspective on business and is great to add to your resume.
From my college experience, I found that on-hand experience is better than any course I've taken. I think that if you have the opportunity to do both, then you should do that! You could get a part/full time internship and take a couple courses in your free time. I do understand that doing an internship and doing courses is a ton of work, so make sure to take many breaks and make time for yourself! Good luck!
From my college experience, I found that on-hand experience is better than any course I've taken. I think that if you have the opportunity to do both, then you should do that! You could get a part/full time internship and take a couple courses in your free time. I do understand that doing an internship and doing courses is a ton of work, so make sure to take many breaks and make time for yourself! Good luck!
Ashley Spencer
Project Manager
3
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hi Vanshika,
This is a great question, one with lots of potential right answers. Based on my own experience and that folks in my work group, here are some other options you might want to consider:
- Research business majors to identify something that peaks your interest, focus your activities on those
- Look into internships
- Start a small side business on your own
- Look into university programs or groups you can get involved in (maybe for free!) that focus on your area of interest
- Check into certifications - Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate (it's free) and in parallel apply the skills learned with minimum capital investment
Wishing you the best of luck!
Ashley
This is a great question, one with lots of potential right answers. Based on my own experience and that folks in my work group, here are some other options you might want to consider:
- Research business majors to identify something that peaks your interest, focus your activities on those
- Look into internships
- Start a small side business on your own
- Look into university programs or groups you can get involved in (maybe for free!) that focus on your area of interest
- Check into certifications - Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate (it's free) and in parallel apply the skills learned with minimum capital investment
Wishing you the best of luck!
Ashley
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