5 answers
Samantha
Student
Longmont, Colorado
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I know if i wanna go into business?
What type of courses would I have to take
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5 answers
Chris Schule
Consultant
12
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Samantha,
Deciding whether you want to go into "business" is a tough question to answer mainly because there are so many different aspects of business. As a starting point, you should first understand generally what "business" entails. It seems you may be going to college soon, so the best way to do that is to review the curriculums for business majors at your top schools. Generally you will see classes such as accounting, marketing, finance, operations management, and potentially even math classes such as statistics. Read the descriptions of these classes and imagine how you would use the skills gained in these classes at a company. If the applications of these skills resonate with you, then you may want to consider business as a major!
That being said, getting engaged in the workforce is likely the best way to learn about business. This can be as simple as landing an entry level job at a small, family-owned business near you, perhaps a clothing retailer or coffee shop, and learning about what goes into running the business. These types of establishments generally allow you to have easier access to management due to their size and flatter organizational hierarchy, giving you the opportunity to ask questions about how they run business, how their commercial and operational strategies work, and how they create a unique culture. These small businesses are generally fairly simple compared to the complex nature of larger businesses with vast networks of locations and products or services, so it is a great entry point for learning!
Best of luck!
Deciding whether you want to go into "business" is a tough question to answer mainly because there are so many different aspects of business. As a starting point, you should first understand generally what "business" entails. It seems you may be going to college soon, so the best way to do that is to review the curriculums for business majors at your top schools. Generally you will see classes such as accounting, marketing, finance, operations management, and potentially even math classes such as statistics. Read the descriptions of these classes and imagine how you would use the skills gained in these classes at a company. If the applications of these skills resonate with you, then you may want to consider business as a major!
That being said, getting engaged in the workforce is likely the best way to learn about business. This can be as simple as landing an entry level job at a small, family-owned business near you, perhaps a clothing retailer or coffee shop, and learning about what goes into running the business. These types of establishments generally allow you to have easier access to management due to their size and flatter organizational hierarchy, giving you the opportunity to ask questions about how they run business, how their commercial and operational strategies work, and how they create a unique culture. These small businesses are generally fairly simple compared to the complex nature of larger businesses with vast networks of locations and products or services, so it is a great entry point for learning!
Best of luck!
Nicole Selkov
Project Manager
21
Answers
Saint Johns, Florida
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Most universities have a business major offering multiple majors. It can be a great option if you aren't sure exactly what you want to do. You can spend your first two years taking some general classes, speaking to the college's guidance counselors, attending special interest events and joining clubs related to your major. This will help you figure out if business is the right fit and what path within in it you might like.
Some benefits of Business as a major are:
- You have lots of career paths to choose from since your degree will be pretty general
- You tend to have good benefits like working from home, insurance and paid time off
- There are lots of companies you can work at all over the globe
- Pay can be competitive depending what role you take on
Some downsides are:
- Lots of competition for jobs
- Working a desk job isn't for everyone - the culture and hours aren't for everyone
- There can be so many options that it's hard to find your path in the job market
- It may not be emotionally rewarding if it doesn't align with your passions
Some benefits of Business as a major are:
- You have lots of career paths to choose from since your degree will be pretty general
- You tend to have good benefits like working from home, insurance and paid time off
- There are lots of companies you can work at all over the globe
- Pay can be competitive depending what role you take on
Some downsides are:
- Lots of competition for jobs
- Working a desk job isn't for everyone - the culture and hours aren't for everyone
- There can be so many options that it's hard to find your path in the job market
- It may not be emotionally rewarding if it doesn't align with your passions
Leslie Lazarus
Director Executive Recruiting
6
Answers
Keene, New Hampshire
Updated
Leslie’s Answer
Embarking on the thrilling journey of considering a business career as a high school student can be exhilarating! Here's a roadmap to guide you:
Samantha,
I've worn the hats of a retail store owner and a consulting company proprietor. My ventures were born from a blend of work experience, education, mentorship, and sheer passion.
Discover the Business World
Sign Up for Relevant Classes: If your school has business-related courses, think about joining them. Subjects such as marketing, finance, and economics can offer priceless knowledge.
Dive into Books and Articles: Delve into literature about triumphant entrepreneurs or business tactics to ignite your curiosity.
Acquire Real-World Experience
Internships or Part-Time Roles: Hunt for chances to work in a business environment, even if it's a temporary summer role. Hands-on experience can be a revelation.
Launch a Mini Venture: Think about setting up a small business or a side gig. This could range from peddling handmade crafts online to providing tutoring services.
Build Connections and Seek Guidance
Engage with Professionals: Connect with relatives or friends in the business world. Inquire about their journeys and guidance.
Participate in Workshops or Seminars: Search for local gatherings where you can network with business professionals and expand your understanding of the industry.
Reflect on Your Aspirations
Ponder Your Future: Reflect on your ambitions. Do you aspire to innovate, assist others, or thrive in a corporate setting?
Assess Your Abilities: Evaluate your strong points and areas for improvement. Are you a compelling communicator? Do you find working with numbers enjoyable?
Remain Receptive to New Ideas
Investigate Different Domains: The business world is vast! You might discover passions in sectors like technology, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, or management.
Stay Adaptable: Your interests might transform over time, and that's perfectly fine. Keep exploring until you discover what truly speaks to you.
Final Thoughts
In the end, it's all about uncovering what truly sparks your enthusiasm.
Samantha,
I've worn the hats of a retail store owner and a consulting company proprietor. My ventures were born from a blend of work experience, education, mentorship, and sheer passion.
Discover the Business World
Sign Up for Relevant Classes: If your school has business-related courses, think about joining them. Subjects such as marketing, finance, and economics can offer priceless knowledge.
Dive into Books and Articles: Delve into literature about triumphant entrepreneurs or business tactics to ignite your curiosity.
Acquire Real-World Experience
Internships or Part-Time Roles: Hunt for chances to work in a business environment, even if it's a temporary summer role. Hands-on experience can be a revelation.
Launch a Mini Venture: Think about setting up a small business or a side gig. This could range from peddling handmade crafts online to providing tutoring services.
Build Connections and Seek Guidance
Engage with Professionals: Connect with relatives or friends in the business world. Inquire about their journeys and guidance.
Participate in Workshops or Seminars: Search for local gatherings where you can network with business professionals and expand your understanding of the industry.
Reflect on Your Aspirations
Ponder Your Future: Reflect on your ambitions. Do you aspire to innovate, assist others, or thrive in a corporate setting?
Assess Your Abilities: Evaluate your strong points and areas for improvement. Are you a compelling communicator? Do you find working with numbers enjoyable?
Remain Receptive to New Ideas
Investigate Different Domains: The business world is vast! You might discover passions in sectors like technology, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, or management.
Stay Adaptable: Your interests might transform over time, and that's perfectly fine. Keep exploring until you discover what truly speaks to you.
Final Thoughts
In the end, it's all about uncovering what truly sparks your enthusiasm.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1851
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in business.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many careers related to business, eg finance, accounting, banking, trading, administration, human resources, e, etc. Each have specific domain of knowledge. You can find out more business related careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many careers related to business, eg finance, accounting, banking, trading, administration, human resources, e, etc. Each have specific domain of knowledge. You can find out more business related careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Eddy H
Consultant
27
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Eddy’s Answer
There should be some great business classes in your local community college as a start. Additionally, one of the most useful classes I have taken is a "create a company" class where you get to create your own business with your classmates. If there are classes like that I would highly recommend it.