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What Are the Most Important Skills to Have Before Entering a Business Class in College? #Fall24
I am planning to take a business course in college, and want to have the most important skills down so that the class isn't harder than it has to be. What are the best skills to learn beforehand, and what should I expect from the course? - ex. workload, public speaking, collaboration, etc. #Fall24
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7 answers
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Jason’s Answer
Hi Danielle,
Critical thinking and collaboration are my top 2. Critical thinking because business is largely about solving problems. Sometimes what people think is the problem to be solved is really just a symptom of a bigger underlying issue. So being able to approach things critically is a big part of being successful in a business course. The second being collaboration because different people will help provide different perspectives on the problems at hand. This will help you identify different approaches in solving said problems. As long as you come in with an open mind and the ability to do those 2 things I believe you will have a good experience in the course.
Critical thinking and collaboration are my top 2. Critical thinking because business is largely about solving problems. Sometimes what people think is the problem to be solved is really just a symptom of a bigger underlying issue. So being able to approach things critically is a big part of being successful in a business course. The second being collaboration because different people will help provide different perspectives on the problems at hand. This will help you identify different approaches in solving said problems. As long as you come in with an open mind and the ability to do those 2 things I believe you will have a good experience in the course.
Updated
Deeshani’s Answer
Hello,
Before jumping into a business class in college, there are a few skills you can develop to make things smoother. First, brushing up on critical thinking and problem-solving will help, as much of the coursework involves analyzing case studies and making decisions based on real-world situations. Time management is huge, too—business courses can have a lot of reading, group projects, and deadlines, so being able to organize your schedule and prioritize tasks will keep you on top of everything. It might also be useful to get comfortable with basic math or statistics, especially if you’re planning to take finance, accounting, or economics courses.
You can expect the workload to be pretty demanding, with readings, assignments, and lots of collaboration with classmates. Public speaking will come in handy, especially for presenting ideas or case findings. Many business courses also emphasize teamwork, so working well with others and being a good communicator will be key. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with business terminology and the core concepts of marketing, management, and economics—having a basic understanding before class will help you dive in faster. And finally, it’s all about having a growth mindset, being ready to learn, and staying open to feedback to really thrive in the course.
Before jumping into a business class in college, there are a few skills you can develop to make things smoother. First, brushing up on critical thinking and problem-solving will help, as much of the coursework involves analyzing case studies and making decisions based on real-world situations. Time management is huge, too—business courses can have a lot of reading, group projects, and deadlines, so being able to organize your schedule and prioritize tasks will keep you on top of everything. It might also be useful to get comfortable with basic math or statistics, especially if you’re planning to take finance, accounting, or economics courses.
You can expect the workload to be pretty demanding, with readings, assignments, and lots of collaboration with classmates. Public speaking will come in handy, especially for presenting ideas or case findings. Many business courses also emphasize teamwork, so working well with others and being a good communicator will be key. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with business terminology and the core concepts of marketing, management, and economics—having a basic understanding before class will help you dive in faster. And finally, it’s all about having a growth mindset, being ready to learn, and staying open to feedback to really thrive in the course.
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
Hello Danielle,
Rather than cramming ahead with the course content, it might be more beneficial for you to focus on completing the necessary readings. Remember, it's okay if you can't finish them all sometimes due to time constraints. The important thing is to stay active during classes and don't hesitate to ask any questions that come to your mind. Teaming up with a study partner can also be a great way to lighten your study load and help you understand tricky subjects better. From my own experience, I found that making the most of professors' office hours was incredibly helpful during my college years.
Read a book about a business person that inspires you
Ask all of your questions and go to office hours
Get a study buddy
Rather than cramming ahead with the course content, it might be more beneficial for you to focus on completing the necessary readings. Remember, it's okay if you can't finish them all sometimes due to time constraints. The important thing is to stay active during classes and don't hesitate to ask any questions that come to your mind. Teaming up with a study partner can also be a great way to lighten your study load and help you understand tricky subjects better. From my own experience, I found that making the most of professors' office hours was incredibly helpful during my college years.
Sydney recommends the following next steps:
Updated
david’s Answer
Great question, Danielle. I will attempt to provide some useful info in two categories:
1. for the courses themselves, the skill to work on now is personal organization. college can be chaos if unplanned. there will be a party somewhere at any time of day or night. you will be meeting new people, possibly more than you wish so quickly. Instructors do not demand attendance, so you must make your own decisions on class attendance. Nobody will wag a finger at you for lateness or missing a test. There will be many social events that are part of the college experience that you will want to attend - and should. Making a schedule of study time and play time will serve you well. this also applies to your health. Skipping breakfast and dinner are common, as students enjoy sleeping late, but manage it. To summarize, the ability to manage time is the skill that separates the successful students from the others
2. Okay, end of homily. For business, a skill that is vital is collaboration. In business, you will rarely work alone, but will be sharing responsibilities to some degree with others, whether you're at the bottom or the top of the career ladder. In those courses where you are urged to work with others, consider that is not just a social suggestion, but an opportunity to learn how you fit in groups and how to learn to understand personal communications, whether spoken or just facial expressions. Loners do not succeed in business. I wish you well and I am confident in your success because you had the foresight to pose this question.
1. for the courses themselves, the skill to work on now is personal organization. college can be chaos if unplanned. there will be a party somewhere at any time of day or night. you will be meeting new people, possibly more than you wish so quickly. Instructors do not demand attendance, so you must make your own decisions on class attendance. Nobody will wag a finger at you for lateness or missing a test. There will be many social events that are part of the college experience that you will want to attend - and should. Making a schedule of study time and play time will serve you well. this also applies to your health. Skipping breakfast and dinner are common, as students enjoy sleeping late, but manage it. To summarize, the ability to manage time is the skill that separates the successful students from the others
2. Okay, end of homily. For business, a skill that is vital is collaboration. In business, you will rarely work alone, but will be sharing responsibilities to some degree with others, whether you're at the bottom or the top of the career ladder. In those courses where you are urged to work with others, consider that is not just a social suggestion, but an opportunity to learn how you fit in groups and how to learn to understand personal communications, whether spoken or just facial expressions. Loners do not succeed in business. I wish you well and I am confident in your success because you had the foresight to pose this question.
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Business is a broad term - what aspect interests you? Listening and collaborating with stakeholders internally and externally is essential. There's different strengths for different functional area. Marketing Communications - writing, SEO, communications. Procurement - negotiation, supply chain management. Product Management - analysis. Finance -math
Updated
Rey’s Answer
Hi Danielle ! What is your heart telling you? Why do you want to get into this mayor? I think you already have what it takes to enter into that program that desire that connects with something that you only know. Don’t be afraid to start connecting with the schools and other colleagues who might already be in that field.
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi Danielle,
It's great to hear that you're preparing for your upcoming business course! There are definitely a few key skills that can help you feel more confident and capable when you start.
First off, one of the most important skills is critical thinking. In a business class, you’ll often be asked to analyze case studies and make decisions based on data. Practicing how to assess problems from multiple angles will serve you well. Consider engaging with some real-world business scenarios online or through case study books. Harvard Business Review is a great resource for this—they publish accessible case studies that you can analyze.
Public speaking is another key area. Most business courses require presentations, and being able to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively is vital. Try joining a local Toastmasters club to hone your speaking skills and get comfortable with presenting to an audience.
Additionally, teamwork and collaboration will be emphasized. Many business classes involve group projects, so it’s beneficial to know how to work effectively within a team. Participating in group activities, whether they’re academic or extracurricular, can help you build that experience prior to starting your class.
Lastly, familiarize yourself with common business terminology; understanding terms like ROI, SWOT analysis, and market segmentation will make the initial learning curve much easier.
Expect a moderate workload with a mix of lectures, readings, and projects, but don’t let that intimidate you! With the right preparation, you’ll find the course both challenging and rewarding. Best of luck!
It's great to hear that you're preparing for your upcoming business course! There are definitely a few key skills that can help you feel more confident and capable when you start.
First off, one of the most important skills is critical thinking. In a business class, you’ll often be asked to analyze case studies and make decisions based on data. Practicing how to assess problems from multiple angles will serve you well. Consider engaging with some real-world business scenarios online or through case study books. Harvard Business Review is a great resource for this—they publish accessible case studies that you can analyze.
Public speaking is another key area. Most business courses require presentations, and being able to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively is vital. Try joining a local Toastmasters club to hone your speaking skills and get comfortable with presenting to an audience.
Additionally, teamwork and collaboration will be emphasized. Many business classes involve group projects, so it’s beneficial to know how to work effectively within a team. Participating in group activities, whether they’re academic or extracurricular, can help you build that experience prior to starting your class.
Lastly, familiarize yourself with common business terminology; understanding terms like ROI, SWOT analysis, and market segmentation will make the initial learning curve much easier.
Expect a moderate workload with a mix of lectures, readings, and projects, but don’t let that intimidate you! With the right preparation, you’ll find the course both challenging and rewarding. Best of luck!