5 answers
Haylee
Student
Miami, Florida
1
Question
Asked
374 views
What is one misconception that many people have regarding a career in the business field?
I am a current first-year college student planning to go into the business field. I'm not 100% sure what career I am wanting to pursue yet.
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5 answers
Marc-André Sabourin
Sales VP
5
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Marc-André’s Answer
Hi Haylee,
I believe one of the biggest misconceptions in business is what a sales career entails (aka: "The used car salesman" myth.
People often associate a sales job with "bugging" or "harassing" customers until they buy something from you but sales is all about:
- Listening to customers needs
- Connecting with them
- Help them in the buying process
- Bringing value
- Communicating effectively
I have been building a great career in sales (16 years so far) and I love it!
I hope this helps- good luck!
MA
I believe one of the biggest misconceptions in business is what a sales career entails (aka: "The used car salesman" myth.
People often associate a sales job with "bugging" or "harassing" customers until they buy something from you but sales is all about:
- Listening to customers needs
- Connecting with them
- Help them in the buying process
- Bringing value
- Communicating effectively
I have been building a great career in sales (16 years so far) and I love it!
I hope this helps- good luck!
MA
Bob Burton
Consultant
83
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Bob’s Answer
A significant number of folks believe that the sole goal of business is to make a profit; that profit, led by greedy leaders, is somehow evil. Many appear to believe the only role for businesses to exist - should be to create jobs.
Leila raises an excellent point. Business exists to solve problems. A business offers products or service solutions, at a level of quality, price point and effectiveness that will entice a prudent buyer to make a purchase.
A business providing these solutions, while operating within a sustainable business model, will achieve profitability.
In terms of having a business degree, Melanie offers great insight. There are an untold number of business career options for a young person to pursue. For example, I graduated with a B.S. in Business. Over my career, I found success as a manufacturing foreman, a salesman, then a marketing consultant, followed by a corporate training officer, on to a sales manager, then a product manager, leading to a global marketing executive and then Chairman and CEO of several global high technology businesses.
Leila raises an excellent point. Business exists to solve problems. A business offers products or service solutions, at a level of quality, price point and effectiveness that will entice a prudent buyer to make a purchase.
A business providing these solutions, while operating within a sustainable business model, will achieve profitability.
In terms of having a business degree, Melanie offers great insight. There are an untold number of business career options for a young person to pursue. For example, I graduated with a B.S. in Business. Over my career, I found success as a manufacturing foreman, a salesman, then a marketing consultant, followed by a corporate training officer, on to a sales manager, then a product manager, leading to a global marketing executive and then Chairman and CEO of several global high technology businesses.
Leila Vono
Operational Manager
4
Answers
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Leila’s Answer
Many people think the business field is just for those who want to get rich or work in an office, but that's not true. Business involves solving problems, making decisions, and understanding people. This is important whether you're in a big company, a smaller one, or starting your own business. If you like solving problems and making things work better, the business world is wide and full of opportunities for you.
Reflect on your strengths
Reflect on things you like to do
Talk to people
Try a short experience in an office
Leila recommends the following next steps:
David Chou
Project Management
16
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
David’s Answer
A common myth is that you must be very outgoing to succeed. Skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategy matter a lot. Many successful business leaders are introverts who excel at planning.
Melanie Anderson
Associate Director
50
Answers
Elmont, New York
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Hi Haylee!
Great question! A lot of people think that once you pick a department in business, you're stuck there. That's not true at all! The business world is full of chances to try new things. Many companies, like Verizon, let you move around, not just up. You could start in finance, then switch to operations, or even learning and development. Businesses want you to grow and see things in new ways. So, if you start as a supervisor in field operations, you can still become an analyst on the support team or a project manager. There are so many paths to explore.
You've got this, and I believe in you! Good luck!
Great question! A lot of people think that once you pick a department in business, you're stuck there. That's not true at all! The business world is full of chances to try new things. Many companies, like Verizon, let you move around, not just up. You could start in finance, then switch to operations, or even learning and development. Businesses want you to grow and see things in new ways. So, if you start as a supervisor in field operations, you can still become an analyst on the support team or a project manager. There are so many paths to explore.
You've got this, and I believe in you! Good luck!