4 answers
Candice
Student
Dublin, California
1
Question
Asked
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What classes/summer internships can I apply to as a high school student if I'm interested in majoring in business?
I'm currently a sophomore in high school and interested in a career in business. But I don't have much experience in the field of business, but am open to new opportunities like summer camps and internships. What are some high school class pathways I can take? my favorite classes are spanish, chemistry, and interested in arts
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4 answers
Eric W. Riddick
Science
2
Answers
Starkville, Mississippi
Updated
Eric W.’s Answer
Hi Candice:
I am happy that you have started to identify some potential future business opportunities based on your interests. I am not a business owner (as of yet) but I think you are very smart by investigating your options prior to graduating from high school. I would check on the internet for potential internships this summer in your local area (city). Also, I believe your guidance counselor could give you some good suggestions on who to talk to in your city. I would imagine that numerous companies in your city will be looking for summer student interns to help them. Although, many of these summer intern positions will be low paying. But getting the first-hand experience is sometimes more important than getting paid.
I am happy that you have started to identify some potential future business opportunities based on your interests. I am not a business owner (as of yet) but I think you are very smart by investigating your options prior to graduating from high school. I would check on the internet for potential internships this summer in your local area (city). Also, I believe your guidance counselor could give you some good suggestions on who to talk to in your city. I would imagine that numerous companies in your city will be looking for summer student interns to help them. Although, many of these summer intern positions will be low paying. But getting the first-hand experience is sometimes more important than getting paid.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Candice,
If you’re a high school sophomore interested in majoring in business, you’re already ahead of the game by thinking about ways to gain experience and build skills. Since you’re into Spanish, chemistry, and the arts, you have a unique mix of interests that can actually be an asset in business. For classes, focus on taking core subjects like math (especially Algebra, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus if offered) since quantitative skills are crucial in business. If your school offers business-related electives like Economics, Accounting, or Marketing, definitely sign up for those. You might also consider joining a club like DECA or FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), where you can compete in business challenges and learn more about the field.
Since you’re also into arts, consider taking classes in graphic design or digital media, as creative skills are increasingly valued in marketing and entrepreneurship. Your interest in Spanish is another big plus—being bilingual can set you apart in the business world, especially in roles that involve international communication or marketing.
For summer opportunities, look for business camps or programs hosted by universities. Many schools offer summer business academies where you can explore topics like entrepreneurship and finance. Also, try reaching out to local businesses or family friends who own companies to see if you can shadow them or help out as an intern. Even if it’s just organizing files or helping with social media, any exposure to the business world is valuable. Taking the initiative now will definitely pay off when it’s time to apply to college business programs!
If you’re a high school sophomore interested in majoring in business, you’re already ahead of the game by thinking about ways to gain experience and build skills. Since you’re into Spanish, chemistry, and the arts, you have a unique mix of interests that can actually be an asset in business. For classes, focus on taking core subjects like math (especially Algebra, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus if offered) since quantitative skills are crucial in business. If your school offers business-related electives like Economics, Accounting, or Marketing, definitely sign up for those. You might also consider joining a club like DECA or FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), where you can compete in business challenges and learn more about the field.
Since you’re also into arts, consider taking classes in graphic design or digital media, as creative skills are increasingly valued in marketing and entrepreneurship. Your interest in Spanish is another big plus—being bilingual can set you apart in the business world, especially in roles that involve international communication or marketing.
For summer opportunities, look for business camps or programs hosted by universities. Many schools offer summer business academies where you can explore topics like entrepreneurship and finance. Also, try reaching out to local businesses or family friends who own companies to see if you can shadow them or help out as an intern. Even if it’s just organizing files or helping with social media, any exposure to the business world is valuable. Taking the initiative now will definitely pay off when it’s time to apply to college business programs!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Candice
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
It's amazing that you're already thinking about a future in business! Here are some classes, summer programs, and internships you can explore as a high school student with an interest in business:
High School Classes:
- Business Basics: If your school offers courses like Introduction to Business, Accounting, Marketing, Economics, or Entrepreneurship, these are excellent starting points.
- Math: Take as much math as you can—algebra, statistics, and even calculus are useful for business majors.
- Computer Skills: Classes in Excel, PowerPoint, or general computer skills are very valuable in business.
- Foreign Language: Keep going with Spanish—it’s a big advantage in business!
- Arts or Communication: Classes in public speaking, graphic design, or visual arts can boost your marketing and presentation skills.
Summer Programs & Camps:
- Business Summer Camps: Many universities offer business-focused summer programs for high school students (look into programs at University of Michigan, NYU, Wharton’s Leadership in the Business World, or local colleges).
- Virtual Programs: Check for online options if travel is tough; Junior Achievement and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) sometimes offer virtual summer programs.
- Entrepreneurship Bootcamps: Look for local or online workshops in entrepreneurship or innovation.
Internships & Experience:
- Local Businesses: Ask family or friends if you can intern, shadow, or help with basic tasks at a local business.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Volunteer for fundraising or event planning (these are business-related skills!).
- School Clubs: Join or start a business club, DECA, FBLA, or participate in the school store—clubs often offer competitions and leadership opportunities.
- Online Platforms: Explore sites like Forage or Junior Achievement for virtual business experience programs designed for students.
For College Prep:
- Keep your GPA strong and build leadership skills through activities.
- Look for colleges with strong undergraduate business programs, diverse clubs, and internship opportunities.
- Consider starting a business-related passion project to make your applications stand out!
High School Classes:
- Business Basics: If your school offers courses like Introduction to Business, Accounting, Marketing, Economics, or Entrepreneurship, these are excellent starting points.
- Math: Take as much math as you can—algebra, statistics, and even calculus are useful for business majors.
- Computer Skills: Classes in Excel, PowerPoint, or general computer skills are very valuable in business.
- Foreign Language: Keep going with Spanish—it’s a big advantage in business!
- Arts or Communication: Classes in public speaking, graphic design, or visual arts can boost your marketing and presentation skills.
Summer Programs & Camps:
- Business Summer Camps: Many universities offer business-focused summer programs for high school students (look into programs at University of Michigan, NYU, Wharton’s Leadership in the Business World, or local colleges).
- Virtual Programs: Check for online options if travel is tough; Junior Achievement and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) sometimes offer virtual summer programs.
- Entrepreneurship Bootcamps: Look for local or online workshops in entrepreneurship or innovation.
Internships & Experience:
- Local Businesses: Ask family or friends if you can intern, shadow, or help with basic tasks at a local business.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Volunteer for fundraising or event planning (these are business-related skills!).
- School Clubs: Join or start a business club, DECA, FBLA, or participate in the school store—clubs often offer competitions and leadership opportunities.
- Online Platforms: Explore sites like Forage or Junior Achievement for virtual business experience programs designed for students.
For College Prep:
- Keep your GPA strong and build leadership skills through activities.
- Look for colleges with strong undergraduate business programs, diverse clubs, and internship opportunities.
- Consider starting a business-related passion project to make your applications stand out!
Thank you so much, Chiquria!
Candice
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
977
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Candice,
Congratulations! As a sophomore, you have plenty of chances to establish a solid foundation through coursework and extracurricular activities. Here are some suggestions to get you started on the path to becoming a business major:
High School Classes:
- Economics: Many schools offer a basic economics course that explains how markets and businesses operate.
- Business or Marketing Classes: If your school offers business, accounting, or marketing electives, those are great options.
- Math (particularly Algebra and Statistics): Math skills are crucial in business, particularly for finance, analytics, and management roles.
- Computer Applications: Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and basic data tools will be helpful in almost any business field.
- Art & Spanish: Don't drop your creative and language interests, they can be powerful assets! Design is useful in branding and marketing, and fluency in Spanish opens doors in international business.
Summer Internships & Camps:
- Camps & Summer Internships: Business Camps Explore initiatives such as FBLA activities, Junior Achievement, DECA Summer Camps, and Wharton Global Youth. Marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership are frequently introduced in these programs.
- Local Opportunities: Look into volunteering or interning at small businesses in your area, like eateries, retail stores, or nonprofit organizations. Even unpaid work can impart practical business knowledge.
- The Harvard Pre-College Program, NYU High School Academy, and Coursera/edX courses in business, economics, or entrepreneurship are examples of online business programs that are worth considering.
Additional Advice:
- Join Business Clubs: Participate in DECA or FBLA if your school has them. They provide networking opportunities, leadership development, and competitions.
- Launch Something Small: One excellent option to gain personal experience with entrepreneurship is to launch a small art business or tutoring service.
- Shadowing: To gain greater insight into various positions, ask local business people if you could spend a day or two in their shoes.
- There are many different areas of business, including marketing, international business, management, and even chemistry-related fields like pharmaceutical supply chain or product development, so you can customize your path to your interests.
Best wishes!
Congratulations! As a sophomore, you have plenty of chances to establish a solid foundation through coursework and extracurricular activities. Here are some suggestions to get you started on the path to becoming a business major:
High School Classes:
- Economics: Many schools offer a basic economics course that explains how markets and businesses operate.
- Business or Marketing Classes: If your school offers business, accounting, or marketing electives, those are great options.
- Math (particularly Algebra and Statistics): Math skills are crucial in business, particularly for finance, analytics, and management roles.
- Computer Applications: Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and basic data tools will be helpful in almost any business field.
- Art & Spanish: Don't drop your creative and language interests, they can be powerful assets! Design is useful in branding and marketing, and fluency in Spanish opens doors in international business.
Summer Internships & Camps:
- Camps & Summer Internships: Business Camps Explore initiatives such as FBLA activities, Junior Achievement, DECA Summer Camps, and Wharton Global Youth. Marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership are frequently introduced in these programs.
- Local Opportunities: Look into volunteering or interning at small businesses in your area, like eateries, retail stores, or nonprofit organizations. Even unpaid work can impart practical business knowledge.
- The Harvard Pre-College Program, NYU High School Academy, and Coursera/edX courses in business, economics, or entrepreneurship are examples of online business programs that are worth considering.
Additional Advice:
- Join Business Clubs: Participate in DECA or FBLA if your school has them. They provide networking opportunities, leadership development, and competitions.
- Launch Something Small: One excellent option to gain personal experience with entrepreneurship is to launch a small art business or tutoring service.
- Shadowing: To gain greater insight into various positions, ask local business people if you could spend a day or two in their shoes.
- There are many different areas of business, including marketing, international business, management, and even chemistry-related fields like pharmaceutical supply chain or product development, so you can customize your path to your interests.
Best wishes!