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what are the different career paths in business?
I am a high school student, but I do not know what options are open to me in business or how to proceed for networking.
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8 answers
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in business.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many business related careers, e.g. finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, business administration, banking, etc. 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 counsellor, 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 business related careers, e.g. finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, business administration, banking, etc. 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 counsellor, 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!
Updated
Josafat’s Answer
Hi Grace, you are in the golden years of your life - high school is an awesome stage of discovery, so enjoy it at the fullest while you plan for your future. Business is a great path for career plan and development because it offers a wide range of options, just think about it with self-awareness, know yourself, be clear on your strenghts and areas of opportunity - we all shine at different things but have others in which we need to put time and effort to grow and be better. For instance, if you are good with people, have great social skills, empathy, communication, HR is a great fit. If you are good with numbers and basic Math, you can pursue finance. If you are creative, visual, then you can investigate about markerting. These are only 3 branches if you will of business and management, there is also sales for example. Keep in mind, you may be interested in business now but change paths in the future - that is perfectly fine, I took an English Teaching major in college but then changed to business management. Every career you pursue will make you stronger, add to your skills, learning and curriculum so it makes you an attractive candidate for job opportunities in the market. It also helps to share your thoughts with people close to you, family/friends, school guidance - feedback is always good, you can be reassured of your strenghts and skills to give that extra push or motivation as well as realize about areas for improvement and growth. Hope this helps, best wishes.
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
As a high school student interested in business, there are many career paths you can explore, such as finance, marketing, accounting, management, entrepreneurship, and data analytics. Each path uses different skills — for example, finance and accounting involve math and analysis, while marketing and management focus more on communication and strategy. To start building your network, join business-related clubs like DECA or FBLA, attend local business events, and talk to professionals you know about their careers. You can also use LinkedIn to connect with alumni or explore summer internships and job shadowing opportunities. These steps will help you learn more about what interests you and open doors for the future.
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hello Grace,
It’s completely normal not to know exactly what path you want to take—especially in a field as wide and flexible as business. Business offers many career paths, and each one focuses on different skills and interests. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:
Finance
• What it involves: Managing money, investments, and financial planning.
• Careers: Financial analyst, investment banker, financial advisor, corporate finance manager.
• Good fit if you like: Math, problem-solving, and managing money.
Marketing
• What it involves: Promoting products or services and understanding customer needs.
• Careers: Marketing manager, brand strategist, social media manager, market researcher.
• Good fit if you like: Creativity, communication, and analyzing trends.
Management
• What it involves: Leading teams, organizing operations, and overseeing projects or departments.
• Careers: Operations manager, project manager, general manager, business consultant.
• Good fit if you like: Leadership, decision-making, and working with people.
Entrepreneurship
• What it involves: Starting and running your own business or developing new ideas.
• Careers: Business owner, startup founder, product developer.
• Good fit if you like: Independence, creativity, and taking initiative.
Human Resources (HR)
• What it involves: Managing hiring, employee training, and workplace culture.
• Careers: HR specialist, recruiter, benefits coordinator, HR manager.
• Good fit if you like: Working with people, organization, and problem-solving.
Accounting
• What it involves: Keeping track of finances, managing budgets, and preparing reports.
• Careers: Auditor, tax advisor, CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
• Good fit if you like: Numbers, accuracy, and structure.
Even in high school, you can start building a network to support your business goals:
• Join business clubs
• Attend local events: Look for youth entrepreneurship camps, career fairs, or business panels in your area.
• Connect with teachers or counselors: They often know alumni, local business leaders, or internship opportunities and can introduce you.
• Use LinkedIn Once you’re 16 or older, you can create a LinkedIn profile and begin connecting with people in fields you’re curious about.
• Ask for informational interviews: If you know someone who works in a business role, ask if you can talk with them for 15–20 minutes to learn about what they do.
You don’t need to choose your exact path right now. Instead, focus on learning, trying different activities, and building relationships. Business is full of opportunities—and the more you explore now, the better prepared you’ll be to make informed decisions later.
Best Wishes,
Wyatt
It’s completely normal not to know exactly what path you want to take—especially in a field as wide and flexible as business. Business offers many career paths, and each one focuses on different skills and interests. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:
Finance
• What it involves: Managing money, investments, and financial planning.
• Careers: Financial analyst, investment banker, financial advisor, corporate finance manager.
• Good fit if you like: Math, problem-solving, and managing money.
Marketing
• What it involves: Promoting products or services and understanding customer needs.
• Careers: Marketing manager, brand strategist, social media manager, market researcher.
• Good fit if you like: Creativity, communication, and analyzing trends.
Management
• What it involves: Leading teams, organizing operations, and overseeing projects or departments.
• Careers: Operations manager, project manager, general manager, business consultant.
• Good fit if you like: Leadership, decision-making, and working with people.
Entrepreneurship
• What it involves: Starting and running your own business or developing new ideas.
• Careers: Business owner, startup founder, product developer.
• Good fit if you like: Independence, creativity, and taking initiative.
Human Resources (HR)
• What it involves: Managing hiring, employee training, and workplace culture.
• Careers: HR specialist, recruiter, benefits coordinator, HR manager.
• Good fit if you like: Working with people, organization, and problem-solving.
Accounting
• What it involves: Keeping track of finances, managing budgets, and preparing reports.
• Careers: Auditor, tax advisor, CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
• Good fit if you like: Numbers, accuracy, and structure.
Even in high school, you can start building a network to support your business goals:
• Join business clubs
• Attend local events: Look for youth entrepreneurship camps, career fairs, or business panels in your area.
• Connect with teachers or counselors: They often know alumni, local business leaders, or internship opportunities and can introduce you.
• Use LinkedIn Once you’re 16 or older, you can create a LinkedIn profile and begin connecting with people in fields you’re curious about.
• Ask for informational interviews: If you know someone who works in a business role, ask if you can talk with them for 15–20 minutes to learn about what they do.
You don’t need to choose your exact path right now. Instead, focus on learning, trying different activities, and building relationships. Business is full of opportunities—and the more you explore now, the better prepared you’ll be to make informed decisions later.
Best Wishes,
Wyatt
Updated
Harry’s Answer
Hi Grace. Great questions. Don't get hung up on not knowing your career path. You are among the gazillion (think that is a word) of students without a path. Not only that, but you will find that as you eventually settle into a job, you may find that 2-3-4-5 years down the road, something comes up and you change jobs or careers.
I started in accounting. My career moved into purchasing, inventory control and shipping, customer service, US Customs import and export, and then consulting, finally circling back into finance.
To start, I suggest that you take some aptitude tests to find out two thinks: What are you good at (e. g.: problem solving, detail oriented, instructional writing, sales?) and then what do you like (are you a people person, do you like working alone or part of a team, do you like being independent?) Finding out these likes will help to steer you into a direction where you will be more apt to enjoy your work. That is very important. The last thing is to work at a job that may pay well, but that you don't like.
Lastly, remember that there are a lot of students who start college without a specific direction, or have one, and then change along the way.
Good luck, Grace. You have many working years ahead of you. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I have.
Harry
I started in accounting. My career moved into purchasing, inventory control and shipping, customer service, US Customs import and export, and then consulting, finally circling back into finance.
To start, I suggest that you take some aptitude tests to find out two thinks: What are you good at (e. g.: problem solving, detail oriented, instructional writing, sales?) and then what do you like (are you a people person, do you like working alone or part of a team, do you like being independent?) Finding out these likes will help to steer you into a direction where you will be more apt to enjoy your work. That is very important. The last thing is to work at a job that may pay well, but that you don't like.
Lastly, remember that there are a lot of students who start college without a specific direction, or have one, and then change along the way.
Good luck, Grace. You have many working years ahead of you. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I have.
Harry
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Grace,
As an accounting major looking to optimize opportunities for internships and a corporate job, you can take strategic steps during college to build a strong foundation for your career. Drawing on general best practices and insights tailored to your goals, here’s a concise guide to maximize your chances:
1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation
- **Excel in Core Accounting Courses**: Focus on mastering financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and tax principles. A strong GPA (ideally 3.5 or higher) signals competence to employers.
- **Pursue Relevant Certifications Early**: Consider starting prep for certifications like the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) during college. While you may not complete it until after graduation, showing progress (e.g., passing a section of the CPA exam) demonstrates commitment. Other certifications like CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) can also be valuable depending on your career path.
- **Leverage Electives**: Take courses in data analytics, financial modeling, or information systems, as these skills are increasingly valued in accounting roles, especially in corporate settings.
2. Gain Practical Experience
- **Target Internships Early**: Start applying for internships as early as your freshman or sophomore year. Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and mid-tier firms offer summer internships, often through campus recruiting. Check your college’s career center for opportunities.
- **Tip**: Attend career fairs and firm-sponsored events at your school to network with recruiters. Prepare a polished resume and practice your elevator pitch.
- **High School Experience**: If you’re still in high school or early college, look for local business internships or volunteer roles (e.g., bookkeeping for nonprofits) to build early experience, as you expressed interest in similar opportunities previously.
- **Seek Part-Time or Volunteer Roles**: Work as a bookkeeper, tax preparer (e.g., through VITA programs), or accounting assistant for small businesses or campus organizations to gain hands-on experience.
- **Join Case Competitions**: Participate in accounting-related case competitions hosted by firms or organizations like Beta Alpha Psi. These showcase your problem-solving skills and expose you to recruiters.
3. Network Strategically
- **Join Professional Organizations**: Become an active member of accounting clubs like Beta Alpha Psi or the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). These provide networking events, mentorship, and access to firm recruiters.
- **Build Relationships with Professors**: Professors often have industry connections and can recommend you for internships or jobs. Engage in class, attend office hours, and seek their advice.
- **Leverage Alumni Networks**: Connect with alumni from your school (e.g., Wright State, as you mentioned previously) working in accounting through LinkedIn or your college’s alumni office. Request informational interviews to learn about their career paths and get referrals.
- **Attend Industry Events**: Go to accounting conferences, firm open houses, or workshops. Bring business cards and follow up with contacts via email or LinkedIn.
4. Develop a Professional Presence
- **Craft a Strong LinkedIn Profile**: Highlight your education, internships, certifications, and skills. Join accounting groups and share relevant content to stay visible.
- **Polish Your Resume**: Tailor it for each internship or job application, emphasizing accounting skills, software proficiency (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks, SAP), and measurable achievements (e.g., “Streamlined financial reporting process for a student organization, reducing errors by 20%”).
- **Practice Interview Skills**: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions (e.g., “Walk me through a balance sheet”). Use your career center’s mock interviews or practice with peers.
5. Target High-Demand Accounting Roles
- **Understand Corporate Accounting Paths**: Research roles like financial analyst, internal auditor, or corporate accountant. Corporate jobs often value skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- **Focus on Big Four or Mid-Tier Firms for Internships**: These provide rigorous training and open doors to corporate roles. Many interns receive full-time offers post-graduation.
- **Explore Industry Roles**: Beyond public accounting, consider corporate accounting roles in industries like tech, manufacturing, or retail, which align with your interest in business (as mentioned in prior conversations).
6. Utilize Campus Resources
- **Career Services**: Regularly visit your college’s career center for resume reviews, job boards, and employer events. Ask about on-campus recruiting for accounting firms.
- **Co-Op Programs**: If Wright State or your chosen school offers co-op programs, participate to gain extended work experience while earning academic credit.
- **Scholarship Opportunities**: As you previously inquired about scholarships, contact firms directly to inquire about scholarship programs (e.g., PwC’s Student Loan Paydown or Deloitte’s scholarship initiatives) that often come with internship opportunities.
7. Develop Soft and Technical Skills
- **Soft Skills**: Employers value communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Highlight these through leadership roles in clubs or group projects.
- **Technical Skills**: Become proficient in tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), QuickBooks, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle). Familiarity with data analytics tools like Tableau or Power BI is a plus.
- **Stay Updated**: Follow accounting trends (e.g., automation, ESG reporting) through journals like *Journal of Accountancy* or *CPA Journal*.
8. Plan for the Long Term
- **Set Clear Goals**: Decide if you want to start in public accounting (great for broad experience) or go directly to corporate accounting (more specialized). Your prior interest in starting a business suggests entrepreneurial skills, so consider roles that blend accounting with strategy, like financial planning and analysis (FP&A).
- **Build a Portfolio**: Document projects (e.g., financial models, audit reports) to showcase during interviews.
- **Stay Persistent**: Landing competitive internships or jobs may take multiple applications. Apply broadly and follow up politely.
Timeline for Success
- **Freshman/Sophomore Year**: Focus on grades, join accounting clubs, and seek summer internships or part-time roles.
- **Junior Year**: Target Big Four or mid-tier internships, start CPA prep, and build a strong network.
- **Senior Year**: Secure a full-time offer, ideally from an internship, and complete CPA exams post-graduation.
By combining academic excellence, practical experience, networking, and a professional presence, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for internships and corporate accounting jobs.
As an accounting major looking to optimize opportunities for internships and a corporate job, you can take strategic steps during college to build a strong foundation for your career. Drawing on general best practices and insights tailored to your goals, here’s a concise guide to maximize your chances:
1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation
- **Excel in Core Accounting Courses**: Focus on mastering financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and tax principles. A strong GPA (ideally 3.5 or higher) signals competence to employers.
- **Pursue Relevant Certifications Early**: Consider starting prep for certifications like the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) during college. While you may not complete it until after graduation, showing progress (e.g., passing a section of the CPA exam) demonstrates commitment. Other certifications like CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) can also be valuable depending on your career path.
- **Leverage Electives**: Take courses in data analytics, financial modeling, or information systems, as these skills are increasingly valued in accounting roles, especially in corporate settings.
2. Gain Practical Experience
- **Target Internships Early**: Start applying for internships as early as your freshman or sophomore year. Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and mid-tier firms offer summer internships, often through campus recruiting. Check your college’s career center for opportunities.
- **Tip**: Attend career fairs and firm-sponsored events at your school to network with recruiters. Prepare a polished resume and practice your elevator pitch.
- **High School Experience**: If you’re still in high school or early college, look for local business internships or volunteer roles (e.g., bookkeeping for nonprofits) to build early experience, as you expressed interest in similar opportunities previously.
- **Seek Part-Time or Volunteer Roles**: Work as a bookkeeper, tax preparer (e.g., through VITA programs), or accounting assistant for small businesses or campus organizations to gain hands-on experience.
- **Join Case Competitions**: Participate in accounting-related case competitions hosted by firms or organizations like Beta Alpha Psi. These showcase your problem-solving skills and expose you to recruiters.
3. Network Strategically
- **Join Professional Organizations**: Become an active member of accounting clubs like Beta Alpha Psi or the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). These provide networking events, mentorship, and access to firm recruiters.
- **Build Relationships with Professors**: Professors often have industry connections and can recommend you for internships or jobs. Engage in class, attend office hours, and seek their advice.
- **Leverage Alumni Networks**: Connect with alumni from your school (e.g., Wright State, as you mentioned previously) working in accounting through LinkedIn or your college’s alumni office. Request informational interviews to learn about their career paths and get referrals.
- **Attend Industry Events**: Go to accounting conferences, firm open houses, or workshops. Bring business cards and follow up with contacts via email or LinkedIn.
4. Develop a Professional Presence
- **Craft a Strong LinkedIn Profile**: Highlight your education, internships, certifications, and skills. Join accounting groups and share relevant content to stay visible.
- **Polish Your Resume**: Tailor it for each internship or job application, emphasizing accounting skills, software proficiency (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks, SAP), and measurable achievements (e.g., “Streamlined financial reporting process for a student organization, reducing errors by 20%”).
- **Practice Interview Skills**: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions (e.g., “Walk me through a balance sheet”). Use your career center’s mock interviews or practice with peers.
5. Target High-Demand Accounting Roles
- **Understand Corporate Accounting Paths**: Research roles like financial analyst, internal auditor, or corporate accountant. Corporate jobs often value skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- **Focus on Big Four or Mid-Tier Firms for Internships**: These provide rigorous training and open doors to corporate roles. Many interns receive full-time offers post-graduation.
- **Explore Industry Roles**: Beyond public accounting, consider corporate accounting roles in industries like tech, manufacturing, or retail, which align with your interest in business (as mentioned in prior conversations).
6. Utilize Campus Resources
- **Career Services**: Regularly visit your college’s career center for resume reviews, job boards, and employer events. Ask about on-campus recruiting for accounting firms.
- **Co-Op Programs**: If Wright State or your chosen school offers co-op programs, participate to gain extended work experience while earning academic credit.
- **Scholarship Opportunities**: As you previously inquired about scholarships, contact firms directly to inquire about scholarship programs (e.g., PwC’s Student Loan Paydown or Deloitte’s scholarship initiatives) that often come with internship opportunities.
7. Develop Soft and Technical Skills
- **Soft Skills**: Employers value communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Highlight these through leadership roles in clubs or group projects.
- **Technical Skills**: Become proficient in tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), QuickBooks, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle). Familiarity with data analytics tools like Tableau or Power BI is a plus.
- **Stay Updated**: Follow accounting trends (e.g., automation, ESG reporting) through journals like *Journal of Accountancy* or *CPA Journal*.
8. Plan for the Long Term
- **Set Clear Goals**: Decide if you want to start in public accounting (great for broad experience) or go directly to corporate accounting (more specialized). Your prior interest in starting a business suggests entrepreneurial skills, so consider roles that blend accounting with strategy, like financial planning and analysis (FP&A).
- **Build a Portfolio**: Document projects (e.g., financial models, audit reports) to showcase during interviews.
- **Stay Persistent**: Landing competitive internships or jobs may take multiple applications. Apply broadly and follow up politely.
Timeline for Success
- **Freshman/Sophomore Year**: Focus on grades, join accounting clubs, and seek summer internships or part-time roles.
- **Junior Year**: Target Big Four or mid-tier internships, start CPA prep, and build a strong network.
- **Senior Year**: Secure a full-time offer, ideally from an internship, and complete CPA exams post-graduation.
By combining academic excellence, practical experience, networking, and a professional presence, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for internships and corporate accounting jobs.
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Build your own brand through social networking and join clubs in high school that emphasize entrepreneurism. There is no one direction in business. Networking and volunteering are also important. Focus on getting good grades and build a portfolio. Again, build your brand which is a positive attitude and willingness to work hard to get things done. That'll get the business community's attention and then you can build a career path from there.
Theresa Collier
Account Management / B2B Sales / Relationship Management
5
Answers
Updated
Theresa’s Answer
Hi Grace, there are so many options available for you in the field of business. My best advise while you are still in high school is to get involved in student council, DECA or any club of interest to you. Also, finding a part-time job will be a great experience. Get out there and have fun! I started my career in business during my sophomore year in HS, by working at a clothing store in the mall. I didn't have a car, so took the bus. I learned so much about business from retail, eventually working my way up to a training store manager. Real work experience will prepare you for the basics, and you will grow from there. Take pride in all that you do, and get involved learning as much as you can, asking questions and going beyond. Some people show up to work to learn, and others just to fill a spot. Be the person who is there to learn and grow, and your "business" mindset will benefit and grow. You can also volunteer your time at local non-profits, which may expose you to a different perspective of responsibility in a business. Having fun, by "doing" is going to open your eyes to the possibilities and where you are drawn to for focus once you're in college. The path is everchanging in the world of business. Hope this helps! Wishing the best. God has a plan for you, and each step (baby step) will lead you to your hearts desire.