5 answers
Pedro
Student
Salem, Oregon
1
Question
Updated
431 views
How and what classes should I take so I gain the most of if I plan to major in business management and or overall business Any feedback on anyone else majoring in the business umbrella is appreciated.? #Fall25
What are some to look out for?
Is there something that’ll help me prepare further beyond where I am?
What did you do?
How is it going now?
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5 answers
Sandeep Sethi
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
If you’re thinking about majoring in business management—or anything in the business field—here are some things I’d suggest:
1. Start with the Basics
Make sure you take the core business classes first: stuff like management, accounting, economics, marketing, business law, finance, and statistics. These give you a solid understanding of how everything works.
2. Mix In Some Useful Electives
Don’t just stick to the basics—pick electives that help you build important skills. Classes in business communication, information systems, entrepreneurship, and project management can really pay off, no matter what you end up doing.
3. Find What Interests You Most
Once you’ve covered the foundations, see if there’s a specific area you want to focus on, like human resources, supply chain, or international business. Specializing can help you stand out later.
4. Learn from Others
Talk to people who are further along in their business major—ask them which classes and professors they liked, and what really helped them. Also, join some business clubs or organizations on campus. They’re great for meeting people and getting real-world experience.
5. Get Hands-On Experience
Try to get at least one internship before you graduate. Case competitions, business simulations, or even a part-time job in a business setting can teach you a lot and look good on your resume.
6. Don’t Forget About Soft Skills
Things like public speaking, negotiation, ethics, and teamwork are just as important as the technical classes. Sometimes these make the biggest difference in your career.
1. Start with the Basics
Make sure you take the core business classes first: stuff like management, accounting, economics, marketing, business law, finance, and statistics. These give you a solid understanding of how everything works.
2. Mix In Some Useful Electives
Don’t just stick to the basics—pick electives that help you build important skills. Classes in business communication, information systems, entrepreneurship, and project management can really pay off, no matter what you end up doing.
3. Find What Interests You Most
Once you’ve covered the foundations, see if there’s a specific area you want to focus on, like human resources, supply chain, or international business. Specializing can help you stand out later.
4. Learn from Others
Talk to people who are further along in their business major—ask them which classes and professors they liked, and what really helped them. Also, join some business clubs or organizations on campus. They’re great for meeting people and getting real-world experience.
5. Get Hands-On Experience
Try to get at least one internship before you graduate. Case competitions, business simulations, or even a part-time job in a business setting can teach you a lot and look good on your resume.
6. Don’t Forget About Soft Skills
Things like public speaking, negotiation, ethics, and teamwork are just as important as the technical classes. Sometimes these make the biggest difference in your career.
Chriss Peck
Executive Assistant
12
Answers
Glendale, Arizona
Updated
Chriss’s Answer
What classes to take to get the most out of a Business / Business Management major
Core classes you should lean into
These form the foundation for almost every business role:
Accounting (Financial & Managerial)
Even if you don’t love it—understand it. This teaches you how businesses actually make (or lose) money.
Finance
Helps you understand budgets, investments, and decision-making.
Economics (Micro & Macro)
Great for strategic thinking and understanding markets.
Statistics / Business Analytics
One of the most valuable areas. This helps you read trends, make decisions, and stand out.
Operations / Supply Chain
Teaches how things get done efficiently behind the scenes.
Marketing
Useful even if you don’t go into marketing—every role benefits from understanding customers.
Management / Organizational Behavior
This is where leadership, team dynamics, and productivity come in.
Classes that give you an edge (don’t skip these)
If your school offers them, prioritize:
Business Analytics / Data Analysis
Project Management
Strategic Management
Information Systems / MIS
Negotiation or Communication courses
These are career accelerators.
What to look out for (important)
Classes that are too theoretical without application
Programs that don’t encourage internships or projects
Relying only on grades instead of experience
A 3.5 GPA with no experience is often weaker than a 3.0 with internships and skills.
How to prepare beyond classes (this matters a lot)
1. Build real skills alongside school
Start early with:
Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables)
PowerPoint (clear, professional storytelling)
Basic data tools (Power BI, Tableau)
Writing professional emails and summaries
2. Get experience every year (even small)
Internships
Part-time jobs
Case competitions
Business clubs
Helping a small business
Experience compounds faster than classes.
3. Learn how to run meetings & communicate
This is huge for management roles:
Write agendas
Lead discussions
Summarize decisions
Track action items
Good managers are excellent communicators.
What people usually do (and what works)
Most successful business grads:
Start broad (business admin or management)
Find their niche through internships
Pivot into analytics, operations, marketing, or strategy
Keep building skills after graduation
Career paths are rarely straight lines.
How it’s going now (real talk)
People who:
Took analytics seriously
Got internships early
Learned Excel + communication
Networked a little
→ tend to have better job options, faster growth, and more flexibility.
People who just went to class and waited until graduation often struggle at first.
Final advice
Treat your business degree like a toolkit, not a checklist. The value comes from how you use it.
Core classes you should lean into
These form the foundation for almost every business role:
Accounting (Financial & Managerial)
Even if you don’t love it—understand it. This teaches you how businesses actually make (or lose) money.
Finance
Helps you understand budgets, investments, and decision-making.
Economics (Micro & Macro)
Great for strategic thinking and understanding markets.
Statistics / Business Analytics
One of the most valuable areas. This helps you read trends, make decisions, and stand out.
Operations / Supply Chain
Teaches how things get done efficiently behind the scenes.
Marketing
Useful even if you don’t go into marketing—every role benefits from understanding customers.
Management / Organizational Behavior
This is where leadership, team dynamics, and productivity come in.
Classes that give you an edge (don’t skip these)
If your school offers them, prioritize:
Business Analytics / Data Analysis
Project Management
Strategic Management
Information Systems / MIS
Negotiation or Communication courses
These are career accelerators.
What to look out for (important)
Classes that are too theoretical without application
Programs that don’t encourage internships or projects
Relying only on grades instead of experience
A 3.5 GPA with no experience is often weaker than a 3.0 with internships and skills.
How to prepare beyond classes (this matters a lot)
1. Build real skills alongside school
Start early with:
Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables)
PowerPoint (clear, professional storytelling)
Basic data tools (Power BI, Tableau)
Writing professional emails and summaries
2. Get experience every year (even small)
Internships
Part-time jobs
Case competitions
Business clubs
Helping a small business
Experience compounds faster than classes.
3. Learn how to run meetings & communicate
This is huge for management roles:
Write agendas
Lead discussions
Summarize decisions
Track action items
Good managers are excellent communicators.
What people usually do (and what works)
Most successful business grads:
Start broad (business admin or management)
Find their niche through internships
Pivot into analytics, operations, marketing, or strategy
Keep building skills after graduation
Career paths are rarely straight lines.
How it’s going now (real talk)
People who:
Took analytics seriously
Got internships early
Learned Excel + communication
Networked a little
→ tend to have better job options, faster growth, and more flexibility.
People who just went to class and waited until graduation often struggle at first.
Final advice
Treat your business degree like a toolkit, not a checklist. The value comes from how you use it.
Shawn Jordan
Admissions coordinator
9
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Shawn’s Answer
If you’re planning to major in Business Management or anything under the business umbrella, the best way to get the most out of your degree is to build a mix of foundation courses and skill-based electives.
1. Core Classes You Should Definitely Take
These classes set you up for any business career:
Introduction to Business – gives you an overview of the entire field
Accounting I & II – even if you don’t love numbers, accounting is the language of business
Micro & Macro Economics – helps you think strategically and understand markets
Business Law – important for contracts, compliance, HR, and management
Statistics – essential for decision-making and data interpretation
Management Principles – teaches leadership basics
Marketing Principles – helps you understand customers and branding
Finance – teaches how money moves, how companies grow, investments, etc.
2. Skill-Building Electives That Make You Stand Out
These classes help you be more competitive:
Project Management
Human Resources Management
Entrepreneurship
Organizational Behavior
Business Communications
Data Analytics / Excel / Business Technology
Leadership Development
Negotiations
3. If You Want to Specialize, Consider:
HR → take HR Management, Employment Law, Training & Development
Marketing → take Social Media Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Digital Analytics
Management/Leadership → take Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management
Entrepreneurship → take Innovation, Small Business Management
4. Outside-the-Classroom Tips
These matter just as much as your classes:
Internships (even small ones)
Join business clubs (DECA, Entrepreneurship Club, Management Association)
Work on your Excel and data skills
Find a mentor—professor or someone working in your target field
Attend networking events on campus or in your city
5. Advice From Others Majoring in Business
Here’s the kind of feedback business students usually share:
“Take accounting early—it helps everything else make sense.”
“Learn Excel. It will save your life.”
“Don’t skip the communication classes; communication makes or breaks leaders.”
“Network while you’re still in school.”
“Business is broad—use electives to discover what you like.”
1. Core Classes You Should Definitely Take
These classes set you up for any business career:
Introduction to Business – gives you an overview of the entire field
Accounting I & II – even if you don’t love numbers, accounting is the language of business
Micro & Macro Economics – helps you think strategically and understand markets
Business Law – important for contracts, compliance, HR, and management
Statistics – essential for decision-making and data interpretation
Management Principles – teaches leadership basics
Marketing Principles – helps you understand customers and branding
Finance – teaches how money moves, how companies grow, investments, etc.
2. Skill-Building Electives That Make You Stand Out
These classes help you be more competitive:
Project Management
Human Resources Management
Entrepreneurship
Organizational Behavior
Business Communications
Data Analytics / Excel / Business Technology
Leadership Development
Negotiations
3. If You Want to Specialize, Consider:
HR → take HR Management, Employment Law, Training & Development
Marketing → take Social Media Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Digital Analytics
Management/Leadership → take Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management
Entrepreneurship → take Innovation, Small Business Management
4. Outside-the-Classroom Tips
These matter just as much as your classes:
Internships (even small ones)
Join business clubs (DECA, Entrepreneurship Club, Management Association)
Work on your Excel and data skills
Find a mentor—professor or someone working in your target field
Attend networking events on campus or in your city
5. Advice From Others Majoring in Business
Here’s the kind of feedback business students usually share:
“Take accounting early—it helps everything else make sense.”
“Learn Excel. It will save your life.”
“Don’t skip the communication classes; communication makes or breaks leaders.”
“Network while you’re still in school.”
“Business is broad—use electives to discover what you like.”
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
650
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Pedro. In high school, you can take classes that strengthen your math, communication, and analytical skills, like Statistics, Pre-Calculus, Economics, and Accounting. These courses will give you an early advantage because they introduce the concepts you'll use repeatedly in business programs.
Once you get to college, you'll typically take a set of main business classes such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial accounting, managerial accounting, business communications, marketing, etc. They're designed to help you figure out what area of business excites you most. Many students discover they prefer finance, HR, supply chain, or marketing only after sampling these introductory courses.
There are a few things to watch out for. First, business majors often underestimate the importance of quantitative skills. Even if you don't plan to go into finance, being comfortable with data, spreadsheets, and basic financial analysis will set you apart. Second, group projects are a huge part of business programs, and they can be challenging. Learning how to communicate and manage time will help a lot. Third, internships matter more than many students realize. The job market is competitive, and work experience gives you a massive edge.
To prepare further, you need to start building professional habits now. Learn Excel, read about economics, watch business case videos, or listen to entrepreneurship podcasts can give you a broader perspective.
Wishing you all the best.
Once you get to college, you'll typically take a set of main business classes such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial accounting, managerial accounting, business communications, marketing, etc. They're designed to help you figure out what area of business excites you most. Many students discover they prefer finance, HR, supply chain, or marketing only after sampling these introductory courses.
There are a few things to watch out for. First, business majors often underestimate the importance of quantitative skills. Even if you don't plan to go into finance, being comfortable with data, spreadsheets, and basic financial analysis will set you apart. Second, group projects are a huge part of business programs, and they can be challenging. Learning how to communicate and manage time will help a lot. Third, internships matter more than many students realize. The job market is competitive, and work experience gives you a massive edge.
To prepare further, you need to start building professional habits now. Learn Excel, read about economics, watch business case videos, or listen to entrepreneurship podcasts can give you a broader perspective.
Wishing you all the best.
Sandeep Sethi
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Great question! Here’s some actionable advice:
1. Build a Strong Foundation
Start with core business classes such as: Principles of Management, Accounting (Financial & Managerial), Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Marketing, Finance, Statistics and Data Analysis. These courses will give you a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate.
2. Diversify Your Skill Set
Consider electives that strengthen key skills:
A. Business Communication & Writing: Essential for leadership and teamwork.
B. Information Systems/Technology: Learn how tech is shaping business.
C. Entrepreneurship: Great for innovative thinking, even if you don’t plan to start your own business.
D. Project Management: Useful in nearly every business role.
3. Learn from Others
Network with upperclassmen and recent grads: Ask about their favorite classes, professors, and what helped them succeed.
Join business clubs or organizations: Student-run groups like DECA, Enactus, or a business fraternity are great for learning and networking.
4. Gain Real-World Experience
Internships: Try to get at least one internship before you graduate.
Case Competitions & Simulations: Many schools offer these as part of coursework or extracurriculars.
Part-time jobs in business settings: Even entry-level roles can teach you a lot.
5. Don’t Overlook “Soft” Skills
Public Speaking, Negotiation, Ethics, Teamwork and Leadership. These are often just as important as technical knowledge.
6. Students majoring in business often recommend: Taking a mix of theory and applied courses.
Building relationships with professors and seeking mentorship.
Staying curious—explore classes outside your comfort zone (e.g., psychology, sociology, or even coding basics).
Using campus resources like career services for resume workshops and networking events.
Final Tip:
Be proactive: Plan your classes early, talk to academic advisors, and stay flexible as your interests evolve. Business is a broad and dynamic field—explore widely and focus deeply where you find your passion!
1. Build a Strong Foundation
Start with core business classes such as: Principles of Management, Accounting (Financial & Managerial), Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Marketing, Finance, Statistics and Data Analysis. These courses will give you a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate.
2. Diversify Your Skill Set
Consider electives that strengthen key skills:
A. Business Communication & Writing: Essential for leadership and teamwork.
B. Information Systems/Technology: Learn how tech is shaping business.
C. Entrepreneurship: Great for innovative thinking, even if you don’t plan to start your own business.
D. Project Management: Useful in nearly every business role.
3. Learn from Others
Network with upperclassmen and recent grads: Ask about their favorite classes, professors, and what helped them succeed.
Join business clubs or organizations: Student-run groups like DECA, Enactus, or a business fraternity are great for learning and networking.
4. Gain Real-World Experience
Internships: Try to get at least one internship before you graduate.
Case Competitions & Simulations: Many schools offer these as part of coursework or extracurriculars.
Part-time jobs in business settings: Even entry-level roles can teach you a lot.
5. Don’t Overlook “Soft” Skills
Public Speaking, Negotiation, Ethics, Teamwork and Leadership. These are often just as important as technical knowledge.
6. Students majoring in business often recommend: Taking a mix of theory and applied courses.
Building relationships with professors and seeking mentorship.
Staying curious—explore classes outside your comfort zone (e.g., psychology, sociology, or even coding basics).
Using campus resources like career services for resume workshops and networking events.
Final Tip:
Be proactive: Plan your classes early, talk to academic advisors, and stay flexible as your interests evolve. Business is a broad and dynamic field—explore widely and focus deeply where you find your passion!