2 answers
Phoebe
Student
North Olmsted
2
Questions
Asked
164 views
What is your best advice for someone who wants to go into the business industry and study for a major in something like marketing or business administration but doesnt exactly know what to study yet??
what things could i do now to prepare for a career in business?
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2 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Phoebe. The best thing you can do right now is start learning the basics. You can take simple classes or watch free online lessons about business, economics, accounting, or marketing. As you learn, pay attention to what you find interesting. This will help you figure out what major might be right for you later.
You can also prepare by getting real life experience. Even small jobs in retail, customer service, or office work can teach you important business skills. These jobs help you learn how to talk to people, solve problems, and understand how businesses run. If you can, try to find an internship at a company, a small business, or even a nonprofit. Internships help you see what different business jobs are actually like. Joining school clubs or helping with community events can also give you leadership experience, which looks great on future applications.
Another important step is building your soft skills. These are skills you use every day, no matter what job you choose. Practice speaking clearly, writing well, and working with others on group projects. Time management is also important, since business jobs often involve multitasking. If you are interested in marketing, you could start learning basic tools like social media analytics. If you think you might like management, focus on learning how to make decisions, handle conflicts, and stay organized.
Furthermore, try learning about the business world outside of school. You can read easy business news articles, watch short videos, or listen to beginner-friendly podcasts. Follow companies you're interested in on social media to see how they promote their products and communicate with customers. Also, don't hesitate to talk to teachers, advisors, or people who already work in business. Ask them what they do at their jobs and what they studied in college. Their experiences and advice can help you better understand your options and guide your decision.
You can also prepare by getting real life experience. Even small jobs in retail, customer service, or office work can teach you important business skills. These jobs help you learn how to talk to people, solve problems, and understand how businesses run. If you can, try to find an internship at a company, a small business, or even a nonprofit. Internships help you see what different business jobs are actually like. Joining school clubs or helping with community events can also give you leadership experience, which looks great on future applications.
Another important step is building your soft skills. These are skills you use every day, no matter what job you choose. Practice speaking clearly, writing well, and working with others on group projects. Time management is also important, since business jobs often involve multitasking. If you are interested in marketing, you could start learning basic tools like social media analytics. If you think you might like management, focus on learning how to make decisions, handle conflicts, and stay organized.
Furthermore, try learning about the business world outside of school. You can read easy business news articles, watch short videos, or listen to beginner-friendly podcasts. Follow companies you're interested in on social media to see how they promote their products and communicate with customers. Also, don't hesitate to talk to teachers, advisors, or people who already work in business. Ask them what they do at their jobs and what they studied in college. Their experiences and advice can help you better understand your options and guide your decision.
Andrew Dinh
Consultant
12
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Start by asking yourself why you’re drawn to business. What about it excites you? Is it building something new, helping companies grow, understanding people and markets, or solving big problems? Once you have a sense of that, it will be easier to narrow down what to study, whether that’s marketing, management, entrepreneurship, or something else.
You can also start learning now. There are plenty of great and free ways to explore business, like books, podcasts, YouTube channels, or online courses. Try a few different ones and see what interests you most.
And definitely talk to people who work in business, including friends, family, or people in your community. Ask how they got into their careers. You might be surprised to learn that many didn’t even major in business.
The more you explore, the clearer your direction will get. Curiosity is one of the best traits you can have in business, and you’re already showing that by asking this question.
You can also start learning now. There are plenty of great and free ways to explore business, like books, podcasts, YouTube channels, or online courses. Try a few different ones and see what interests you most.
And definitely talk to people who work in business, including friends, family, or people in your community. Ask how they got into their careers. You might be surprised to learn that many didn’t even major in business.
The more you explore, the clearer your direction will get. Curiosity is one of the best traits you can have in business, and you’re already showing that by asking this question.