5 answers
Phoebe
Student
North Olmsted
2
Questions
Asked
236 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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5 answers
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.
Chriss Peck
Executive Assistant
8
Answers
Glendale, Arizona
Updated
Chriss’s Answer
This is a great question—and honestly, the fact that you’re asking it now already puts you ahead of a lot of people.
Not knowing exactly what to study yet is completely normal in business. The business world is broad on purpose, and many successful people didn’t choose a “perfect” major right away.
Best advice if you’re interested in business but unsure of the major
1. Start broad—then specialize later
Majors like Business Administration, Management, or Marketing are designed for exploration. Your first year or two will usually cover:
Accounting
Finance
Marketing
Economics
Operations
Strategy
As you experience these, one will naturally click. You don’t have to decide everything upfront.
2. Focus on skills, not just the major
In business, skills matter more than the title of your degree.
Core skills that apply to every business role:
Communication (writing & presenting)
Problem-solving
Basic data analysis
Teamwork & leadership
Time management
Employers hire for what you can do, not just what you studied.
What you can do right now to prepare for a business career
1. Learn basic business tools
These are huge advantages early on:
Excel / Google Sheets
PowerPoint / Google Slides
Basic accounting concepts
Intro marketing analytics
You don’t need to master them—just get comfortable.
2. Get exposure before committing
Try:
Online intro courses (marketing, finance, entrepreneurship)
Business-related YouTube channels or podcasts
Reading business news (Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg, etc.)
Talking to people who work in business roles
Real exposure beats guessing.
3. Get involved in real-world experiences
Even small things count:
Part-time jobs
Internships
School business clubs
Case competitions
Helping a small business or family business
Experience will help you discover what you don’t like just as much as what you do.
4. Try before you specialize
Examples:
If you like creative + people-focused work → marketing, HR
If you like numbers & analysis → finance, analytics
If you like planning & coordination → operations, project management
If you like strategy & big picture → management, consulting
You can pivot later—business careers are flexible.
5. Don’t chase “safe” or “popular” majors blindly
What’s “in demand” changes. What lasts is:
Curiosity
Adaptability
Willingness to learn
Strong fundamentals
A motivated marketing major with experience beats an unmotivated “safe” major every time.
You don’t need to have it all figured out now. Business careers are built step by step, not in one decision. Choose something broad, explore intentionally, build skills early, and adjust as you learn more about yourself.
Not knowing exactly what to study yet is completely normal in business. The business world is broad on purpose, and many successful people didn’t choose a “perfect” major right away.
Best advice if you’re interested in business but unsure of the major
1. Start broad—then specialize later
Majors like Business Administration, Management, or Marketing are designed for exploration. Your first year or two will usually cover:
Accounting
Finance
Marketing
Economics
Operations
Strategy
As you experience these, one will naturally click. You don’t have to decide everything upfront.
2. Focus on skills, not just the major
In business, skills matter more than the title of your degree.
Core skills that apply to every business role:
Communication (writing & presenting)
Problem-solving
Basic data analysis
Teamwork & leadership
Time management
Employers hire for what you can do, not just what you studied.
What you can do right now to prepare for a business career
1. Learn basic business tools
These are huge advantages early on:
Excel / Google Sheets
PowerPoint / Google Slides
Basic accounting concepts
Intro marketing analytics
You don’t need to master them—just get comfortable.
2. Get exposure before committing
Try:
Online intro courses (marketing, finance, entrepreneurship)
Business-related YouTube channels or podcasts
Reading business news (Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg, etc.)
Talking to people who work in business roles
Real exposure beats guessing.
3. Get involved in real-world experiences
Even small things count:
Part-time jobs
Internships
School business clubs
Case competitions
Helping a small business or family business
Experience will help you discover what you don’t like just as much as what you do.
4. Try before you specialize
Examples:
If you like creative + people-focused work → marketing, HR
If you like numbers & analysis → finance, analytics
If you like planning & coordination → operations, project management
If you like strategy & big picture → management, consulting
You can pivot later—business careers are flexible.
5. Don’t chase “safe” or “popular” majors blindly
What’s “in demand” changes. What lasts is:
Curiosity
Adaptability
Willingness to learn
Strong fundamentals
A motivated marketing major with experience beats an unmotivated “safe” major every time.
You don’t need to have it all figured out now. Business careers are built step by step, not in one decision. Choose something broad, explore intentionally, build skills early, and adjust as you learn more about yourself.
Sinema M
Human Resource
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sinema’s Answer
Hi Phoebe! I had the same question during my senior year in high school. I knew I wanted to study business, but I wasn’t sure how to translate that interest into a specific major or degree. My high school teachers and counselors were really helpful in walking me through the different options and helping me match them to my interests.
If you can, I’d also suggest getting experience in different parts of a business. Since you’re already interested in marketing, that’s a great start—but consider exploring areas like technology, finance, accounting, human resources, and recruiting as well. It’s a good way to see what you enjoy most and to build a broader set of skills within business.
If you can, I’d also suggest getting experience in different parts of a business. Since you’re already interested in marketing, that’s a great start—but consider exploring areas like technology, finance, accounting, human resources, and recruiting as well. It’s a good way to see what you enjoy most and to build a broader set of skills within business.
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.
Alyssa Sandello
Human Resources
1
Answer
Irvine, California
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Hi Phoebe - What an exciting time! Don’t stress too much about having it all figured out right now, that’s exactly what college is for. While you’re there, get involved in clubs and organizations related to business, finance, marketing etc. Those experiences give you a real feel for what you actually enjoy, way more than just reading a course description.
I would also encourage you to talk to people as much as you can. Use your network to meet students, alumni, or professionals whose careers sound interesting and ask them how they got there. Try internships in a few different areas if possible. Some companies even have rotational programs where you can explore things like finance, marketing and operations. Trying a little of everything now makes it much easier to figure out what path feels right later on. Best of luck!
I would also encourage you to talk to people as much as you can. Use your network to meet students, alumni, or professionals whose careers sound interesting and ask them how they got there. Try internships in a few different areas if possible. Some companies even have rotational programs where you can explore things like finance, marketing and operations. Trying a little of everything now makes it much easier to figure out what path feels right later on. Best of luck!