15 answers
Jocelyne
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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What advice do you have for someone going into small business management?
I am a high school senior and I am about to go to college for small business management. I am curious if this degree will benefit me in life after college.
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15 answers
Suzanne Vanderhart
4
Answers
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Hi Jocelyne, to boost your education, it's a good idea to gain real-world experience in a small business. Look for an internship or part-time job at a small company to understand how it operates and learn from a manager there. Choose an industry that matches your interests and passions.
Shawndra Winter
Content Strategist, Organizational Development
12
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Shawndra’s Answer
What matters most is what you do while you’re in college. Try to work part-time or get an internship. Even a job in retail, food service, or an office teaches real management skills. Pay attention to how good managers act. Notice what works and what doesn’t. Ask yourself what kind of leader you want to be. Get comfortable asking questions. Talk to professors. Talk to local business owners. Most people are happy to share advice if you show interest.
Brad Rush
Certified Public Accountant
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Brad’s Answer
Great question! Every business on the planet got its foundation as a small business. Preparing with a degree in the field will serve you well throughout your career, as your business experience can involve growth, contraction, merger, acquisitions, all of which require the foundational learning your degree will provide. As a CPA, my advice would be to focus electives on finance and accounting, which will allow you to best understand the financial impact of a variety of decisions you make. Best of luck in your journey and kudos to you for taking a measured approach to charting your future.
Lauren Marino
Human Resources
3
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Jocelyne,
A degree in small business management is a great choice to build your foundational learning of leadership, organizational skills, finance, marketing and beyond. These skills will lend well to so many different careers, whether you navigate to owning your own business or end up working for a larger company. Using these skills in real life experiences through part-time jobs or volunteer opportunities are so important in understanding the different ways you can leverage this degree. The world is changing fast and this degree will serve you well with a myriad of skills to take with you on that journey. Best of luck!
A degree in small business management is a great choice to build your foundational learning of leadership, organizational skills, finance, marketing and beyond. These skills will lend well to so many different careers, whether you navigate to owning your own business or end up working for a larger company. Using these skills in real life experiences through part-time jobs or volunteer opportunities are so important in understanding the different ways you can leverage this degree. The world is changing fast and this degree will serve you well with a myriad of skills to take with you on that journey. Best of luck!
Summer McEachin
HR Manager
2
Answers
Stuart, Florida
Updated
Summer’s Answer
Hi Jocelyne,
A degree in Small Business Management can definitely benefit you, especially if you combine it with hands‑on experience. You’ll learn the basics of marketing, finance, operations, and leadership — skills that matter in any business. The real value comes from applying what you learn through internships, part‑time jobs, or your own small projects.
Small business owners often need help with finances, planning, and digital tools, so building comfort with technology and real‑world problem‑solving will make you stand out. And remember: this degree doesn’t limit you — it opens doors to roles in entrepreneurship, marketing, operations, banking, or management.
Stay curious, get involved, and use college to test ideas. That combination is what sets people up for success.
A degree in Small Business Management can definitely benefit you, especially if you combine it with hands‑on experience. You’ll learn the basics of marketing, finance, operations, and leadership — skills that matter in any business. The real value comes from applying what you learn through internships, part‑time jobs, or your own small projects.
Small business owners often need help with finances, planning, and digital tools, so building comfort with technology and real‑world problem‑solving will make you stand out. And remember: this degree doesn’t limit you — it opens doors to roles in entrepreneurship, marketing, operations, banking, or management.
Stay curious, get involved, and use college to test ideas. That combination is what sets people up for success.
Laura Stanza
Human Resources
3
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi - my husband is an entrepreneur and has owned small businesses. He also has big company experience but had a dream of being his own boss and providing opportunities to others. I speak more from the lens of what I have observed from his experiences - the ups and downs of being in business for yourself. My recommendation would be to consider a more focused degree if you are serious about being a business owner or maybe even consider a minor in a more focused field within business. For example, you may want to study accounting in college - accounting is the language of business - understanding debits/credits - how business decisions impact the bottom line, how to read financial statements, etc. My husband has had to rely on others for their expertise and skills (along with a lot of time spent researching and reading). As others have responded with, a degree in small business management will provide you broad skills - all of which will benefit you after college. You may find once you begin to take business classes that you want to specialize.
Marisabel Pimentel
Human Resources
1
Answer
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Marisabel’s Answer
Hi Jocelyne,
I studied Business Management too, and I think it's a smart choice because it teaches you how small and large businesses work. With this degree, you can explore various career paths. It helps you understand business deeply, including budgeting, financial statements, and daily operations. This knowledge helps you make better decisions and see how each choice affects the whole company, whether it's small or large.
In my 11 years in Human Resources, I've seen that good leaders build trust, communicate well, and support their employees' growth. I believe this degree will help you develop leadership skills and understand how businesses operate.
I studied Business Management too, and I think it's a smart choice because it teaches you how small and large businesses work. With this degree, you can explore various career paths. It helps you understand business deeply, including budgeting, financial statements, and daily operations. This knowledge helps you make better decisions and see how each choice affects the whole company, whether it's small or large.
In my 11 years in Human Resources, I've seen that good leaders build trust, communicate well, and support their employees' growth. I believe this degree will help you develop leadership skills and understand how businesses operate.
Erin V
HR
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Erin’s Answer
Hi Jocelyne,
Business management (small or large) is a great path to helping you really understand the nuances of the business world. Learning about operations, finance/accounting, marketing, and people management will give you a great basis for a variety of roles. The more you understand the drivers to performance for any business, the more effectively you can impact it - from any role within the organization. Coupling your education with internships and experience with small businesses (particularly on the operations and/or finance side) will be a great way to maximize your education. This will give you great opportunities to delve into supporting small businesses or creating your own (if that's of interest to you). Best of luck!
Business management (small or large) is a great path to helping you really understand the nuances of the business world. Learning about operations, finance/accounting, marketing, and people management will give you a great basis for a variety of roles. The more you understand the drivers to performance for any business, the more effectively you can impact it - from any role within the organization. Coupling your education with internships and experience with small businesses (particularly on the operations and/or finance side) will be a great way to maximize your education. This will give you great opportunities to delve into supporting small businesses or creating your own (if that's of interest to you). Best of luck!
Tyra Kyles
Senior Manager in HR
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Tyra’s Answer
Hi Jocelyn! What a wonderful career that you have picked to study! There are endless opportunities in the business management field. I would encourage you to explore what type of business you would like to use your degree in. It's so important that you apply your learning to a business you really love. When you are doing what you love, it doesn't feel like work. Entrepreneurship is a great path. Look for areas of need or gaps that you see in society. It feels great to fill a need while being successful in business. Best of luck in college....you are off to an exciting time in your life!
Annette Ramirez
5
Answers
Updated
Annette’s Answer
Hi Jocelyne, I truly believe this will be great for you! If you dream of owning a small business someday, this degree will teach you so much in college that will help you on your journey. Wishing you the best on this exciting new adventure!
Sharon Deidigha
Project Management
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
If you’re drawn to understanding how to run a business, want hands on experiences, and like the idea of potentially starting your own venture one day, business management is a solid and practical choice. The degree is most powerful when you actively pursue real world experiences and build a network while you’re in college.
You can aslo intern are businesses while in college to build your experiences before graduation. That way when you finally get a full role, you will already have the basic understanding of what are responsibilities are.
You can aslo intern are businesses while in college to build your experiences before graduation. That way when you finally get a full role, you will already have the basic understanding of what are responsibilities are.
L'Shaun Overton, MBA (She/Her)
Human Resources
4
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
L'Shaun’s Answer
A degree in small business management can open many doors for you after college. It equips you with practical skills like budgeting, marketing, leadership, and problem-solving, which are valuable in many careers. Even if you don't start your own business right away, these skills can help you thrive in roles like management, sales, or human resources. Employers appreciate people who understand how businesses work and how decisions impact profits and customers.
In the long run, this degree gives you great flexibility. If you ever decide to start your own business, you'll have a solid foundation to help you plan, manage finances, and avoid common pitfalls. If your interests shift, the knowledge you gain can still be useful in various industries, as almost every field involves some business thinking. Overall, a small business management degree prepares you for real-world challenges and provides valuable tools for your career and daily life.
In the long run, this degree gives you great flexibility. If you ever decide to start your own business, you'll have a solid foundation to help you plan, manage finances, and avoid common pitfalls. If your interests shift, the knowledge you gain can still be useful in various industries, as almost every field involves some business thinking. Overall, a small business management degree prepares you for real-world challenges and provides valuable tools for your career and daily life.
Jack McGrath
Marketing Manager
2
Answers
Hammonton, New Jersey
Updated
Jack’s Answer
Hi Jocelyne,
That's awesome! If you're thinking about starting a business in the future, it can be a great way to protect yourself from layoffs and job losses. You can't get fired if you're the boss! I began my business journey without much background in business management, so focusing on small business education is a smart move. Small businesses really drive our economy.
I picked up business skills by running my own business, and I can say that learning about marketing, sales, finance, and human resources has been super helpful in my life. These skills have allowed me to switch careers when needed, moving from sales to marketing and management. It's like having a toolbox that helps you adapt in a changing world.
Going to college is still a great investment. A degree will support you throughout your career, and with your practical focus, you're setting yourself up well for the future.
Good luck on your adventure! Remember, life is a journey, and no one knows exactly where they're headed when they start. Don't worry if you don't have a clear plan right now, and keep seeking advice.
That's awesome! If you're thinking about starting a business in the future, it can be a great way to protect yourself from layoffs and job losses. You can't get fired if you're the boss! I began my business journey without much background in business management, so focusing on small business education is a smart move. Small businesses really drive our economy.
I picked up business skills by running my own business, and I can say that learning about marketing, sales, finance, and human resources has been super helpful in my life. These skills have allowed me to switch careers when needed, moving from sales to marketing and management. It's like having a toolbox that helps you adapt in a changing world.
Going to college is still a great investment. A degree will support you throughout your career, and with your practical focus, you're setting yourself up well for the future.
Good luck on your adventure! Remember, life is a journey, and no one knows exactly where they're headed when they start. Don't worry if you don't have a clear plan right now, and keep seeking advice.
Kristen Stancil
Business Resource Planning support, Big4 Accounting Firm
3
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Jocelyne! This is such an exciting and specific goal that you have for yourself! You should look into a variety of general education classes within Business Administration since you will likely wear a lot of hats within a small company. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a lot of areas in a short period of time which is a great way to learn. The areas that require more hands-on learning in a classroom setting are accounting and finance which will be the heartbeat of any small business. It will be extremely beneficial for you to have a good understanding in those areas so that you can adequately advise the business or make decisions for the business. Many small companies use bookkeeping tools that would be helpful for you to learn as well! Quickbooks is a great example of one of these tools that will help you put what you learn into action. Good luck on your journey!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
A degree gives you a good start in areas like accounting, marketing, operations, and leadership. These skills can help in almost any job. Many students make the mistake of seeing their studies as "just classes" instead of using what they learn in real-life situations while still in school.
My best advice is to mix your degree with real-world experience as soon as possible. Work part-time at a small business, intern at a startup, help run a family business, or even start a small project like an online shop or service. This is when your degree becomes really valuable because you'll see why things like cash flow, keeping customers, and pricing are important. Employers and investors care more about your ability to use these ideas in real life than just the title of your degree.
Don't forget the importance of networking and learning from people who are already doing what you want to do. Talk to professors, guest speakers, and local business owners. Ask questions, make mistakes while the risks are low, and use college as a place to experiment. A small business management degree won't automatically make you successful, but when combined with experience, initiative, and flexibility, it's a great tool that can help you long after you graduate.
My best advice is to mix your degree with real-world experience as soon as possible. Work part-time at a small business, intern at a startup, help run a family business, or even start a small project like an online shop or service. This is when your degree becomes really valuable because you'll see why things like cash flow, keeping customers, and pricing are important. Employers and investors care more about your ability to use these ideas in real life than just the title of your degree.
Don't forget the importance of networking and learning from people who are already doing what you want to do. Talk to professors, guest speakers, and local business owners. Ask questions, make mistakes while the risks are low, and use college as a place to experiment. A small business management degree won't automatically make you successful, but when combined with experience, initiative, and flexibility, it's a great tool that can help you long after you graduate.