Alexandre
How can I build “career capital” before college in a way that compounds over time in business and marketing?
Hello everyone!
I am a high school student interested in pursuing a career in business, marketing, and finance, with the long-term goal of becoming a marketing director and eventually earning an MBA.
Instead of only focusing on traditional milestones like GPA or college admissions, I have been thinking more about how to build “career capital” early—skills, experiences, and networks that will continue to compound and help me create opportunities over time.
At my stage, it sometimes feels like students are encouraged to do many disconnected activities just to look well-rounded, rather than focusing on a few high-impact experiences that could actually develop real-world value and cane open opportunities into the different area one set his dreams on, and the door those skills could open into his future.
From your professional perspective, what are the most valuable types of experiences, skills, or projects that a high school student can start building now that would continue to compound in value during college, help me differentiate me in competitive business/marketing environments and accelerate my long-term career growth beyond just getting a first job.
I am especially interested in advice that goes beyond the typical recommendations (like “join clubs” or “get good grades”) and instead focuses on strategic, high-leverage actions.
Thank you!
2 answers
Rebecca Aidoo
Rebecca’s Answer
However, networking should not stop at just collecting advice. The goal is to immediately apply what you learn. Once you gain insights from these conversations, use them to guide small, practical actions—such as creating content, helping a small business with marketing, or trying simple promotional projects. This way, you are not only learning what to do, but also practicing it in real situations.
Over time, this combination of learning from experienced people and applying that knowledge through small actions will help you build real skills, gain direction, and develop the kind of experience needed to grow toward your long-term goal.
Rick Kneisley
Rick’s Answer
I really like the way you’re thinking. You’re not just asking “what should I do?” You’re asking “what will actually matter over time?” That’s a big distinction, and it puts you ahead of most people your age.
Let me share something from my own experience. I spent decades in business and investment sales working with thousands of individuals. The ones who moved ahead the fastest weren’t necessarily the ones with the best grades or the most activities, they were the ones who figured out early what they were good at and started building real-world value around it.
Most students are told to be “well-rounded.” The problem is, that often leads to doing a lot of things with very little depth.
Instead, I would encourage you to think in a different way: What can I build that proves I have value?
Because in the real world, doors don’t open because of what you’ve taken, they open because of what you’ve done.
If you’re interested in business, marketing, and finance, here are a few high-leverage things you can start doing right now:
Start small, but make it real. Help a local business with their social media. Try to increase engagement or bring in new customers. Even a small result matters. Being able to say “I helped grow this” is far more powerful than listing activities!
Pay attention to how money actually moves. Businesses exist to generate revenue and profits for owners- which can be the public if tradable securities have been issued. If you can understand what brings customers in and what makes them stay, you’re already thinking at a higher level than most.
Get comfortable talking to people. Call or visit business owners and ask questions. Not asking for a job, just learning. The ability to communicate, listen, and BUILD TRUST, It will take you further than almost anything else.
Pick one area and go deep. It could be marketing, sales, analytics, or customer behavior. You don’t need ten things, you need one or two where you become very good. That’s what creates separation.
Also, since you’re thinking ahead, you may find this helpful when it comes time to present yourself professionally. This is a simple, student-friendly guide on how to build a resume, even if you’re just getting started:
https://www.careervillage.org/questions/748779/how-do-i-create-a-resume
It will show you how to structure your young experiences so they reflect real value, not just participation.
I’ve always believed this:
Everyone is brilliant at something. It’s just a matter of discovering it early and building on it.
Alexandre, you’re already asking the right questions. If you focus on building real skills, real experiences, and real results, you won’t just be ready for college or your first job, you’ll already be ahead of many people in the field.
Keep going. You’re on a very strong path.
Rick
P.S.
Alexandre, here is why I contribute answers to Career Village: "I'm helping young people see the world differently before they get stuck in it."