4 answers
Maxwell
Student
Nanuet, New York
1
Question
Asked
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#Spring26 As someone planning to major pre business, what are the most valuable skills , experiences,or early steps I should focus on in my first year of college to stand out for competitive internships or entry level roles in the fields like marketing, finance or entrepreneurship? ?
pre business major
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4 answers
Lina Belhadi
People & Culture Generalist
6
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Lina’s Answer
Hi Maxwell,
One of the biggest things during your post-secondary years is networking (you will probably hear this time and time again, but it is true). Make a LinkedIn account early and start connecting with people you look up to. Reach out for coffee chats, ask questions, and learn from their experiences.
Most importantly, put yourself out there. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you talk to people with a friendly and positive attitude, the more you’ll stand out.
Also, stay involved in extracurriculars like clubs, case competitions, or volunteering without sacrificing your schoolwork. Those experiences help you build skills and make connections that can really help with internships and future opportunities. You got this!
One of the biggest things during your post-secondary years is networking (you will probably hear this time and time again, but it is true). Make a LinkedIn account early and start connecting with people you look up to. Reach out for coffee chats, ask questions, and learn from their experiences.
Most importantly, put yourself out there. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you talk to people with a friendly and positive attitude, the more you’ll stand out.
Also, stay involved in extracurriculars like clubs, case competitions, or volunteering without sacrificing your schoolwork. Those experiences help you build skills and make connections that can really help with internships and future opportunities. You got this!
David Posadas
Facilitador de Aprendizaje
8
Answers
Córdoba, Mexico
Updated
David’s Answer
Si quieres destacar desde el primer año en marketing, finanzas o emprendimiento, recuerda que las buenas notas no son suficientes. Lo que realmente importa en las pasantías competitivas es mostrar iniciativa, buen juicio y capacidad de acción desde el principio.
Durante el primer año, materias como contabilidad, economía y estadística son clave, pero no te quedes solo con la teoría. Intenta aplicar lo que aprendes en situaciones reales, como analizar un negocio local o empezar tu propio pequeño proyecto.
También es importante desarrollar habilidades esenciales como el pensamiento analítico, la comunicación clara y la solución de problemas. Busca experiencias prácticas lo antes posible, ya sea a través de prácticas, colaboraciones o proyectos sencillos, como ventas en línea o servicios.
Empieza a construir una red de contactos y define un área de interés o especialización temprano. Esto te ayudará a enfocar tus esfuerzos y abrirá más oportunidades.
No esperes a estar completamente preparado para empezar. Desde el primer semestre, involúcrate en actividades reales, aunque sean pequeñas. Las empresas buscan más que conocimiento; quieren ver cómo lo aplicas. ¡Ánimo y adelante!
Durante el primer año, materias como contabilidad, economía y estadística son clave, pero no te quedes solo con la teoría. Intenta aplicar lo que aprendes en situaciones reales, como analizar un negocio local o empezar tu propio pequeño proyecto.
También es importante desarrollar habilidades esenciales como el pensamiento analítico, la comunicación clara y la solución de problemas. Busca experiencias prácticas lo antes posible, ya sea a través de prácticas, colaboraciones o proyectos sencillos, como ventas en línea o servicios.
Empieza a construir una red de contactos y define un área de interés o especialización temprano. Esto te ayudará a enfocar tus esfuerzos y abrirá más oportunidades.
No esperes a estar completamente preparado para empezar. Desde el primer semestre, involúcrate en actividades reales, aunque sean pequeñas. Las empresas buscan más que conocimiento; quieren ver cómo lo aplicas. ¡Ánimo y adelante!
Stephanie Braico
Tax accountant
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Maxwell,
To stand out, you need to show your leadership and time management skills. Start looking for unpaid apprenticeships in the business field, whether it's business management or another area you're interested in. Many companies offer apprenticeship programs that can last a few years while you're in college. It's important to be involved in activities outside of school where you can take on leadership roles. You should demonstrate experience working with others beyond the classroom.
To stand out, you need to show your leadership and time management skills. Start looking for unpaid apprenticeships in the business field, whether it's business management or another area you're interested in. Many companies offer apprenticeship programs that can last a few years while you're in college. It's important to be involved in activities outside of school where you can take on leadership roles. You should demonstrate experience working with others beyond the classroom.
Carrie Cristinzio
CPA
11
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
Lina's answer is excellent. Networking is key for discovering new opportunities and career paths. It also helps you improve your storytelling and conversation skills. Being able to share your story and ask good questions is very important, but many students and young professionals struggle with this. The more you practice talking to different people now, the better you'll become at both formal and informal conversations. This will be very helpful during interviews and in your career.