8 answers
Lena
Student
Saratoga, California
1
Question
Updated
440 views
What is one skill you developed too late in your business career that you wish had been your foundation from day one; and what's the fastest way a student like me can actually start building it now?
I am currently a community college student who has applied to transfer to a 4-year college. I'm pursuing a career in business, but I'm not 100% sure which path to take yet. I want to make sure I'm building the right foundation now so I'm not playing catch-up later. Any specific resources, habits, or experiences you'd recommend for someone at my stage would be really helpful. Thank you!
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7 answers
Jason Xu
Consultant
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Expressing your thoughts clearly and persuasively is crucial for your career. The sooner you develop this skill, the better. It's all about effectively selling your ideas.
Eddy H
Consultant
56
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Eddy’s Answer
One super important skill is the ability to genuinely talk to people and interview them well, and based on my experience this is actually one of the most important skills you can build in the workplace. Strong interpersonal skills allow you to uncover insights faster than everyone else because instead of guessing, you are directly learning from people’s perspectives, motivations, and experiences.
This becomes valuable no matter what field in business you eventually choose, whether it is consulting, marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship.
If you think about why you are in college, it is not just to absorb information but to learn how to think, question, and engage with others. One of the fastest ways to start building this skill now is to actively practice asking thoughtful, insightful questions during class, in group discussions, or even in a part time job where you interact with different types of people.
When you are presented with information, do not just accept it at face value, think critically about it and ask yourself what else you need to know to make a confident decision. Over time, this habit will sharpen both your communication and your judgment.
If you consistently practice being curious and intentional in conversations, you will build a foundation that sets you apart early in your career. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
This becomes valuable no matter what field in business you eventually choose, whether it is consulting, marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship.
If you think about why you are in college, it is not just to absorb information but to learn how to think, question, and engage with others. One of the fastest ways to start building this skill now is to actively practice asking thoughtful, insightful questions during class, in group discussions, or even in a part time job where you interact with different types of people.
When you are presented with information, do not just accept it at face value, think critically about it and ask yourself what else you need to know to make a confident decision. Over time, this habit will sharpen both your communication and your judgment.
If you consistently practice being curious and intentional in conversations, you will build a foundation that sets you apart early in your career. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
Bob Burton
Consultant
93
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Bob’s Answer
When first entering the business world, after leaving officer training and active military duty, I focused upon improving business knowledge and skill development. I was fortunate to join a large corporation that had an exhaustive one year management learning program for selected young hires. As such, I had an opportunity to work for one month in each and every function of the company. I learned by doing and tracking how a company actually works. And, how it all fits together.
What I did not learn, until later years, is the awesome value of networking. I should have been focusing upon befriending the high potential young people in each of the buiness functions I was able to explore. Had I known the value of networking, as these folks moved through promotions and assignments, I would have kept in contact. Those contacts would have been invaluable as they moved through the corporation or left to assume higher level assignment elsewhere.
As Harry pointed out, in a career you will find yourself moving through various functions and corporations. Having a strong network will help you to be mentored in overcoming obstacles as well as to discover significant opportunities for upward movement in your career. In addition, you will be able to help/hire other high potential 'friends'.
As a high technology CEO, I learned networking was key to my later success.
What I did not learn, until later years, is the awesome value of networking. I should have been focusing upon befriending the high potential young people in each of the buiness functions I was able to explore. Had I known the value of networking, as these folks moved through promotions and assignments, I would have kept in contact. Those contacts would have been invaluable as they moved through the corporation or left to assume higher level assignment elsewhere.
As Harry pointed out, in a career you will find yourself moving through various functions and corporations. Having a strong network will help you to be mentored in overcoming obstacles as well as to discover significant opportunities for upward movement in your career. In addition, you will be able to help/hire other high potential 'friends'.
As a high technology CEO, I learned networking was key to my later success.
Betty Chen
Partnerships Manager
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Betty’s Answer
Hi Lena, it's never too late to learn something new in your career. I've changed paths many times across different fields and places, and each time I've learned new skills that have opened unexpected doors.
If there's one skill I wish I'd developed earlier, it's storytelling. Unlike just sharing information, storytelling helps others understand and connect with the message. It's about crafting the story to fit the person you're talking to, guiding them to their own conclusions.
One key insight for me was realizing that the same message needs a different approach depending on who you're talking to. People prefer to receive information in various ways—some focus on data, others on risks or team impacts. Some want quick answers, while others enjoy the full journey before the conclusion. The quicker you can read your audience and adapt, the more influence you can have, no matter the role or industry.
To build this skill, try explaining your projects or decisions in different ways to different people. Think about who you're talking to and adjust your conversations to see how it affects their understanding.
If there's one skill I wish I'd developed earlier, it's storytelling. Unlike just sharing information, storytelling helps others understand and connect with the message. It's about crafting the story to fit the person you're talking to, guiding them to their own conclusions.
One key insight for me was realizing that the same message needs a different approach depending on who you're talking to. People prefer to receive information in various ways—some focus on data, others on risks or team impacts. Some want quick answers, while others enjoy the full journey before the conclusion. The quicker you can read your audience and adapt, the more influence you can have, no matter the role or industry.
To build this skill, try explaining your projects or decisions in different ways to different people. Think about who you're talking to and adjust your conversations to see how it affects their understanding.
Harry Clapeck
Manufacturing
54
Answers
Scottsdale, Arizona
Updated
Harry’s Answer
Hi Lena, A great question, but not easy to answer. That said, here is my input from looking back on my many years of work.
First of all, unless you are going into a family business and plan on staying forever, you will find that your career path will most likely become a yo-yo. You might start, or find, that what you think is your dream job, but it will probably change drastically.
I went from staff accountant, tax manager, plant controller, made high-level decisions that put me out of a job, back to Sr. staff accountant, purchasing manager, customer service manager, customs manager, international plant controller and then finally a consultant.
My point for you to remember is that you will probably bounce around without being properly prepared (or so you think) but your bosses will see your potential and that will be a driving force in your job and career movements.
You need to get a good education with good grades. That is the basics. You need to present yourself at interviews and be able to stand out from others. Do your research about the companies that you are interviewing with. Make them hungry to hire you. Don't be pushy, but knowledgeable and inquisitive. Ask good and challenging questions about the company. Are they financially secure and getting a good payback on their product(s)? Do they have a long-term strategic plan? How do they plan on growing? Are their employees happy? How well do they address their competition?
Lastly, I advise you to look at any challenge or problem with fresh eyes. Don't stop at a first answer, as that action might get you, or the company, into trouble. Instead, try to look down the road a few blocks. The next block might look smooth, but the second or third block might empty into a raging river! Unless you see it, you can lead others into disaster. That is where you can distinguish yourself from others.
Good luck, Lena, and keep asking questions and looking ahead.
Harry
First of all, unless you are going into a family business and plan on staying forever, you will find that your career path will most likely become a yo-yo. You might start, or find, that what you think is your dream job, but it will probably change drastically.
I went from staff accountant, tax manager, plant controller, made high-level decisions that put me out of a job, back to Sr. staff accountant, purchasing manager, customer service manager, customs manager, international plant controller and then finally a consultant.
My point for you to remember is that you will probably bounce around without being properly prepared (or so you think) but your bosses will see your potential and that will be a driving force in your job and career movements.
You need to get a good education with good grades. That is the basics. You need to present yourself at interviews and be able to stand out from others. Do your research about the companies that you are interviewing with. Make them hungry to hire you. Don't be pushy, but knowledgeable and inquisitive. Ask good and challenging questions about the company. Are they financially secure and getting a good payback on their product(s)? Do they have a long-term strategic plan? How do they plan on growing? Are their employees happy? How well do they address their competition?
Lastly, I advise you to look at any challenge or problem with fresh eyes. Don't stop at a first answer, as that action might get you, or the company, into trouble. Instead, try to look down the road a few blocks. The next block might look smooth, but the second or third block might empty into a raging river! Unless you see it, you can lead others into disaster. That is where you can distinguish yourself from others.
Good luck, Lena, and keep asking questions and looking ahead.
Harry
Marty Meyer
General Manager
91
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
Accounting - GAAP is a skill that I had to learn on the job. It's critical to all business and to your ability to understand business practices.
Di An
Consulting
20
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Di’s Answer
Hi Lena - That's very exciting and hope your transfer is successful! The one thing I wish I learned earlier in my career is to advocate for myself and build a network of supporters/mentors/advocates. You not only want to do great work but you want to make sure people know the great impact you are creating and know what your goals and hopes are so they can help you achieve it. It's much easier to have a village to help you achieve your goals than doing it alone!