15 answers
Harshita
Student
Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India
1
Question
Updated
2084 views
what career to choose in business?
hi, I'm just in high school doing my commerce. I'm very confused that which path in business should i choose after my 12th. i do want to study abroad but I'm not financially very stable nor my parents can afford high tuition fees. i talked with AI for the same and based on my interest it suggested me to go with business administration and management along with marketing and media, which becomes a dual degree. for the same I'm looking for universities in various countries which can offer scholarships and are affordable for living for an Indian. if you know any degree in business which will be great for me , please recommend , if you also know any colleges or countries best to study please recommend. i can definitely insure i'll appreciate every reply.
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15 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Dean; Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
765
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Harshita. If you enjoy business, marketing, and working with people, a degree in Business Administration or Business Management is a good choice. You can later specialize in areas such as marketing, finance, business analytics, human resource management, or international business. These fields offer a wide range of career opportunities.
Since you are concerned about costs, you can also consider studying in countries that offer affordable tuition or scholarships for international students. Research universities carefully and apply to multiple scholarships instead of relying on just one. And, you can compare the total cost of tuition and living expenses before making a decision.
While you are still in high school, you need to focus on building useful skills such as communication, Excel, digital marketing, data analysis, and problem-solving. These skills are valued by employers and will help you regardless of which business field you choose.
Since you are concerned about costs, you can also consider studying in countries that offer affordable tuition or scholarships for international students. Research universities carefully and apply to multiple scholarships instead of relying on just one. And, you can compare the total cost of tuition and living expenses before making a decision.
While you are still in high school, you need to focus on building useful skills such as communication, Excel, digital marketing, data analysis, and problem-solving. These skills are valued by employers and will help you regardless of which business field you choose.
Your advice was so helpful!
Harshita
I'm so glad it helped! That means a lot to hear. Wishing you all the best.
Wong Loke Yuen
Roman Reznicek
Leadership Development
2
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Roman’s Answer
Hello Harshita,
Knowing you’d like to go into Business Management is a good starting point. Within business, there are many directions you can go. Right now, the goal is awareness and exposure.
Learning more about the various fields in business will be important. Read up on those various areas. Use your AI agent to probe and explore. Talk to people in those functions. Take classes. If possible, find an unpaid internship, maybe for just a couple of weeks where you can shadow someone.
You don’t have to have your career set in stone at this point; just learn and explore.
Knowing you’d like to go into Business Management is a good starting point. Within business, there are many directions you can go. Right now, the goal is awareness and exposure.
Learning more about the various fields in business will be important. Read up on those various areas. Use your AI agent to probe and explore. Talk to people in those functions. Take classes. If possible, find an unpaid internship, maybe for just a couple of weeks where you can shadow someone.
You don’t have to have your career set in stone at this point; just learn and explore.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Harshita
Anand Cavale
Business Executive
13
Answers
Princeton, New Jersey
Updated
Anand’s Answer
Hi Harshita,
It's normal for young people to feel unsure about what to study in college. Start by thinking about the subjects you enjoy now and how they might fit into a college degree. AI tools can help with this, and it seems like you've already looked into it.
If you're interested in Business Management, there are many areas you might like, such as economics, marketing, or operations management. Don't stress too much about choosing right now. As you get closer to applying, talk to college admission staff, especially if you're looking at US universities. They can help you explore your options, and you can always change your path during your first two years.
For funding, check out state colleges in the US, as they often have lower tuition. Look into scholarship options for international students as well. The Dean of International Studies at each college can be a great resource, and you can use the internet to reach out to them.
Best wishes,
Anand
It's normal for young people to feel unsure about what to study in college. Start by thinking about the subjects you enjoy now and how they might fit into a college degree. AI tools can help with this, and it seems like you've already looked into it.
If you're interested in Business Management, there are many areas you might like, such as economics, marketing, or operations management. Don't stress too much about choosing right now. As you get closer to applying, talk to college admission staff, especially if you're looking at US universities. They can help you explore your options, and you can always change your path during your first two years.
For funding, check out state colleges in the US, as they often have lower tuition. Look into scholarship options for international students as well. The Dean of International Studies at each college can be a great resource, and you can use the internet to reach out to them.
Best wishes,
Anand
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Harshita
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1422
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Harshita,
It's completely normal to feel unsure at this stage. The business field is broad, and you don't have to decide your entire career while you're still in high school.
If you're interested in business, marketing, and media, a degree in Business Administration or Business Management is a great place to start. These programs give you a broad foundation in areas such as marketing, finance, management, entrepreneurship, and operations. As you progress, you can choose electives or a specialization based on what you enjoy most. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of studying business.
Since studying abroad is one of your goals, I'd encourage you to focus on countries that offer good-quality education at a reasonable cost rather than only looking at famous universities. Countries such as Germany, Poland, Hungary, Malaysia, Ireland, and parts of Europe often have more affordable tuition or scholarship opportunities for international students. Many universities also offer merit-based scholarships for students with strong academic records.
In the meantime, build a strong profile. Focus on getting good grades, improving your English proficiency if required, participating in leadership activities, volunteering, and exploring business through online courses or small projects. These experiences can strengthen both your scholarship applications and your university applications.
One thing I'd avoid is choosing a degree simply because AI or someone else recommended it. Use those suggestions as a starting point, but also think about the kind of work you see yourself enjoying. Do you like working with people, solving business problems, creating marketing campaigns, analyzing data, or starting your own business? Your answers will help you decide on a specialization later.
You don't need to have every detail figured out today. A business degree is designed to expose you to different areas before you specialize. Keep your options open, research universities that fit your budget, and focus on building a strong academic profile. That will give you the greatest number of opportunities when it's time to apply.
Best wishes!
It's completely normal to feel unsure at this stage. The business field is broad, and you don't have to decide your entire career while you're still in high school.
If you're interested in business, marketing, and media, a degree in Business Administration or Business Management is a great place to start. These programs give you a broad foundation in areas such as marketing, finance, management, entrepreneurship, and operations. As you progress, you can choose electives or a specialization based on what you enjoy most. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of studying business.
Since studying abroad is one of your goals, I'd encourage you to focus on countries that offer good-quality education at a reasonable cost rather than only looking at famous universities. Countries such as Germany, Poland, Hungary, Malaysia, Ireland, and parts of Europe often have more affordable tuition or scholarship opportunities for international students. Many universities also offer merit-based scholarships for students with strong academic records.
In the meantime, build a strong profile. Focus on getting good grades, improving your English proficiency if required, participating in leadership activities, volunteering, and exploring business through online courses or small projects. These experiences can strengthen both your scholarship applications and your university applications.
One thing I'd avoid is choosing a degree simply because AI or someone else recommended it. Use those suggestions as a starting point, but also think about the kind of work you see yourself enjoying. Do you like working with people, solving business problems, creating marketing campaigns, analyzing data, or starting your own business? Your answers will help you decide on a specialization later.
You don't need to have every detail figured out today. A business degree is designed to expose you to different areas before you specialize. Keep your options open, research universities that fit your budget, and focus on building a strong academic profile. That will give you the greatest number of opportunities when it's time to apply.
Best wishes!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1102
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Harshita:
When it comes to selecting an area in business, I have always advised students to prioritize personal fulfillment, academic proficiency, and career alignment over potential monetary outcomes when choosing an area of concentration within a business career selection.
I break down this strategy into a structured decision-making process:
#1. The "Core Formula" for Choosing an Area
• Prioritize passion: Choose a specialty that you genuinely love so much that you would be willing to do it even if you weren't paid.
• Focus on proficiency: Select an area where you have proven academic and professional strengths.
• Ignore the "money" trap: Avoid selecting a concentration (like Finance or Accounting) solely because people say "that is where the money is". If you love your field and excel at it, high compensation will naturally follow.
#2. Evaluating Concentrations and Interdisciplinary Options
• Review all internal pathways: Carefully review the specific course requirements for concentrations like Finance, Marketing, International Trade, and Accounting to see which aligns best with your goals.
• Consider Business Technology: For students trying to pair business with other disciplines (such as engineering or technology fields), I highly suggest something like Business Technology as a top-tier choice because it bridges technical execution with commercial focus.
• Utilize complementary minors: Because a business major is a highly flexible social science degree, I suggest evaluating concentrations or minors like Management Information Systems (MIS), Business Analytics, Economics, and Psychology to build a unique, broader skill set for employers.
#3. Action Steps to Finalize Your Choice
1. Identify two potential paths: Keep two business career pathways in mind—one primary focus and a secondary option with similar course requirements and elements.
2. Use general education classes to experiment: Use your required lower-division Humanities, Social Sciences, and Math classes to figure out where your natural analytical or creative interests peak.
3. Consult university gatekeepers: Talk directly with professors, academic instructors, and advisors to map out how different concentrations fit into your graduation timeline and career objectives.
I hope some of these suggestions have been helpful. Best of luck in achieving your future career and academic goals.
When it comes to selecting an area in business, I have always advised students to prioritize personal fulfillment, academic proficiency, and career alignment over potential monetary outcomes when choosing an area of concentration within a business career selection.
I break down this strategy into a structured decision-making process:
#1. The "Core Formula" for Choosing an Area
• Prioritize passion: Choose a specialty that you genuinely love so much that you would be willing to do it even if you weren't paid.
• Focus on proficiency: Select an area where you have proven academic and professional strengths.
• Ignore the "money" trap: Avoid selecting a concentration (like Finance or Accounting) solely because people say "that is where the money is". If you love your field and excel at it, high compensation will naturally follow.
#2. Evaluating Concentrations and Interdisciplinary Options
• Review all internal pathways: Carefully review the specific course requirements for concentrations like Finance, Marketing, International Trade, and Accounting to see which aligns best with your goals.
• Consider Business Technology: For students trying to pair business with other disciplines (such as engineering or technology fields), I highly suggest something like Business Technology as a top-tier choice because it bridges technical execution with commercial focus.
• Utilize complementary minors: Because a business major is a highly flexible social science degree, I suggest evaluating concentrations or minors like Management Information Systems (MIS), Business Analytics, Economics, and Psychology to build a unique, broader skill set for employers.
#3. Action Steps to Finalize Your Choice
1. Identify two potential paths: Keep two business career pathways in mind—one primary focus and a secondary option with similar course requirements and elements.
2. Use general education classes to experiment: Use your required lower-division Humanities, Social Sciences, and Math classes to figure out where your natural analytical or creative interests peak.
3. Consult university gatekeepers: Talk directly with professors, academic instructors, and advisors to map out how different concentrations fit into your graduation timeline and career objectives.
I hope some of these suggestions have been helpful. Best of luck in achieving your future career and academic goals.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Harshita
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2688
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Tnank you for your question. I am gkad to know you have interest in Business.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers related to business, eg Accounting, Finance, Banking, Marketing, Administration, Human Resources, erc. You can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who ade working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school careers counselor, your parents, erc
4. Shortlisr 1-2 careers you would like to pursue.
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in college
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers related to business, eg Accounting, Finance, Banking, Marketing, Administration, Human Resources, erc. You can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who ade working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school careers counselor, your parents, erc
4. Shortlisr 1-2 careers you would like to pursue.
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in college
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Akasha Ali
Student Researcher and Peer Advisor
25
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Akasha’s Answer
Hi Harshita,
It's completely normal to feel unsure at this stage, and it's great that you're exploring your options early.
If you are interested in business, a Bachelor's in Business Administration (BBA) or Business Management is a strong choice because it gives you a broad foundation. You can later specialized in areas like Marketing , Finance, international Business, or Entrepreneurship once you discover what you enjoy most. Marketing is a good option if you're interested in creativity, communication, and understanding consumer behavior.
Since studying abroad is your goal and finances are a concern, focus on universities offer merit based scholarships or need based financial aid. countries such as Germany(many public universities have very low tuition). Canada, the Netherlands, and Italy often have good scholarship opportunities for international students. Be sure to compare not only tuition but also living costs and scholarship requirements.
In the meantime, work on maintaining strong grades, improving your English proficiency (if required), participating in extracurricular activities, and building leadership experience. These can strengthen both your university and scholarship applications.
Don't feel pressured to have everything figured out right now. Abroad business degree with a later specialization is a flexible path that keeps many career options open. I wish you the very best with your studies and future applications!
It's completely normal to feel unsure at this stage, and it's great that you're exploring your options early.
If you are interested in business, a Bachelor's in Business Administration (BBA) or Business Management is a strong choice because it gives you a broad foundation. You can later specialized in areas like Marketing , Finance, international Business, or Entrepreneurship once you discover what you enjoy most. Marketing is a good option if you're interested in creativity, communication, and understanding consumer behavior.
Since studying abroad is your goal and finances are a concern, focus on universities offer merit based scholarships or need based financial aid. countries such as Germany(many public universities have very low tuition). Canada, the Netherlands, and Italy often have good scholarship opportunities for international students. Be sure to compare not only tuition but also living costs and scholarship requirements.
In the meantime, work on maintaining strong grades, improving your English proficiency (if required), participating in extracurricular activities, and building leadership experience. These can strengthen both your university and scholarship applications.
Don't feel pressured to have everything figured out right now. Abroad business degree with a later specialization is a flexible path that keeps many career options open. I wish you the very best with your studies and future applications!
Thank you so much!
Harshita
June Foster
Laboratory Tech Specialist
66
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
June’s Answer
You’re asking the right questions early. If you’re still unsure, I’d recommend a Business Administration or Business Management degree because it gives you a broad foundation before choosing a specialization like marketing, finance, or business analytics. Since studying abroad is your goal, prioritize affordable universities with strong scholarship opportunities rather than only focusing on rankings. Countries like Germany, Italy, and Hungary often have lower tuition or generous scholarships for international students. Continue earning strong grades, building leadership experience, and researching scholarships now. A flexible degree combined with practical experience will keep many career opportunities open in the future.
Thanks for the advice.
Harshita
Rajalakshmi Kamath
Project Management
4
Answers
United States
Updated
Rajalakshmi’s Answer
Congratulations on selecting commerce as your field of study! I hope you complete your B. Com. with flying colours when the time comes. It's wonderful that you are thinking about this now instead of waiting for the last minute.
I like that you used AI to distill a lot of information into a more concise data set to ask your question. However, AI can only tell you what you want to hear. It cannot tell you about the human experience.
I am not a lawyer, guidance counselor, or school representative. I have, however, traveled the journey you seek to take. From my experience:
It's better to choose to master any subject in the country where you are living than to go abroad to study it.
The approach to education differs from one country to another, and courses do not always translate between countries. This difference (evaluated using an 'educational equivalence', which you might have to pay the school to do for your Indian degree sometimes) can cause foreign colleges/universities to direct you to an undergraduate degree (which is at the graduate level in India, leading to a bachelor's degree) instead of a graduate degree (which is at the post-graduate level in India leading to a master's degree). That is just the first step.
Let's say you get into a school you like, somewhere abroad. Scholarships are not easy to come by for foreign students (also known as international students here in the USA). As for on-campus employment to help defray your tuition/room/board costs, most schools require you to establish your credibility and credentials for at least a semester or two before you can even apply to be a teaching assistant or research assistant. Without proof of financial capability, most countries will deny entry on arrival, if not reject your student visa application outright, even if the school sends proof of acceptance of your application.
Let's say you surmount these three obstacles -- you found a school which accepted you into a programme of study you chose; you got enough money to support yourself for at least the first year; and you got your student visa approved. Now you have to pay for the airline tickets to get you to that foreign school. It cannot be a one-way ticket, or most countries will deny entry because you will be considered to be someone with an intent to immigrate (student visas do not always include an intent to immigrate and are considered non-immigrant visas).
Next comes the difference in how schools work -- for example, in the US, colleges require you to sign up for the classes you want to take, and you can only take a limited number of classes per semester as a full-time student (which is what your visa approves you to be). It's not like you can say "I want a bachelor's in business administration" and all the courses are laid out neatly with your seat reserved for you. There will be a mix of required and elective courses, the most relevant and popular of which can close registration early when the class fills up.
If you learn about business administration in the US, that course of study covers how to do business in the US -- it cannot tell you in more than generally broad terms how to do business elsewhere. It may have some cachet in India to have a foreign MBA if you seek employment, but when you do business in India, you have to follow India's laws, rules, and regulations, which are not part of the foreign school's curriculum. This is where, as they say here in the US, the rubber meets the road. Will your degree get you a job that you like that pays enough for you to have a decent life?
Is there one subject you like better than all else? That might be a way to learn more about what you love and don't mind doing for the rest of your life.
As a transplant, I can tell you, life is not a bed of roses in a foreign country, no matter what the movies show you. India is a collectivist society whereas most Western societies are individualistic societies. You can easily ask your neighbours for help in India, which may not always be possible elsewhere. This is a big cultural difference -- something you should include in your consideration of where you want to live after you finish your education. Relocating internationally is a sacrifice whose magnitude does not become apparent until you realize what you miss when you miss it.
You can always get a foreign degree later in life if you still want one, when you can pay for yourself and do not need to depend upon anyone else.
All the best!
Learn more about yourself -- what do you like to do?
Understand why you want to study abroad when there are perfectly good schools in India.
Ask yourself -- can you live without your parents and family (or social support system) nearby for extended periods of time?
Study well and get good marks in all your subjects as best as you can, no matter what.
Revisit this question when you are in PUC II / 12th grade with the information I gave you above. If you still want to do it, go for it!
I like that you used AI to distill a lot of information into a more concise data set to ask your question. However, AI can only tell you what you want to hear. It cannot tell you about the human experience.
I am not a lawyer, guidance counselor, or school representative. I have, however, traveled the journey you seek to take. From my experience:
It's better to choose to master any subject in the country where you are living than to go abroad to study it.
The approach to education differs from one country to another, and courses do not always translate between countries. This difference (evaluated using an 'educational equivalence', which you might have to pay the school to do for your Indian degree sometimes) can cause foreign colleges/universities to direct you to an undergraduate degree (which is at the graduate level in India, leading to a bachelor's degree) instead of a graduate degree (which is at the post-graduate level in India leading to a master's degree). That is just the first step.
Let's say you get into a school you like, somewhere abroad. Scholarships are not easy to come by for foreign students (also known as international students here in the USA). As for on-campus employment to help defray your tuition/room/board costs, most schools require you to establish your credibility and credentials for at least a semester or two before you can even apply to be a teaching assistant or research assistant. Without proof of financial capability, most countries will deny entry on arrival, if not reject your student visa application outright, even if the school sends proof of acceptance of your application.
Let's say you surmount these three obstacles -- you found a school which accepted you into a programme of study you chose; you got enough money to support yourself for at least the first year; and you got your student visa approved. Now you have to pay for the airline tickets to get you to that foreign school. It cannot be a one-way ticket, or most countries will deny entry because you will be considered to be someone with an intent to immigrate (student visas do not always include an intent to immigrate and are considered non-immigrant visas).
Next comes the difference in how schools work -- for example, in the US, colleges require you to sign up for the classes you want to take, and you can only take a limited number of classes per semester as a full-time student (which is what your visa approves you to be). It's not like you can say "I want a bachelor's in business administration" and all the courses are laid out neatly with your seat reserved for you. There will be a mix of required and elective courses, the most relevant and popular of which can close registration early when the class fills up.
If you learn about business administration in the US, that course of study covers how to do business in the US -- it cannot tell you in more than generally broad terms how to do business elsewhere. It may have some cachet in India to have a foreign MBA if you seek employment, but when you do business in India, you have to follow India's laws, rules, and regulations, which are not part of the foreign school's curriculum. This is where, as they say here in the US, the rubber meets the road. Will your degree get you a job that you like that pays enough for you to have a decent life?
Is there one subject you like better than all else? That might be a way to learn more about what you love and don't mind doing for the rest of your life.
As a transplant, I can tell you, life is not a bed of roses in a foreign country, no matter what the movies show you. India is a collectivist society whereas most Western societies are individualistic societies. You can easily ask your neighbours for help in India, which may not always be possible elsewhere. This is a big cultural difference -- something you should include in your consideration of where you want to live after you finish your education. Relocating internationally is a sacrifice whose magnitude does not become apparent until you realize what you miss when you miss it.
You can always get a foreign degree later in life if you still want one, when you can pay for yourself and do not need to depend upon anyone else.
All the best!
Rajalakshmi recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much!
Harshita
ANTHONY SYLVESTER
School counselor
33
Answers
Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria
Updated
ANTHONY’s Answer
The careers you listed are related, but each has a different role. Here's a simple explanation:
Detective . A police officer who investigates crimes, collects evidence, interviews witnesses and suspects, and works to identify and arrest offenders. They have legal authority to make arrests and obtain warrants.
Private Investigator (PI) , Works for private clients rather than the police. They investigate issues such as missing persons, fraud, or background checks. They do not have police powers or the authority to arrest people.
Behavioural Analyst . Studies human behaviour to understand why people act the way they do. They may work in law enforcement, healthcare, or research, helping investigators understand behaviour patterns.
Criminal Psychologist .Examines the thoughts, emotions, personality, and motivations of offenders. They often assess suspects, support investigations, and may provide expert testimony in court. Their main focus is understanding criminal behaviour rather than solving the crime itself.
Intelligence Analyst . Collects and analyzes information from many sources to identify threats, criminal networks, or security risks. They usually work behind the scenes in government, military, or intelligence agencies.
Criminal Profiler . Creates psychological and behavioural profiles of unknown offenders based on crime scene evidence and victim patterns. Their profiles help narrow down potential suspects, but they do not identify the offender with certainty.
Crime Analyst . Uses crime data, statistics, maps, and trends to identify patterns and help police prevent and solve crimes. Their work is more data-driven than psychology based.
Investigative Psychologist . Combines psychology with criminal investigations. They analyze offender behaviour, interview suspects and witnesses, evaluate motives, and assist investigators in understanding how and why crimes occurred.
If your interest is examining a crime scene, following clues and behavioural patterns to identify the offender, then interviewing the suspect and understanding their motives and psychology, the closest career is Investigative Psychologist. It combines behavioural science with real criminal investigations. In practice, investigative psychologists often work alongside detectives, forensic experts, and profilers.
A Detective would usually lead the investigation and gather evidence, while an Investigative Psychologist or Criminal Profiler helps explain the offender's behaviour and likely motives. If you enjoy both solving mysteries and understanding the human mind, these careers complement each other very well.
Regarding salary and workplace authority:
Detective: High workplace authority because they are sworn law enforcement officers. Salaries vary by country but are generally moderate to high.
Private Investigator: Moderate authority, no police powers. Income varies greatly depending on experience and clientele.
Behavioural Analyst: Moderate authority as a specialist. Salaries are generally good, especially in government or consulting roles.
Criminal Psychologist: Specialist authority in psychological assessment. Salaries are generally good and increase with qualifications and experience.
Intelligence Analyst: Moderate to high influence within intelligence agencies. Salaries are competitive.
Criminal Profiler: Specialist advisory role with limited formal authority but significant influence. Salaries are usually good in government agencies.
Crime Analyst: Moderate influence through data analysis. Salaries are moderate to good.
Investigative Psychologist: Specialist advisory authority, often working closely with law enforcement. Salaries are generally good, especially with advanced degrees and experience.
If your long-term goal is to be the person who understands criminals psychologically while helping solve crimes, I would recommend studying Psychology first, then specializing in Forensic Psychology or Investigative Psychology. Gaining experience with law enforcement agencies, forensic units, or research in criminal behaviour will put you on the right path.
Detective . A police officer who investigates crimes, collects evidence, interviews witnesses and suspects, and works to identify and arrest offenders. They have legal authority to make arrests and obtain warrants.
Private Investigator (PI) , Works for private clients rather than the police. They investigate issues such as missing persons, fraud, or background checks. They do not have police powers or the authority to arrest people.
Behavioural Analyst . Studies human behaviour to understand why people act the way they do. They may work in law enforcement, healthcare, or research, helping investigators understand behaviour patterns.
Criminal Psychologist .Examines the thoughts, emotions, personality, and motivations of offenders. They often assess suspects, support investigations, and may provide expert testimony in court. Their main focus is understanding criminal behaviour rather than solving the crime itself.
Intelligence Analyst . Collects and analyzes information from many sources to identify threats, criminal networks, or security risks. They usually work behind the scenes in government, military, or intelligence agencies.
Criminal Profiler . Creates psychological and behavioural profiles of unknown offenders based on crime scene evidence and victim patterns. Their profiles help narrow down potential suspects, but they do not identify the offender with certainty.
Crime Analyst . Uses crime data, statistics, maps, and trends to identify patterns and help police prevent and solve crimes. Their work is more data-driven than psychology based.
Investigative Psychologist . Combines psychology with criminal investigations. They analyze offender behaviour, interview suspects and witnesses, evaluate motives, and assist investigators in understanding how and why crimes occurred.
If your interest is examining a crime scene, following clues and behavioural patterns to identify the offender, then interviewing the suspect and understanding their motives and psychology, the closest career is Investigative Psychologist. It combines behavioural science with real criminal investigations. In practice, investigative psychologists often work alongside detectives, forensic experts, and profilers.
A Detective would usually lead the investigation and gather evidence, while an Investigative Psychologist or Criminal Profiler helps explain the offender's behaviour and likely motives. If you enjoy both solving mysteries and understanding the human mind, these careers complement each other very well.
Regarding salary and workplace authority:
Detective: High workplace authority because they are sworn law enforcement officers. Salaries vary by country but are generally moderate to high.
Private Investigator: Moderate authority, no police powers. Income varies greatly depending on experience and clientele.
Behavioural Analyst: Moderate authority as a specialist. Salaries are generally good, especially in government or consulting roles.
Criminal Psychologist: Specialist authority in psychological assessment. Salaries are generally good and increase with qualifications and experience.
Intelligence Analyst: Moderate to high influence within intelligence agencies. Salaries are competitive.
Criminal Profiler: Specialist advisory role with limited formal authority but significant influence. Salaries are usually good in government agencies.
Crime Analyst: Moderate influence through data analysis. Salaries are moderate to good.
Investigative Psychologist: Specialist advisory authority, often working closely with law enforcement. Salaries are generally good, especially with advanced degrees and experience.
If your long-term goal is to be the person who understands criminals psychologically while helping solve crimes, I would recommend studying Psychology first, then specializing in Forensic Psychology or Investigative Psychology. Gaining experience with law enforcement agencies, forensic units, or research in criminal behaviour will put you on the right path.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Harshita
Emily Proano
Medical assistant
45
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Emily’s Answer
If you’re interested in business, I wouldn’t feel like you have to choose a very specific path right away. A degree in business administration is flexible and can open doors to careers in marketing, management, finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship. If marketing and media genuinely interest you, combining those with business could be a strong choice because communication and digital marketing skills are valuable in many industries. Since studying abroad is one of your goals, I’d focus on universities that offer scholarships for international students rather than choosing a country first. Countries like Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland, and some universities in the United States and Australia have scholarship opportunities, although you’ll want to research each school’s financial aid policies carefully. I’d also encourage you to build a strong academic record and get involved in extracurricular activities, since both can strengthen scholarship applications. You don’t have to have your entire career planned right now so choose a degree that matches your interests while giving you flexibility, and keep exploring opportunities as you learn more.
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
53
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
Consider exploring a dual degree only if it truly interests you, not just because AI suggests it. At this point, you don't need to specialize too much. A broad business degree can give you the flexibility to discover what you enjoy most.
There are many exciting business fields to explore, like finance, accounting, marketing, business analytics, information systems, supply chain, and management. Fields like accounting, analytics, or information systems are great because they offer specific, useful skills. You can also add marketing or media through electives, minors, internships, or extracurricular activities.
When thinking about finances, don't choose a university just for the chance to study abroad. Compare the total cost, including scholarships, living expenses, work opportunities, and career outcomes. A more affordable degree with good internship options can be a smarter choice than an expensive international program.
Before making a decision, try taking online introductory courses, talk to people in different business careers, and learn about their daily work. Choose a field based on the work you enjoy, not just the degree's name.
There are many exciting business fields to explore, like finance, accounting, marketing, business analytics, information systems, supply chain, and management. Fields like accounting, analytics, or information systems are great because they offer specific, useful skills. You can also add marketing or media through electives, minors, internships, or extracurricular activities.
When thinking about finances, don't choose a university just for the chance to study abroad. Compare the total cost, including scholarships, living expenses, work opportunities, and career outcomes. A more affordable degree with good internship options can be a smarter choice than an expensive international program.
Before making a decision, try taking online introductory courses, talk to people in different business careers, and learn about their daily work. Choose a field based on the work you enjoy, not just the degree's name.
Mariana Martinez
Marketing
3
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Mariana’s Answer
Hi! I think business administration is a great degree in which many schools have specific business tracks such as management, marketing, finance etc. I went to Texas A&M University where I got a business degree in Marketing on the Advertising track and also received a certificate for international business as I studied abroad for a semester. Texas A&M is a great school to apply to where many students receive scholarships to attend as well as scholarships for study abroad. There are many affordable housing options as it is a college town and they highly value Scholarships for that as well. I am biased as I attended this school but I highly recommend you take a look!
Vanessa Garcia
Non profit operations/program leader
2
Answers
Newport, Rhode Island
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Hi Harshita, my main advice for you would be to start broad. Business has many areas and so in your early courses you will learn about general business principles and the business process, whether its operations, technology, analytics, design/marketing, finance/accounting, management, sales. You should also think about what part of business fits your personality. So for those who like to talk to other people on a frequent basis might lean toward sales; and people who are more design driven might lean more toward marketing. Good luck!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Harshita
Celeste Williams
Consultant, E-Business
6
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Celeste’s Answer
Hi Harshita,
That’s such a great question, and honestly, my biggest piece of advice is not to start by choosing a job title. Start by understanding what you’re passionate about, what problems you care about solving, and where you believe you can make the greatest impact.
As a 19-year-career woman in tech, my own journey has been anything but linear. When I first started thinking about my future, I was convinced I wanted to go to law school. Later, I became interested in accounting because I loved the structure, problem-solving, and business side of things. But everything changed when I took a marketing class during my undergraduate studies. That class opened my eyes to how business can influence people, industries, and innovation in ways I had never considered before.
What followed were opportunities to learn from incredible mentors who challenged me to think bigger and explore different paths. Those experiences eventually led me into the technology industry, where I've had the chance to work across sales, operations, and strategy. Looking back, I realize that none of those opportunities were part of my original plan, but each one helped me discover new strengths and interests.
Because of that experience, I would encourage you not to limit yourself to finding the "perfect" business career today. Instead, think globally and ask yourself:
What issues matter most to me?
What kind of impact do I want to have on my generation and future generations?
What industries are shaping the future?
Where can my unique talents create meaningful change?
Business is incredibly versatile. Whether your passion is sustainability, healthcare, education, technology, finance, entrepreneurship, or social impact, there is a place for you to contribute. The world is more connected than ever, and the most exciting careers often sit at the intersection of different disciplines.
My journey taught me that your first interest doesn't have to be your final destination. Stay curious, seek out mentors, explore different experiences, and give yourself permission to evolve. Sometimes the career that's right for you is one you haven't even discovered yet.
Focus less on finding the "right title" and more on finding the problems you're excited to solve. If you do that, the career path will often reveal itself along the way.
Wishing you all the best as you explore your future!
Celeste
That’s such a great question, and honestly, my biggest piece of advice is not to start by choosing a job title. Start by understanding what you’re passionate about, what problems you care about solving, and where you believe you can make the greatest impact.
As a 19-year-career woman in tech, my own journey has been anything but linear. When I first started thinking about my future, I was convinced I wanted to go to law school. Later, I became interested in accounting because I loved the structure, problem-solving, and business side of things. But everything changed when I took a marketing class during my undergraduate studies. That class opened my eyes to how business can influence people, industries, and innovation in ways I had never considered before.
What followed were opportunities to learn from incredible mentors who challenged me to think bigger and explore different paths. Those experiences eventually led me into the technology industry, where I've had the chance to work across sales, operations, and strategy. Looking back, I realize that none of those opportunities were part of my original plan, but each one helped me discover new strengths and interests.
Because of that experience, I would encourage you not to limit yourself to finding the "perfect" business career today. Instead, think globally and ask yourself:
What issues matter most to me?
What kind of impact do I want to have on my generation and future generations?
What industries are shaping the future?
Where can my unique talents create meaningful change?
Business is incredibly versatile. Whether your passion is sustainability, healthcare, education, technology, finance, entrepreneurship, or social impact, there is a place for you to contribute. The world is more connected than ever, and the most exciting careers often sit at the intersection of different disciplines.
My journey taught me that your first interest doesn't have to be your final destination. Stay curious, seek out mentors, explore different experiences, and give yourself permission to evolve. Sometimes the career that's right for you is one you haven't even discovered yet.
Focus less on finding the "right title" and more on finding the problems you're excited to solve. If you do that, the career path will often reveal itself along the way.
Wishing you all the best as you explore your future!
Celeste