9 answers
omar
Student
Union City, California
1
Question
Asked
569 views
What skills from your business degree have been the most useful in your career, and why? What advice would you give to someone who is considering pursuing a career in business? What is one challenge you faced in your career, and how did you use your business knowledge to overcome it?
What advice or tips helped you the most when you were starting your career?
What are some important skills you think someone should develop before entering the business world?
What tips would you give someone trying to get their first job in the business field?
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9 answers
Fernanda Garcia
Financial Systems Director
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Fernanda’s Answer
One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received is to always look for and take opportunities that come your way, even if you don't feel 100% ready. Rarely anyone feels completely ready to take new challenges, but you will learn along the way!
Advice that I would give someone looking for their first job is to make sure you have a can-do attitude because hiring managers are looking at this more than specific technical skills. These technical skills can easily be learned if you have the right attitude.
Wishing you the best! :)
Advice that I would give someone looking for their first job is to make sure you have a can-do attitude because hiring managers are looking at this more than specific technical skills. These technical skills can easily be learned if you have the right attitude.
Wishing you the best! :)
Jake Sloan
Finance Director
3
Answers
Schaumburg, Illinois
Updated
Jake’s Answer
Hi Omar-
Great question! There are A LOT of skills to learn and acquire, so it's difficult to know what to focus one. Problem solving is the biggest one that comes to mind. How do you answer a question when you don't know the answer? What if you don't even know how to get the answer? Being able to figure out things yourself is highly sought after skill which can be learned, but it very difficult to teach. Being able to use Google, or AI, or quickly learning from your colleagues helps a lot.
In my opinion the biggest thing to take away from school is learning how to learn. It sounds weird, but every job is different, so it is very rare that you will know all the nuances of whatever business you walk into on day one; however, the faster you learn and the faster you are able to make an impact, that is what will truly set you apart.
Good luck and keep learning!
Great question! There are A LOT of skills to learn and acquire, so it's difficult to know what to focus one. Problem solving is the biggest one that comes to mind. How do you answer a question when you don't know the answer? What if you don't even know how to get the answer? Being able to figure out things yourself is highly sought after skill which can be learned, but it very difficult to teach. Being able to use Google, or AI, or quickly learning from your colleagues helps a lot.
In my opinion the biggest thing to take away from school is learning how to learn. It sounds weird, but every job is different, so it is very rare that you will know all the nuances of whatever business you walk into on day one; however, the faster you learn and the faster you are able to make an impact, that is what will truly set you apart.
Good luck and keep learning!
Linda Chen
billing analyst
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Linda’s Answer
The most valuable skill I gained from my degree is mastering office applications. Some classes focused only on Excel, which is widely used in finance and accounting. Over the past ten years, I've spent countless hours working with Excel in my jobs. It's crucial in business to keep an open mind and be adaptable, as the world is always changing and nothing stays the same throughout your career.
Rick Kneisley
Retired Investment Broker and Investment Sales Manager
49
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Omar,
The two classes from my business education that proved most useful were Contract Law and Logic.
From a practical standpoint, Contract Law was invaluable. In business, agreements matter. You need to understand what you are agreeing to, what the other party is obligated to do, what you are obligated to do, and what happens if either side fails to perform. You do not need to become a lawyer, but you should learn to read agreements carefully and never be afraid to ask questions before signing something.
On a more personal level, one of the most important courses I ever took was Logic. It taught me to think clearly and to separate assumptions from facts. The basic idea is simple: if A is true, and B is true, then what logically follows?
For example, suppose a company knows that customers value fast service, and it also knows that its slow response time is causing customers to leave. Logic tells you that improving response time should become a business priority. That may sound obvious, but throughout a career, many important decisions become clearer when you learn to remove emotion, examine the facts, and follow them to their logical conclusion.
That class also led me to study some of the great philosophers and thinkers about life, purpose, and human potential. One modern thinker who had a strong influence on me was Dr. Ernest Holmes, author of The Science of Mind. His ideas encouraged me to develop a clear sense of direction, believe strongly in worthwhile goals, and then consistently act toward them. That approach gave me confidence throughout my career and helped turn uncertainty into purpose.
My advice to someone considering a career in business is to understand that business is ultimately about people. Learn how to communicate clearly, listen carefully, solve problems, negotiate fairly, and earn trust. Technical knowledge is important, but people want to do business with someone they believe is competent, dependable, and genuinely interested in helping them.
One of the greatest challenges in any career is dealing with uncertainty. Markets change, companies change, clients change, and sometimes your original plan simply does not work. My business training taught me to analyze the facts, determine what I could control, adjust my strategy, and keep moving forward rather than becoming discouraged.
When I was beginning my career, one of the most valuable lessons I learned was that success rarely comes from one dramatic opportunity. It usually comes from doing many small things well, day after day. Be prepared. Return calls. Keep your promises. Learn your business. Ask good questions. Treat everyone with respect. Your reputation is built long before you realize people are paying attention to it.
Before entering the business world, I would strongly recommend developing five skills: communication, critical thinking, financial literacy, sales ability, and emotional discipline. Even if you never work in sales, you will spend your entire career selling something, an idea, a recommendation, a project, your company, or yourself.
For someone trying to get a first job in business, do not wait for the perfect opportunity. Get into the arena. Take an entry-level position where you can learn, observe successful people, and prove that you are dependable. Research the company before the interview. Understand what it does and how it makes money. Then be ready to explain not only why you want the job, but how you can help the organization.
Most important, decide what kind of life and career you want to build. Develop a clear direction, believe that worthwhile goals are possible, and then do the practical work necessary to reach them. Education gives you tools. Experience teaches you how to use them. But your attitude, persistence, judgment, and character will determine how far you ultimately go. This is what I've learned after decades of business successes and failures.
Good luck Omar on your own personal journey.
The two classes from my business education that proved most useful were Contract Law and Logic.
From a practical standpoint, Contract Law was invaluable. In business, agreements matter. You need to understand what you are agreeing to, what the other party is obligated to do, what you are obligated to do, and what happens if either side fails to perform. You do not need to become a lawyer, but you should learn to read agreements carefully and never be afraid to ask questions before signing something.
On a more personal level, one of the most important courses I ever took was Logic. It taught me to think clearly and to separate assumptions from facts. The basic idea is simple: if A is true, and B is true, then what logically follows?
For example, suppose a company knows that customers value fast service, and it also knows that its slow response time is causing customers to leave. Logic tells you that improving response time should become a business priority. That may sound obvious, but throughout a career, many important decisions become clearer when you learn to remove emotion, examine the facts, and follow them to their logical conclusion.
That class also led me to study some of the great philosophers and thinkers about life, purpose, and human potential. One modern thinker who had a strong influence on me was Dr. Ernest Holmes, author of The Science of Mind. His ideas encouraged me to develop a clear sense of direction, believe strongly in worthwhile goals, and then consistently act toward them. That approach gave me confidence throughout my career and helped turn uncertainty into purpose.
My advice to someone considering a career in business is to understand that business is ultimately about people. Learn how to communicate clearly, listen carefully, solve problems, negotiate fairly, and earn trust. Technical knowledge is important, but people want to do business with someone they believe is competent, dependable, and genuinely interested in helping them.
One of the greatest challenges in any career is dealing with uncertainty. Markets change, companies change, clients change, and sometimes your original plan simply does not work. My business training taught me to analyze the facts, determine what I could control, adjust my strategy, and keep moving forward rather than becoming discouraged.
When I was beginning my career, one of the most valuable lessons I learned was that success rarely comes from one dramatic opportunity. It usually comes from doing many small things well, day after day. Be prepared. Return calls. Keep your promises. Learn your business. Ask good questions. Treat everyone with respect. Your reputation is built long before you realize people are paying attention to it.
Before entering the business world, I would strongly recommend developing five skills: communication, critical thinking, financial literacy, sales ability, and emotional discipline. Even if you never work in sales, you will spend your entire career selling something, an idea, a recommendation, a project, your company, or yourself.
For someone trying to get a first job in business, do not wait for the perfect opportunity. Get into the arena. Take an entry-level position where you can learn, observe successful people, and prove that you are dependable. Research the company before the interview. Understand what it does and how it makes money. Then be ready to explain not only why you want the job, but how you can help the organization.
Most important, decide what kind of life and career you want to build. Develop a clear direction, believe that worthwhile goals are possible, and then do the practical work necessary to reach them. Education gives you tools. Experience teaches you how to use them. But your attitude, persistence, judgment, and character will determine how far you ultimately go. This is what I've learned after decades of business successes and failures.
Good luck Omar on your own personal journey.
Trena Jones
People Manager
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Trena’s Answer
When starting your career, it's crucial to find work you enjoy. If you don't like the industry, your job will feel like a burden. Explore different options and choose what excites you.
Before entering the business world, focus on improving time management and leadership skills. Learn to work well with others and understand how they communicate. Some people respond quickly, while others need time to process information.
If you're trying to get your first job in business, pursue areas that interest you. If you're interested in finance, talk to a CPA. If you want to run your own business, speak with a small business owner. These conversations can provide valuable insights.
Before entering the business world, focus on improving time management and leadership skills. Learn to work well with others and understand how they communicate. Some people respond quickly, while others need time to process information.
If you're trying to get your first job in business, pursue areas that interest you. If you're interested in finance, talk to a CPA. If you want to run your own business, speak with a small business owner. These conversations can provide valuable insights.
Tony Tahmosh, CSW
Consultant
9
Answers
Stuart, Florida
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Marketing and Finance.
Marketing - Without being able to sell your product or service, you won't be able to generate any revenue, therefore you will fail. You must have a good Marketing Strategy for your business.
Finance - Many people generate a lot of revenue, however if they don't understand the costs of doing business, they ultimately will fail. You've got to make sure that your revenue is greater than your expenses. This sounds simple, however a lot of people don't understand the true cost of doing business.
Develop a good Marketing plan, with assistance from people that have experience in a similar business.
Get a good Bookkeeper or Accountant to keep an eye on expenses and profitablity.
Marketing - Without being able to sell your product or service, you won't be able to generate any revenue, therefore you will fail. You must have a good Marketing Strategy for your business.
Finance - Many people generate a lot of revenue, however if they don't understand the costs of doing business, they ultimately will fail. You've got to make sure that your revenue is greater than your expenses. This sounds simple, however a lot of people don't understand the true cost of doing business.
Tony recommends the following next steps:
Luis Miles
Communications Professional
4
Answers
Alexandria, Virginia
Updated
Luis’s Answer
One of the most useful subjects in my International Business degree was Public Speaking - because I didn't like it at all, I was scared of talking in front of people, and that class made me lose my fear - by forcing me to practice and practice, until public speaking became a bit easier, and eventually a lot easier. That class made me face my fears, and conquer them, which is something I'll always be thankful for.
Another great class was Personal Finance - learning about how to correctly choose investments and how to prepare for my life as an adult with strong financial security. I learned the importance of always saving and investing in the future, always keeping some of the money you make to put away for a later reward. I remember learning about the stock market and investing in mutual funds/ETFs, and that was super useful for me as I began creating my own investment portfolio when I was an adult.
So, if you are considering a career in Business, like I did, please follow this advice: STAY OPEN TO LEARNING THINGS THAT MAY NOT LOOK IMPORTANT NOW! A career in Business will literally open your future to countless possibilities - either joining any company you can think of, or starting a venture/company of your own. Another advice: it's all in how you are PERCEIVED by others. Polish your presentation skills, your language skills, the way you talk to people and engage them in conversation, practice an authentic smile and conveys warmth and confidence, which will open doors for you. Practice respect and kindness - and that will also open doors for you.
Another great class was Personal Finance - learning about how to correctly choose investments and how to prepare for my life as an adult with strong financial security. I learned the importance of always saving and investing in the future, always keeping some of the money you make to put away for a later reward. I remember learning about the stock market and investing in mutual funds/ETFs, and that was super useful for me as I began creating my own investment portfolio when I was an adult.
So, if you are considering a career in Business, like I did, please follow this advice: STAY OPEN TO LEARNING THINGS THAT MAY NOT LOOK IMPORTANT NOW! A career in Business will literally open your future to countless possibilities - either joining any company you can think of, or starting a venture/company of your own. Another advice: it's all in how you are PERCEIVED by others. Polish your presentation skills, your language skills, the way you talk to people and engage them in conversation, practice an authentic smile and conveys warmth and confidence, which will open doors for you. Practice respect and kindness - and that will also open doors for you.
Kyle Crebs
Sr. Director of Finance
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
Hi Omar!
Starting your career is an exciting journey. Stay curious and keep learning; it will bring you closer to the answers you seek. Always have questions ready, especially during lectures or presentations, and don't hesitate to ask them. Learn from those around you, then explore and discover things on your own.
When I began my career, I wanted to learn accounting, so I used QuickBooks Desktop for my finances. I also created spreadsheet models to understand them better. Don’t be afraid to learn by doing, make mistakes, and even fail sometimes.
In the business world, understanding a profit and loss statement is crucial. Learn how business changes can affect it.
Good luck with your career!
Starting your career is an exciting journey. Stay curious and keep learning; it will bring you closer to the answers you seek. Always have questions ready, especially during lectures or presentations, and don't hesitate to ask them. Learn from those around you, then explore and discover things on your own.
When I began my career, I wanted to learn accounting, so I used QuickBooks Desktop for my finances. I also created spreadsheet models to understand them better. Don’t be afraid to learn by doing, make mistakes, and even fail sometimes.
In the business world, understanding a profit and loss statement is crucial. Learn how business changes can affect it.
Good luck with your career!
Vaishnavi Pise
Investment banking
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vaishnavi’s Answer
The most useful skill from my degree has been breaking complex problems into smaller, checkable steps. In post-trade operations, that's daily work, reconciling trades or catching a discrepancy in a derivatives confirmation is exactly this skill applied. It also helps with dissecting complex products or tasks, taking something dense and unfamiliar and working through it piece by piece until it makes sense.
If you're considering business, get comfortable with detail work early. Many roles look broad from the outside but are built on getting small things right consistently.
One real challenge was moving to a new country and restarting my career. I handled it by breaking it into concrete steps: applying, networking, upskilling, and repeating, rather than treating it as one overwhelming problem.
The best advice I got early on: ask right questions. It shows attentiveness, not weakness. And Learning to say no politely, without over explaining or feeling guilty, has helped just as much, it protects your time without damaging the relationship.
Before entering business, focus on two things: clear communication and comfort with numbers/data. You don't need to be a math expert, but you do need to read data and explain it clearly to others.
For a first job, apply even if you don't meet every requirement listed, and write a specific, well tailored cover letter, it matters more than people assume.
Wishing you the best!
And these are some great questions, curiosity is the key!
Keep asking such great questions.
If you're considering business, get comfortable with detail work early. Many roles look broad from the outside but are built on getting small things right consistently.
One real challenge was moving to a new country and restarting my career. I handled it by breaking it into concrete steps: applying, networking, upskilling, and repeating, rather than treating it as one overwhelming problem.
The best advice I got early on: ask right questions. It shows attentiveness, not weakness. And Learning to say no politely, without over explaining or feeling guilty, has helped just as much, it protects your time without damaging the relationship.
Before entering business, focus on two things: clear communication and comfort with numbers/data. You don't need to be a math expert, but you do need to read data and explain it clearly to others.
For a first job, apply even if you don't meet every requirement listed, and write a specific, well tailored cover letter, it matters more than people assume.
Wishing you the best!
And these are some great questions, curiosity is the key!
Keep asking such great questions.