11 answers
Dereck
Student
Providence, Rhode Island
1
Question
Asked
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What courses/classes in High School should I take to help gain skills for my interest in business?
Hi, I'm a 10th grader and my interest is both aviation and business. I want to start gaining skills that would help me out in business. I've always been interested in business, leadership, problem-solving, making ideas come to life, being creative and working with other people as a team to work, create and solve on any issue that may occur together. I'm just not sure what I can do to start gaining some of those skills now. Any suggestions? #marketing #business-management #business #management
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11 answers
James Stickles
Senior Account Executive - Sales
6
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
James’s Answer
Dereck,
Awesome question. I agree with Lauren above. Any class will help. A friends son just graduated and is entering West Point. I asked him this very question.
He Shared:
Speech class - learning to give a speech and starting to feel comfortable in front of folks. This is a skill that will come in handy in college and in future.
Typing - Enough said.
Entry level coding- Even if you don't think you plan to code in future, knowing how this works and how to do will help you work with coders.
Business classes , if offered - Accounting, statistics. They are offered at our HS and could allow you to figure out if you like these type of classes/majors or not. (Better now than later).
Internships (paid and unpaid) - this also will give you real life skills and understanding of potential jobs. (As I shared above, better now than later to see if you like/don't like). Companies always looking for folks like this. Another friends son likes finance/stats/and is working as a number cruncher this summer at a financial management firm for summer. He is getting paid.
Get a job in HS - my son quickly figured out that working in restaurant is not something he wants to do. But learning how to navigate schedules, showing up for work, asking for time off and picking up extra shifts, all great skills to learn now.
Join any business clubs at your school, or see if one fits your fancy.
Doing extra curricular activities in addition to clubs like sports/band/church groups are all great.
You want to be a well rounded student when you get to college.
Volunteer/give back to those in need is a great skill in learning about others and your self and doesn't cost anything but time.
Bottom line, if you are asking this question, you are ahead of the game.
Good luck,
James
Awesome question. I agree with Lauren above. Any class will help. A friends son just graduated and is entering West Point. I asked him this very question.
He Shared:
Speech class - learning to give a speech and starting to feel comfortable in front of folks. This is a skill that will come in handy in college and in future.
Typing - Enough said.
Entry level coding- Even if you don't think you plan to code in future, knowing how this works and how to do will help you work with coders.
Business classes , if offered - Accounting, statistics. They are offered at our HS and could allow you to figure out if you like these type of classes/majors or not. (Better now than later).
Internships (paid and unpaid) - this also will give you real life skills and understanding of potential jobs. (As I shared above, better now than later to see if you like/don't like). Companies always looking for folks like this. Another friends son likes finance/stats/and is working as a number cruncher this summer at a financial management firm for summer. He is getting paid.
Get a job in HS - my son quickly figured out that working in restaurant is not something he wants to do. But learning how to navigate schedules, showing up for work, asking for time off and picking up extra shifts, all great skills to learn now.
Join any business clubs at your school, or see if one fits your fancy.
Doing extra curricular activities in addition to clubs like sports/band/church groups are all great.
You want to be a well rounded student when you get to college.
Volunteer/give back to those in need is a great skill in learning about others and your self and doesn't cost anything but time.
Bottom line, if you are asking this question, you are ahead of the game.
Good luck,
James
Shane Biathrow
Data Steward
1
Answer
Avon, Connecticut
Updated
Shane’s Answer
Hi Dereck,
I am not sure what your high school offers, but being somebody who is not to far out of high school, I can tell you that my best decisions were taking a business ethics class as well as economics, graphic design, and any sort of advertising or media marketing class that was available. If you are interested in business, all of these courses are complementary to one another as it will give you a range of knowledge in several different areas of running business, and it will prepare you for more rigorous and real-life oriented courses through your years at university. The most important things that I wish I knew more about coming into my freshman year of college as a business/marketing student were how businesses attract consumers, how pricing works, how the economy is affected by consumers and most importantly, how to problem solve or seek out a problem to create a solution. Understanding that every product and business is a solution to a problem will help your mind find identify these problems faster, and create ideas for solutions . Essentially, I would recommend a broad understanding of business from both the economic/financial side as well as the marketing side to allow yourself to continue narrowing your sights on more specific courses in the future.
Best,
Shane Biathrow
I am not sure what your high school offers, but being somebody who is not to far out of high school, I can tell you that my best decisions were taking a business ethics class as well as economics, graphic design, and any sort of advertising or media marketing class that was available. If you are interested in business, all of these courses are complementary to one another as it will give you a range of knowledge in several different areas of running business, and it will prepare you for more rigorous and real-life oriented courses through your years at university. The most important things that I wish I knew more about coming into my freshman year of college as a business/marketing student were how businesses attract consumers, how pricing works, how the economy is affected by consumers and most importantly, how to problem solve or seek out a problem to create a solution. Understanding that every product and business is a solution to a problem will help your mind find identify these problems faster, and create ideas for solutions . Essentially, I would recommend a broad understanding of business from both the economic/financial side as well as the marketing side to allow yourself to continue narrowing your sights on more specific courses in the future.
Best,
Shane Biathrow
Lauren Grzyboski, CFE, CAMS, MBA
Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Forensics Associate
47
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Dereck,
Great question! I think that deciding on which courses to take in high school sort of depends on what's offered. I think that any business course you can take in high school will definitely provide with you some fundamental knowledge before you take a college business course. I would look into a marketing, management, or a general business course that your high school might offer. Your school might also offer duel enrollment courses where you can receive college credits for high school classes that you take, so I would recommend seeing if that might be an option. Aside from courses, consider scheduling a few opportunities to intern or job shadow a professional in the field you would like to work in. These opportunities could range from a day to a week or more, and would provide you with better insights into the everyday aspects of the career itself. Also consider joining LinkedIn as it is a great tool to use for networking, reading about different news stories in business, and is just a great source for advice. Consider volunteering and even the organizations you are involved in during high school as they could provide you with some skills in business, problem solving, etc. like Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), debate club, entrepreneur club, Business Professionals of America, investment club, etc. Overall, put in the research and better understand the possible career paths you could have. See if there might be free courses you could take online to expand your skillset and business mindset, plus with any business career it is important to learn excel early on.
Great question! I think that deciding on which courses to take in high school sort of depends on what's offered. I think that any business course you can take in high school will definitely provide with you some fundamental knowledge before you take a college business course. I would look into a marketing, management, or a general business course that your high school might offer. Your school might also offer duel enrollment courses where you can receive college credits for high school classes that you take, so I would recommend seeing if that might be an option. Aside from courses, consider scheduling a few opportunities to intern or job shadow a professional in the field you would like to work in. These opportunities could range from a day to a week or more, and would provide you with better insights into the everyday aspects of the career itself. Also consider joining LinkedIn as it is a great tool to use for networking, reading about different news stories in business, and is just a great source for advice. Consider volunteering and even the organizations you are involved in during high school as they could provide you with some skills in business, problem solving, etc. like Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), debate club, entrepreneur club, Business Professionals of America, investment club, etc. Overall, put in the research and better understand the possible career paths you could have. See if there might be free courses you could take online to expand your skillset and business mindset, plus with any business career it is important to learn excel early on.
Chris Beasley
Regional Director for an Insurance Carrier
18
Answers
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hello Dereck:
This is a great question as Highschool class are more driven for college prep than the business world. And your unique interest in business and aviation will suit you well in the current job market. There are quite a few colleges that now have degrees in aviation. From a high school curriculum standpoint, I will challenge you to find out if your high school offers an offsite program that allows seniors to attend community college during the day. This is a great way to find the classes that will interest you and move your college career along more rapidly.
Your high school may also have a skills/career center. Take time to look at what is offered. Our skills center for our high school offers over 35 programs ranging from medical, to public safety to accounting. Skill centers have come along way since they use to focus only on mechanics. However, if your interest is in aviation, it would be of value to understand mechanical principles. So, if you do find programs that interest you in the skill center, this could be a great fit for you. Talk to your student advisor and see what options there are for you.
Junior Achievement is another option in school that you could take advantage of to build your business acumen. They are often taught by business leaders in the community. Junior Achievement provides you with real and timely business experience. It will take you through the various steps of production, marketing and sales. You could also find a mentor to help increase your business skills.
Student government will provide you with leadership opportunities. Get involved, even if you don’t get elected, there are numerous volunteer opportunities that you could contribute to that will build your problem-solving skills.
There are ample ways in High school to accomplish what you are looking to do. However, you may have to find them. School clubs is another avenue to find what you are looking for. Does your school or community have a robotics club? They will have a concept and even a marketing team to help promote their club. Find a club in high school that you enjoy and use that to enhance your skill set.
Good luck Dereck in all your future endeavors.
This is a great question as Highschool class are more driven for college prep than the business world. And your unique interest in business and aviation will suit you well in the current job market. There are quite a few colleges that now have degrees in aviation. From a high school curriculum standpoint, I will challenge you to find out if your high school offers an offsite program that allows seniors to attend community college during the day. This is a great way to find the classes that will interest you and move your college career along more rapidly.
Your high school may also have a skills/career center. Take time to look at what is offered. Our skills center for our high school offers over 35 programs ranging from medical, to public safety to accounting. Skill centers have come along way since they use to focus only on mechanics. However, if your interest is in aviation, it would be of value to understand mechanical principles. So, if you do find programs that interest you in the skill center, this could be a great fit for you. Talk to your student advisor and see what options there are for you.
Junior Achievement is another option in school that you could take advantage of to build your business acumen. They are often taught by business leaders in the community. Junior Achievement provides you with real and timely business experience. It will take you through the various steps of production, marketing and sales. You could also find a mentor to help increase your business skills.
Student government will provide you with leadership opportunities. Get involved, even if you don’t get elected, there are numerous volunteer opportunities that you could contribute to that will build your problem-solving skills.
There are ample ways in High school to accomplish what you are looking to do. However, you may have to find them. School clubs is another avenue to find what you are looking for. Does your school or community have a robotics club? They will have a concept and even a marketing team to help promote their club. Find a club in high school that you enjoy and use that to enhance your skill set.
Good luck Dereck in all your future endeavors.
David Walczak, CFA, FRM
5
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
David’s Answer
I would recommend microeconomics and/or macroeconomics if the courses are offered. From a theoretical standpoint, it will give you a good foundation. Plus exposure to concepts that might spark interest.
Any public speaking/debate class or club would be worthwhile as well. No matter your college/career trajectory, being able to communicate clearly, and persuade/influence people, will be beneficial.
Any public speaking/debate class or club would be worthwhile as well. No matter your college/career trajectory, being able to communicate clearly, and persuade/influence people, will be beneficial.
Debbie Pickert
Business Manager
8
Answers
North Bergen, New Jersey
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Ditto to all the others. Try to get a job or an internship in an office to see what it is like. When at the job, ask questions, learn about everyone's role, and take an interest in others. Accounting and economics will give you a good feel for what you like. Definitely a chance to learn Microsoft Excel and if possible Powerpoint. Those will help you become more valuable when you are looking for internships or summer jobs. Lastly, if you have the chance, read the business section of the paper. You may find that your interests become very clear by which articles you are drawn to.
Brandon Dang
217
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
I would recommend talking to the school advisor if possible about classes that can benefit learning about businesses. Typically they have many resources that can help a student to a career path and goal that they wish to achieve. For business you would typically want to take the core classes like Math, and English. The higher math you are in the better such as learning stats. Public speaking/speech classes are typically a go to option to take because in business you will constantly need to interact with others whether they are your clients or team members.
brandon mckissick
inside sales intern
6
Answers
Liberty Hill, Texas
Updated
brandon’s Answer
I would definitely take your basic business classes just to get your feet wet but once something catches your attention, look more indepth in that field. learn what you can talk to people in that field so that way you know what it would be like if it is something you would actually want to. Then you can decide what courses would be best to help you pursue that direction in life.
Pedro Braga
2
Answers
Updated
Pedro’s Answer
Hi Dereck- Your question is broad but I'm going to give you some specific advice based on my experience. I have led teams in Business and sometimes manage interns for the summer as well. One thing that always surprises me is that almost everyone coming out of college has minimal if any Microsoft Excel skills. If you want to be in business one main competency is analyzing data (doesn't matter if your an analyst or a director). The main tool to do that today is excel. You'd be shocked at how many people are paralyzed when they enter the workforce because they don't have basic excel (pivot etc) skills. So I know my advice is a very small portion of an overall question but keep this in mind as you take business classes. Be sure to be proficient in excel before you join the business world.
Best of luck to you!
Best of luck to you!
Holly Tanner
Sales
1
Answer
Placerville, California
Updated
Holly’s Answer
Hi Dereck,
Very good question. Many classes in high school will contribute to helping you in business. Not only the classes like English, Math, Personal Finance and Economics, but also, really focusing on class projects especially group projects or multi-part projects. Those skills are what are referred to as cross transferable skills in the business world as they teach you how to break up projects in small chunks to get started and to build off of that as a foundation. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and individual contribution. All of these experiences and classes are relevant as you go out and find your first job/s and prepare for a career. You'll need to be able to talk about those experiences in a way that demonstrates that you know how to manage projects, your time, encourage group participation, and take a leadership role in getting progress in group projects.
https://www.marlborough.org/news/~board/stem/post/six-business-courses-for-high-school-students
Wishing you great success!
MicroFocus
Very good question. Many classes in high school will contribute to helping you in business. Not only the classes like English, Math, Personal Finance and Economics, but also, really focusing on class projects especially group projects or multi-part projects. Those skills are what are referred to as cross transferable skills in the business world as they teach you how to break up projects in small chunks to get started and to build off of that as a foundation. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and individual contribution. All of these experiences and classes are relevant as you go out and find your first job/s and prepare for a career. You'll need to be able to talk about those experiences in a way that demonstrates that you know how to manage projects, your time, encourage group participation, and take a leadership role in getting progress in group projects.
https://www.marlborough.org/news/~board/stem/post/six-business-courses-for-high-school-students
Wishing you great success!
MicroFocus
Brielle Tolli
Intern, Medicare Part D
2
Answers
Wayne, New Jersey
Updated
Brielle’s Answer
Hi Dereck,
Similar to you, I am someone who loves to create things! I would suggest taking a marketing or advertising class. I was able to learn a lot about the processes that go into selling products and services. I also enjoyed making advertisements and developing new product ideas. By taking my first marketing class my sophomore year of high school, it fueled my passion for business and I ended up majoring in marketing in college! I also would recommend taking an excel class either in school or on your own. I went into college not really having any excel experience and I wish it was taught to me back in high school. Excel is one of the main tools that is used in business so getting familiar with it early on won't hurt! I also took an entrepreneurial class in high school where I was able to learn how to develop my own business and products as well. I think any of these can help you gain skills for business. There are so many things you can do and no matter what business classes you take, you will walk away a more well rounded person and your understanding will grow!
Similar to you, I am someone who loves to create things! I would suggest taking a marketing or advertising class. I was able to learn a lot about the processes that go into selling products and services. I also enjoyed making advertisements and developing new product ideas. By taking my first marketing class my sophomore year of high school, it fueled my passion for business and I ended up majoring in marketing in college! I also would recommend taking an excel class either in school or on your own. I went into college not really having any excel experience and I wish it was taught to me back in high school. Excel is one of the main tools that is used in business so getting familiar with it early on won't hurt! I also took an entrepreneurial class in high school where I was able to learn how to develop my own business and products as well. I think any of these can help you gain skills for business. There are so many things you can do and no matter what business classes you take, you will walk away a more well rounded person and your understanding will grow!