13 answers
brooke
Student
Oak Forest, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
178 views
How do i figure out what exactly i want to do in business ?
so many different business careers
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13 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor and Freelance Writer
494
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You will have to determine what your strengths are in business and focus on that area as far as your education and professional development. This could involve areas like:
*Marketing: Are you creative, have good ideas and are interested in public relations and advertising?
*Finance: Are you good with numbers, accounting, spreadsheets and economic forecasts and investments?
*Management: Are you interested in human resources, personnel management, supply chains and organizational development?
These are some things to consider researching.
*Marketing: Are you creative, have good ideas and are interested in public relations and advertising?
*Finance: Are you good with numbers, accounting, spreadsheets and economic forecasts and investments?
*Management: Are you interested in human resources, personnel management, supply chains and organizational development?
These are some things to consider researching.
Brian Sisco
Media/Marketing Manager
1
Answer
Massapequa, New York
Updated
Brian’s Answer
In my experience Business is a very broad subject. I would recommend learning / reading more about roles in business, and eventually you'll figure out what you want to do. You can always start a job in a certain field of interest (finance / marketing / operations / HR) and choose to change fields.
Heather Stephenson
Sales/Marketing
4
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Business is such a broad term, I agree.
Some things that you might want to consider are what subjects you liked to do in school, are you good at math, do you like writing, are there certain types of companies or industries that you are interested in (ie: sports, environmental, technology)?
Each company typically has sales, marketing, accounting and then many other roles that you have never heard of. Ideally you need to start somewhere - anywhere - just get started.
Once you have joined a company that provides you with an entry-level position, you can learn a role, find out if you like it, and if you don't, that is just as valuable as finding something you do like. Take the opportunity to ask questions to others in the company and find out what they do, and what skills it takes to do it. Approaching things one step at a time allows you to take an overwhelming question of what I want to do with my life, and breaking it up into actionable steps that gets you started. And what you learn in your role will help you with your resume, will help you with your next role, and if you are lucky, you may find a company that encourages their employees to apply for other internal roles and you can try other opportunities to help with finding what you like.
The key is live, learn and adjust as you go. Just get started.
Some things that you might want to consider are what subjects you liked to do in school, are you good at math, do you like writing, are there certain types of companies or industries that you are interested in (ie: sports, environmental, technology)?
Each company typically has sales, marketing, accounting and then many other roles that you have never heard of. Ideally you need to start somewhere - anywhere - just get started.
Once you have joined a company that provides you with an entry-level position, you can learn a role, find out if you like it, and if you don't, that is just as valuable as finding something you do like. Take the opportunity to ask questions to others in the company and find out what they do, and what skills it takes to do it. Approaching things one step at a time allows you to take an overwhelming question of what I want to do with my life, and breaking it up into actionable steps that gets you started. And what you learn in your role will help you with your resume, will help you with your next role, and if you are lucky, you may find a company that encourages their employees to apply for other internal roles and you can try other opportunities to help with finding what you like.
The key is live, learn and adjust as you go. Just get started.
Gaurav Atwal
Senior Manager - Corporate Finance
4
Answers
Novi, Michigan
Updated
Gaurav’s Answer
I found that internships and mentorships provide the greatest path to understanding your strengths and passions. If you have anyone in your community who you look up to that has a good track record in the business field, don't be shy to reach out and ask for advice and create a regular cadence for touch bases with them. In addition to finding a mentor, make sure to leverage the summer for paid or unpaid internships in fields you generally find interesting from college. This allows you to do a test run, build your resume, and ensure you don't make a major step in your career that you may regret years from now.
David J. Liss
Senior Manager - Systems Engineering
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
David J.’s Answer
Hi Brooke! That's a great question. I totally understand how that can be so intimidating. I had no idea what I wanted to do. I took a marketing class in high school and decided that was I wanted to do. Then I got to college and had marketing as a major and that was a disaster.
I ended up changing my major to Justice and Law in my 3rd year of college after 9/11 happened. I then went on to want to be in the FBI and even visited the FBI building in New York City. After that I started a summer internship at a company and ended up making a career out of that by staying for 18 years working in Information Technology.
Know it's ok to change your mind. So many people do and it's easy to explain when that happens.
What kind of helped me after high school was working for a Temp Agency (Kelly Services). By doing this I had exposure to many different environments and offices and working different positions. I did that all through college until I landed the internship and stayed. That's how I determined what I wanted to do. I found something I was good at and continued with it.
I ended up changing my major to Justice and Law in my 3rd year of college after 9/11 happened. I then went on to want to be in the FBI and even visited the FBI building in New York City. After that I started a summer internship at a company and ended up making a career out of that by staying for 18 years working in Information Technology.
Know it's ok to change your mind. So many people do and it's easy to explain when that happens.
What kind of helped me after high school was working for a Temp Agency (Kelly Services). By doing this I had exposure to many different environments and offices and working different positions. I did that all through college until I landed the internship and stayed. That's how I determined what I wanted to do. I found something I was good at and continued with it.
Jerome Dees Jr.
VP of Sales & Board Member For The College Of Adaptive Arts
241
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Lean into things that are meaningful to you or things you are passionate about. I found a lot of joy in helping others and as a result, I have a high paying job that allows me to support my community.
Are you someone who may enjoy being in an office? So you love travel? Maybe you want to be your own boss? There are endless possibilities. Talk with others who work business related jobs and ask about their work and if they enjoy it.
Are you someone who may enjoy being in an office? So you love travel? Maybe you want to be your own boss? There are endless possibilities. Talk with others who work business related jobs and ask about their work and if they enjoy it.
Anthony Kofi Hene-Amoah
Project Analyst/Advisor, Career Advisor, Translator/Editor
126
Answers
Jema, Brong Ahafo Region
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hello!
Please, note the following, concerning how to find what you want to do in business :-
1. Think about all the possible types of business.
2. Consider the extent of your interest and knowledge in each type of business.
3. Favourable marketing conditions for each type.
4. List them in a scale of preferences.
5. Choose the most applicable one.
Best regards.
Please, note the following, concerning how to find what you want to do in business :-
1. Think about all the possible types of business.
2. Consider the extent of your interest and knowledge in each type of business.
3. Favourable marketing conditions for each type.
4. List them in a scale of preferences.
5. Choose the most applicable one.
Best regards.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
259
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
You should make a decision based on your interests and passions. Try to figure out in what field of business you can imagine yourself working and making career advancements? So try to find answers to these questions and better understand yourself.
All the best.
All the best.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1253
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you are interested in business. You are correct that there are many jobs in business, e,g, accounting, finance, HR, Administration, banking, etc. Each of these streams have their own specific knowledge domain.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out more on business related careers and determine what you have interest
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. You may need to take different business subject related to the career. You better explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out more on business related careers and determine what you have interest
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. You may need to take different business subject related to the career. You better explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
186
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
You can find out more about what it might be like to own a business by checking out Dave Ramsey's book EntreLeadership and this workbook (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/2017/14678_sgmb_book_eng.pdf?lang=eng). That can help you see how interested you are in that path or whether you might prefer something related but a little bit different.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
148
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Brooke, how's everything going? I appreciate you reaching out to us. That's a great question you've asked. It's completely okay if you're unsure about the business you want to delve into. Remember, you're still young with the whole world ahead of you. However, if you're keen on learning about business, you can start early by involving yourself in various business activities. You possess a natural flair for business and this will shine through as you progress. It's important to discover a brand or product that resonates with you. Begin on a small scale and watch it flourish. Many successful businesses of today were once small ventures started in garages. Don't hesitate to take risks. After all, business is all about taking calculated risks. While risks are inevitable, you can reduce potential failures by making well-thought-out decisions. Stay resilient, patient, and maintain a strong drive to achieve success in your business journey.
Attend business talks in your school, community or online and learn from them.
Have connections in your community of business leaders small or big entrepreneurs they have many tips to share.
Watch videos of well known businessmen who started small and became big.
Dino recommends the following next steps:
Samantha Caine
Consulting
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Business is such a broad field it's ok to feel unsure about which area you are interested in. A few tips to narrow down what area excites you are:
1. Read books or listen to podcasts by business leaders or about different industries. This is a great way to learn more about various business functions or industries and decide if you want to learn more.
2. Apply for an internship. Think of an internship as a way to try out an industry or business function. Remember it's ok to not like your internship- it's all about learning!
3. Networking. Ask anyone you know in that industry for a coffee chat to learn more about what they do. If you don't know anyone in the industry and you are in school, ask a professor if they can connect you to someone who works in that field. They can be a great resource!
4. Take a class. If you are in school, try registering for a course about an industry or business function. If you're not in school right now, look out for online courses that you can register for.
Good luck with your search!
1. Read books or listen to podcasts by business leaders or about different industries. This is a great way to learn more about various business functions or industries and decide if you want to learn more.
2. Apply for an internship. Think of an internship as a way to try out an industry or business function. Remember it's ok to not like your internship- it's all about learning!
3. Networking. Ask anyone you know in that industry for a coffee chat to learn more about what they do. If you don't know anyone in the industry and you are in school, ask a professor if they can connect you to someone who works in that field. They can be a great resource!
4. Take a class. If you are in school, try registering for a course about an industry or business function. If you're not in school right now, look out for online courses that you can register for.
Good luck with your search!
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Discovering the specific business career that aligns with your interests and goals can be both exciting and challenging. Here are steps to help you navigate this process:
1. **Self-Exploration:**
- Begin by self-assessing your interests, strengths, and values. Reflect on what aspects of business appeal to you the most. Are you drawn to finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, or another area?
2. **Research Business Specializations:**
- Investigate the various business specializations available. Explore careers in finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, supply chain management, operations, consulting, entrepreneurship, and more.
3. **Educational Path:**
- Consider your educational background and preferences. Some business careers may require specific degrees or certifications, while others may offer more flexibility in terms of educational requirements.
4. **Networking:**
- Connect with professionals in different business fields. Attend networking events, seminars, and webinars to gain insights and learn about the day-to-day realities of various careers.
5. **Internships and Entry-Level Positions:**
- Seek internships or entry-level positions in different business areas. Hands-on experience can help you understand the practical aspects of each field and discover what you enjoy most.
6. **Mentorship:**
- Find a mentor who works in a business field that interests you. A mentor can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer valuable career advice.
7. **Online Courses and Workshops:**
- Enroll in online courses or workshops related to different business disciplines. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses to explore.
8. **Volunteer or Side Projects:**
- Engage in volunteer work or side projects related to your areas of interest. This can be an excellent way to gain practical experience and test the waters in different fields.
9. **Informational Interviews:**
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals in various business careers. This allows you to ask questions and learn about their career paths.
10. **Personal Values and Goals:**
- Consider your personal values and long-term career goals. Think about factors like work-life balance, earning potential, job stability, and the impact you want to make in your chosen field.
11. **Trial and Error:**
- Be open to trying different roles within business. It's okay to pivot and explore different paths until you find the one that truly resonates with you.
12. **Continual Learning:**
- Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. The business landscape evolves, and staying up-to-date with industry trends and developments is essential.
13. **Seek Guidance from Career Services:**
- If you're in college or have access to career services, consult with them. They can provide assessments, resources, and guidance to help you identify suitable career paths.
Remember that finding the right business career can be a journey of self-discovery. It's okay to explore different options and make informed decisions along the way. Your path may evolve as you gain more experience and clarity about your interests and goals. The key is to stay open, proactive, and adaptable as you navigate the diverse world of business careers.
1. **Self-Exploration:**
- Begin by self-assessing your interests, strengths, and values. Reflect on what aspects of business appeal to you the most. Are you drawn to finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, or another area?
2. **Research Business Specializations:**
- Investigate the various business specializations available. Explore careers in finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, supply chain management, operations, consulting, entrepreneurship, and more.
3. **Educational Path:**
- Consider your educational background and preferences. Some business careers may require specific degrees or certifications, while others may offer more flexibility in terms of educational requirements.
4. **Networking:**
- Connect with professionals in different business fields. Attend networking events, seminars, and webinars to gain insights and learn about the day-to-day realities of various careers.
5. **Internships and Entry-Level Positions:**
- Seek internships or entry-level positions in different business areas. Hands-on experience can help you understand the practical aspects of each field and discover what you enjoy most.
6. **Mentorship:**
- Find a mentor who works in a business field that interests you. A mentor can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer valuable career advice.
7. **Online Courses and Workshops:**
- Enroll in online courses or workshops related to different business disciplines. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses to explore.
8. **Volunteer or Side Projects:**
- Engage in volunteer work or side projects related to your areas of interest. This can be an excellent way to gain practical experience and test the waters in different fields.
9. **Informational Interviews:**
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals in various business careers. This allows you to ask questions and learn about their career paths.
10. **Personal Values and Goals:**
- Consider your personal values and long-term career goals. Think about factors like work-life balance, earning potential, job stability, and the impact you want to make in your chosen field.
11. **Trial and Error:**
- Be open to trying different roles within business. It's okay to pivot and explore different paths until you find the one that truly resonates with you.
12. **Continual Learning:**
- Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. The business landscape evolves, and staying up-to-date with industry trends and developments is essential.
13. **Seek Guidance from Career Services:**
- If you're in college or have access to career services, consult with them. They can provide assessments, resources, and guidance to help you identify suitable career paths.
Remember that finding the right business career can be a journey of self-discovery. It's okay to explore different options and make informed decisions along the way. Your path may evolve as you gain more experience and clarity about your interests and goals. The key is to stay open, proactive, and adaptable as you navigate the diverse world of business careers.