28 answers
Ava
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
5
Questions
Asked
4108 views
Is a Business Major a good fit?
Hi, I am a junior in High school looking at graduating with an Associate's and hoping to nail down a major. I previously thought about psychology or creative writing but they don't feel like the right fit. I really enjoy writing and want to find a job I can be creative with. I also want a challenge, and something with a changing work pace that keeps me engaged. I was looking at creative directing but I know that is an end game career. What jobs would allow me to pitch ideas, work on projects, or allow me to make ideas into a reality? At the same time I am hoping those projects wouldn't be only numbers on a screen. With this in mind, would business fit? If so, any ideas? I am finding it hard to narrow down any careers. Thank you.
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28 answers
Samantha Wencis
Financial Analyst
3
Answers
Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hello Ava, it certainly appears that the business world could be an excellent fit for your talents. The realm of business is vast and diverse, offering numerous paths to explore. Marketing, in particular, could be an exciting avenue for you to channel your creativity. It would allow you to shift your focus from numbers to more engaging aspects like writing and design. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase your unique skills.
Kristine Rodriguez
Editorial Lead for a think tank
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kristine’s Answer
Hi, Ava--When I read this: "pitch ideas, work on projects, or allow me to make ideas into a reality", I immediately thought of advertising. A really creative field and it's all about pitches, projects, and seeing ideas turn into something more tangible. Public relations is similar, so you might want to consider that also. In an agency environment, you'll work with plenty of other creative people on teams--it'll be long hours but sounds like it might meet your need to bring your creative spirit to life!
Emily Pepper
Financial Analyst
4
Answers
Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi! After hearing about your interests, I think that marketing would be a good major for you to choose. This allows you to be creative and come up with unique marketing campaigns and you don't have to work with numbers a ton. Business is also a good major to choose in college because most universities have you take intro courses to all the business majors, so you can sample each one and see which one is a good fit. If you want to do something more creative not related to business, you could always choose a minor for your interest in creative writing, while majoring in business. This could help you get a job you want in the future, as it would give you a leg up as you have an education in something you're interested in.
Melissa Kell
business consulting
1
Answer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
I think a business major could be a good focus! When I was in undergrad, I had similar interests - and wanted to get into a more creative side of business with a marketing focus. Having a solid business foundation will help with nearly any job you pursue in the future! Based on your description, I would recommend that you explore jobs in marketing - either in-house or at an agency. Both would give you experience in learning the discipline, from different angles. Having done both types of jobs, they each gave me an opportunity to be creative myself, while also surrounding myself with lots of creative thinkers, and seeing ideas put into action!
Nic Beigel
Financial Analyst
4
Answers
Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Updated
Nic’s Answer
Business is a great major for anyone who is unsure on what they want to do with their career. There are by far the most job opportunities out of college for business majors because every job is a part of a business at the end of the day. In terms of all the things you are interested in and hoping to do in a job, there are absolutely opportunities to do those sorts of things with a business major. I would say marketing is probably the closest career path to your interests but the beautiful thing about business is the work experience you have is more important than your degree, so it is very easy to shift jobs across the business environment. For example, people who work in finance can easily shift to roles in sales or operations. Networking is very important in business and if you enjoy meeting new people and building relationships you can build a network where you can find opportunities in all sorts of areas in business.
Justine D
Accounting & Finance
2
Answers
York, Pennsylvania
Updated
Justine’s Answer
Hello Ava,
Choosing a business major could be an excellent choice for you! This field opens up a wide variety of career paths. My advice for you is to seize every opportunity to gain practical experience while you're still pursuing your degree. This hands-on approach will not only give you an idea of what a career in your major would be like, but it may also help you discover a passion in a particular area, prompting you to either switch majors or add a business concentration. Make the most of your summer breaks by securing internships, or tap into your existing connections to explore various career areas through job shadowing.
Choosing a business major could be an excellent choice for you! This field opens up a wide variety of career paths. My advice for you is to seize every opportunity to gain practical experience while you're still pursuing your degree. This hands-on approach will not only give you an idea of what a career in your major would be like, but it may also help you discover a passion in a particular area, prompting you to either switch majors or add a business concentration. Make the most of your summer breaks by securing internships, or tap into your existing connections to explore various career areas through job shadowing.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Ava
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1995
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ava !
It's wonderful that you have given a lot of thought to how you want to spend your future. You have described Advertising, so I would suggest going into advertising or public relations for the duties you mention that you prefer.
If you major in Business find out the exact majors, like Business Management or Business Administration, etc., and other concentrations for Business. You can minor in Mass Media, Communications or anything that will teach the fundamentals of advertising. I have left a link to a list of your local colleges for you to explore. Read their websites and see what exact courses are contained in the Business Major and which schools have a Mass Media program that you can minor in. I would suggest getting your Bachelors degree and than if you have the means to do so, a Masters degree.
There are a wide range of jobs you can have with a business degree and many websites list those careers, but a lot deal with numbers which you said you didn't want. If it was me, I would Major in Communications which would cover a wide range of media. This is because you've said that you want something in which you can be creative and see your ideas become reality. You can go a few different ways. Although a degree in Business is one of those degrees that transfers to several types of work, a lot of first hand reading will help you decide which major is best for what you plan to do. It's great that you have the writing skills already which will only progress when you are in college.
It might be a good idea to visit the various schools as well. You can get a first hand glimpse of what the campus is like and ask questions of the staff and students. See if any of them have an orientation that you can attend. That would bring things to light for you. I would suggest doing this as soon as possible so that perhaps by your senior year next year you can make set plans for a major and college enrollment.
I hope that this was a bit of help and I wish you all the best !
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JOBS WITH A COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE https://www.themuse.com/advice/communications-major-degree-jobs
It's wonderful that you have given a lot of thought to how you want to spend your future. You have described Advertising, so I would suggest going into advertising or public relations for the duties you mention that you prefer.
If you major in Business find out the exact majors, like Business Management or Business Administration, etc., and other concentrations for Business. You can minor in Mass Media, Communications or anything that will teach the fundamentals of advertising. I have left a link to a list of your local colleges for you to explore. Read their websites and see what exact courses are contained in the Business Major and which schools have a Mass Media program that you can minor in. I would suggest getting your Bachelors degree and than if you have the means to do so, a Masters degree.
There are a wide range of jobs you can have with a business degree and many websites list those careers, but a lot deal with numbers which you said you didn't want. If it was me, I would Major in Communications which would cover a wide range of media. This is because you've said that you want something in which you can be creative and see your ideas become reality. You can go a few different ways. Although a degree in Business is one of those degrees that transfers to several types of work, a lot of first hand reading will help you decide which major is best for what you plan to do. It's great that you have the writing skills already which will only progress when you are in college.
It might be a good idea to visit the various schools as well. You can get a first hand glimpse of what the campus is like and ask questions of the staff and students. See if any of them have an orientation that you can attend. That would bring things to light for you. I would suggest doing this as soon as possible so that perhaps by your senior year next year you can make set plans for a major and college enrollment.
I hope that this was a bit of help and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Michelle!
Ava
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Ava,
From what you have shared- graphic design, marketing and communications come to mind. I had similar interests to you. I was a communications major with a creative writing minor. What I loved about communications was it had a lot of cross over with the theatre major and I was able to take some really great theatre courses. My favorite I took was an education theatre course that helped run a weeklong theatre summer camp for kids. What I think will be most helpful to you is finding some internships that align with your interests. Business and Communications are both general degrees that need to be paired with experience. I would look into internships to help guide you in your career exploration. I suggest looking at Disney Professional Internships since they have many creative aligned internships.
I hope this helps!
From what you have shared- graphic design, marketing and communications come to mind. I had similar interests to you. I was a communications major with a creative writing minor. What I loved about communications was it had a lot of cross over with the theatre major and I was able to take some really great theatre courses. My favorite I took was an education theatre course that helped run a weeklong theatre summer camp for kids. What I think will be most helpful to you is finding some internships that align with your interests. Business and Communications are both general degrees that need to be paired with experience. I would look into internships to help guide you in your career exploration. I suggest looking at Disney Professional Internships since they have many creative aligned internships.
I hope this helps!
Kitten Bailey
Design & Product Photography
1
Answer
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Kitten’s Answer
It's great that you are exploring career options and in that journey you will discover things that fit and those that don't by interviewing some local businesses in your area. You might detour during the process, but that's how we learn, from those experiences.
There are many avenues for creative writing and there is a demand for it, particularly in social media. You can explore the world of digital ebooks with Kindle as well. The possibilities are endless. Research types of creative writing or look through a job search engine for salary ideas.
Since the world of psychology is also of interest, with your creativity and leadership skills, you might investigate Art Therapy. It is a lucrative career that helps a lot process trauma and emotions through art. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN has a library of information that would be a good resource for you. If you're unable to visit them, they can mail you educational materials.
Here is a link for information to see if it might be of interest.
Good luck in your exploration toward your future goals.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/the-intersection-of-art-and-health-how-art-can-help-promote-well-being/
There are many avenues for creative writing and there is a demand for it, particularly in social media. You can explore the world of digital ebooks with Kindle as well. The possibilities are endless. Research types of creative writing or look through a job search engine for salary ideas.
Since the world of psychology is also of interest, with your creativity and leadership skills, you might investigate Art Therapy. It is a lucrative career that helps a lot process trauma and emotions through art. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN has a library of information that would be a good resource for you. If you're unable to visit them, they can mail you educational materials.
Here is a link for information to see if it might be of interest.
Good luck in your exploration toward your future goals.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/the-intersection-of-art-and-health-how-art-can-help-promote-well-being/
Hilary Doncaster
Merchandise Hostess
4
Answers
Clermont, Florida
Updated
Hilary’s Answer
Hello Ava --
Oh WOW. You have a lot of great skill sets. How about Marketing ? Marketing is creative in creation of ideas.
Business has several careers to consider. Project Managers in all disciplines also have to be creative to achieve their goals.
Business has many avenues that you can explore. Look into several schools to see what types of business degrees they offer. That will give you an idea of what opportunities may interest you.
Oh WOW. You have a lot of great skill sets. How about Marketing ? Marketing is creative in creation of ideas.
Business has several careers to consider. Project Managers in all disciplines also have to be creative to achieve their goals.
Business has many avenues that you can explore. Look into several schools to see what types of business degrees they offer. That will give you an idea of what opportunities may interest you.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
800
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Ava, I appreciate you asking your question. I do understand that choosing a major is somewhat difficult. I fully comprehend that settling on a major might be a challenging task. However, it's commendable that you're delving into potential majors and pondering your future profession. It's vital to take into account your interests and ambitions when making this important choice.
Opting for a Business Major can offer a blend of adaptability and satisfaction, opening doors for creativity, project coordination, and the realization of ideas, particularly in fields like Marketing, Advertising, or Brand Management. I would suggest you look into specializations within business programs, with an emphasis on areas such as Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or Management, as these often encourage inventive thinking. Business Strategy, Product Development, or Entrepreneurial Ventures might be courses that align with your interests.
Although the role of a creative director might be viewed as a final career goal, acquiring skills and experience in business-related positions can lay the groundwork for such aspirations. Many accomplished creative directors boast varied backgrounds in business and marketing. To ensure your projects yield tangible results, consider engaging in practical roles in Project Management, Product Development, or even kick-starting your entrepreneurial ventures.
Feeling uncertain about refining your career options is completely normal at this point. Make the most of internships, informational interviews, and career exploration opportunities to gather insights for well-informed decision-making about your future.
Always keep in mind that a Business Major could be a perfect match for your creative and ambitious objectives. Investigate various specializations and career trajectories within business to discover the niche that resonates most with you. Remember, your journey is about finding what brings you joy and aligns with your passions.
Opting for a Business Major can offer a blend of adaptability and satisfaction, opening doors for creativity, project coordination, and the realization of ideas, particularly in fields like Marketing, Advertising, or Brand Management. I would suggest you look into specializations within business programs, with an emphasis on areas such as Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or Management, as these often encourage inventive thinking. Business Strategy, Product Development, or Entrepreneurial Ventures might be courses that align with your interests.
Although the role of a creative director might be viewed as a final career goal, acquiring skills and experience in business-related positions can lay the groundwork for such aspirations. Many accomplished creative directors boast varied backgrounds in business and marketing. To ensure your projects yield tangible results, consider engaging in practical roles in Project Management, Product Development, or even kick-starting your entrepreneurial ventures.
Feeling uncertain about refining your career options is completely normal at this point. Make the most of internships, informational interviews, and career exploration opportunities to gather insights for well-informed decision-making about your future.
Always keep in mind that a Business Major could be a perfect match for your creative and ambitious objectives. Investigate various specializations and career trajectories within business to discover the niche that resonates most with you. Remember, your journey is about finding what brings you joy and aligns with your passions.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
800
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Ava, first thank you for asking such an insightful questions and for providing such details. In my opinion a career path is indeed a crucial decision, and your careful consideration of this is admirable. From the information you've shared, it's clear that your love for writing, creativity, and a vibrant work environment makes you a perfect candidate for a Business Major.
A Business Major is versatile and opens up a wide range of opportunities for those who are keen to use their creativity in a professional setting. Roles such as Marketing Manager, Brand Strategist, and Product Development Specialist might be a great fit for you as they involve pitching ideas, working on innovative projects, and turning ideas into reality. These roles offer a unique combination of creative input and strategic contribution towards a company's goals.
Moreover, a Business Major can lead to roles in Entrepreneurship or Business Development, where your creative thinking is crucial in starting and expanding businesses. These roles' dynamic nature aligns perfectly with your preference for a varied work pace and the challenge you're looking for.
Importantly, the business world is not just about numbers. Many roles require analytical thinking and creative problem-solving. Jobs in Business Consulting or Management Consulting, for example, involve creating strategies and implementing solutions that go beyond numerical data.
The bottom line is that a Business Major is a perfect match for your desire for a challenging, creative, and dynamic career. It provides opportunities to pitch ideas, work on exciting projects, and bring your creative ideas to life. As you continue your academic journey, consider looking for internships and networking opportunities to gain practical experience in your specific areas of interest within the business world.
A Business Major is versatile and opens up a wide range of opportunities for those who are keen to use their creativity in a professional setting. Roles such as Marketing Manager, Brand Strategist, and Product Development Specialist might be a great fit for you as they involve pitching ideas, working on innovative projects, and turning ideas into reality. These roles offer a unique combination of creative input and strategic contribution towards a company's goals.
Moreover, a Business Major can lead to roles in Entrepreneurship or Business Development, where your creative thinking is crucial in starting and expanding businesses. These roles' dynamic nature aligns perfectly with your preference for a varied work pace and the challenge you're looking for.
Importantly, the business world is not just about numbers. Many roles require analytical thinking and creative problem-solving. Jobs in Business Consulting or Management Consulting, for example, involve creating strategies and implementing solutions that go beyond numerical data.
The bottom line is that a Business Major is a perfect match for your desire for a challenging, creative, and dynamic career. It provides opportunities to pitch ideas, work on exciting projects, and bring your creative ideas to life. As you continue your academic journey, consider looking for internships and networking opportunities to gain practical experience in your specific areas of interest within the business world.
deborah kania, bfa, mba
Marketing
73
Answers
New Bern, North Carolina
Updated
deborah’s Answer
Hello Ava! Based on my experience, it looks like an Advertising or Marketing career would be in your future. So, yes a Business Major could be a great step in preparing for a related career.
You will want to research colleges that have strong Marketing or Advertising programs within their College of Business. It will tap into your interest in creativity and psychology, and leverage it in a marketing job. Some example jobs:
Marketing - marketing manager, product manager, social media manager, marketing communications manager
Advertising/promotion - account executive in agency, or advertising manager with a company
I hope you find my answer helpful to you. Good luck!
You will want to research colleges that have strong Marketing or Advertising programs within their College of Business. It will tap into your interest in creativity and psychology, and leverage it in a marketing job. Some example jobs:
Marketing - marketing manager, product manager, social media manager, marketing communications manager
Advertising/promotion - account executive in agency, or advertising manager with a company
I hope you find my answer helpful to you. Good luck!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ava
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Ava,
I am really impressed by the way you consider your future and career options! It’s obvious that you have an aesthetic nature and creative personality traits. NO matter which industry you will work in, do keep writing and developing your artistic skills. What refers to generating and realizing ideas, there are various options for that goal. Based on the way you write and interpret reality, I think the academic/research career may be right for you. Being a researcher or lecturer, you will be able to work on scientific and academic projects, suggesting and implementing different ideas. You can also become a journalist, representing different life stories, evaluating them, and helping others be heard by your profession.
When it comes to business career, it definitely can give you opportunities to generate and implement ideas: Creativity is necessary in every field, and business creativity is a common term these days. So consider each option in detail and decide which one can be a better career path for you.
I wish you all the best.
I am really impressed by the way you consider your future and career options! It’s obvious that you have an aesthetic nature and creative personality traits. NO matter which industry you will work in, do keep writing and developing your artistic skills. What refers to generating and realizing ideas, there are various options for that goal. Based on the way you write and interpret reality, I think the academic/research career may be right for you. Being a researcher or lecturer, you will be able to work on scientific and academic projects, suggesting and implementing different ideas. You can also become a journalist, representing different life stories, evaluating them, and helping others be heard by your profession.
When it comes to business career, it definitely can give you opportunities to generate and implement ideas: Creativity is necessary in every field, and business creativity is a common term these days. So consider each option in detail and decide which one can be a better career path for you.
I wish you all the best.
Kim Bauerlein
Talent Acquisition - Candidate Sourcing/Identification
12
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Great question! Based on your interests, it sounds like a career in marketing or advertising could be a good fit for you. In these fields, you would have the opportunity to pitch creative ideas, work on projects, and see your ideas come to life. You could work in a variety of industries, from fashion to technology to food and beverage.
Within marketing and advertising, there are a variety of roles you could pursue. Some options include:
- Copywriter: In this role, you would write copy for ads, websites, and other marketing materials. You would need to be creative and have a way with words.
- Art director: As an art director, you would be responsible for the visual elements of a campaign. You would work with designers and photographers to create ads, billboards, and other materials.
- Brand manager: In this role, you would be responsible for developing and executing a brand's marketing strategy. You would need to be able to think creatively and strategically.
- Social media manager: As a social media manager, you would be responsible for creating and executing a brand's social media strategy. You would need to be creative and have a good understanding of social media platforms.
Business could also be a good fit for you, particularly if you're interested in entrepreneurship. As a business owner, you would have the opportunity to be creative and work on projects that interest you. You could start your own business or work for a startup.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out what career is right for you is to gain experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. This will give you a better sense of what you enjoy and what you're good at. Good luck!
Within marketing and advertising, there are a variety of roles you could pursue. Some options include:
- Copywriter: In this role, you would write copy for ads, websites, and other marketing materials. You would need to be creative and have a way with words.
- Art director: As an art director, you would be responsible for the visual elements of a campaign. You would work with designers and photographers to create ads, billboards, and other materials.
- Brand manager: In this role, you would be responsible for developing and executing a brand's marketing strategy. You would need to be able to think creatively and strategically.
- Social media manager: As a social media manager, you would be responsible for creating and executing a brand's social media strategy. You would need to be creative and have a good understanding of social media platforms.
Business could also be a good fit for you, particularly if you're interested in entrepreneurship. As a business owner, you would have the opportunity to be creative and work on projects that interest you. You could start your own business or work for a startup.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out what career is right for you is to gain experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. This will give you a better sense of what you enjoy and what you're good at. Good luck!
Stefan Buckley
Finance Analyst
3
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Stefan’s Answer
Hello Ava,
Your post clearly reflects your creative spirit and the quest to find a major that can harness this creativity for a fruitful future. I believe a business major could be an excellent fit for you. This choice offers the opportunity to explore diverse aspects of business, ranging from marketing and accounting to communications and more.
Drawing from my own college experience, I was initially uncertain about my major. However, introductory classes played a pivotal role in helping me discover my strengths and passions. I trust you'll find a similar path.
Remember, your chosen major is not a limitation but a launchpad. It doesn't confine you to specific career paths post-college. It's just a stepping stone towards your broader career journey. I hope you find this advice useful and encouraging.
Your post clearly reflects your creative spirit and the quest to find a major that can harness this creativity for a fruitful future. I believe a business major could be an excellent fit for you. This choice offers the opportunity to explore diverse aspects of business, ranging from marketing and accounting to communications and more.
Drawing from my own college experience, I was initially uncertain about my major. However, introductory classes played a pivotal role in helping me discover my strengths and passions. I trust you'll find a similar path.
Remember, your chosen major is not a limitation but a launchpad. It doesn't confine you to specific career paths post-college. It's just a stepping stone towards your broader career journey. I hope you find this advice useful and encouraging.
Christopher Adeniji
Architect | Entrepreneur | Technocrat
41
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated