If you are thinking about getting a business degree, you are not alone. According to recent data published by Niche, this is the most preferred path among high school graduates. And if we look back a few years, we can see that this has been a common trend for some time now.
A business degree prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities. But the fact that it is so popular these days means that you need to invest in developing the skills that will help you stand out from the crowd. You need to think about the path you want to take, so you can start building your skills while you are still in high school.
In this article, we will explore the various traditional subjects that will make things easier for you. We will also look at other subjects that are not as obvious but will have an impact on your success. We will also take a closer look at how after-school activities can help.
Traditional Subjects That Will Make Things Easier
If you are thinking of enrolling in a business degree program you need to start taking action today. As a high school student, you can take full advantage of certain subjects that will help you demonstrate your aptitude for business.
While there are no required courses you must take, our experience has helped us understand which programmes will give you a good foundation. Remember, this is the first step in a successful career.
We understand that making choices can feel overwhelming. But we are here to help you with information based on what the best business schools require for their business programmes.
Mathematics
Most business programmes require some type of maths. For example, algebra is the foundation for skills such as pricing, accounting, budgeting, and more. Studying probability helps you understand the concepts of risk and strategy so you can make more informed decisions. This subject also lays down the foundation for interpreting data and identifying patterns.
In other words, maths skills are important for any business degree. It provides the foundation for developing the ability to analyse and interpret numbers. It helps you understand complex business analysis, financial modeling, and strategic decision-making.
Don’t let a fear of maths stop you from getting the degree you’ve always wanted. Embrace it and start preparing in high school!
Economics
Many high schools don’t offer classes to prepare you for the entrepreneur world or to handle business management. But they do give you the option to enroll in economics courses. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity.
It will help you lay the groundwork for economic principles, consumer behavior, and business concepts that will be introduced in the first few months of business school.
Business Studies
Business studies programmes are designed to train high school students in many areas relevant to the nature of business management. They cover areas such as communication and entrepreneurial skills, marketing, budgeting and accounting, principles of finance and investment, project management, etc.
Accounting
Studies show that those who take at least one accounting course in high school are more successful in pre-university programmes. If you are thinking about pursuing a business degree, you should consider this option.
Accounting courses will train you in:
- Financial literacy and management
- Accounting principles
- Budgeting
- Financial planning
- And how to interpret financial statements.
Less Obvious but Beneficial Subject Choices
So far we have explained the most obvious subjects you should take while you are still in high school. But, there are others you should consider as they will play a key part in your preparation process for a business degree.
Foreign Languages
Choosing a new language to learn can be daunting; there are so many different options, each with its benefits and challenges. But for a business degree, it can be very useful to consider Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, or French. Along with English, they are the most widely spoken languages in the business world.
Adding at least one of them to your resume will improve your communication skills and cultural understanding of international markets.
Law
You may think it’s a bit odd that we’ve included law in this list, but these types of programmes are designed to give you a basic understanding of the ethics and law necessary to understand how to deal with legal issues in the workplace.
Legal courses also help you lay the groundwork for understanding contracts, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
Information Technology
We live in a digital world, and let’s face it, to be successful you need to understand how IT systems and various technology tools work.
These programmes will also help you develop skills such as:
- Attention to detail
- Problem identification and creative solutions
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Communication
Plus, chances are you will be working in some kind of technology-driven business shortly. So it’s always good to understand the key concepts, processes, and strategies of the field.
Environmental Studies
Every year we see more and more companies taking corporate social responsibility and sustainability more seriously. Adding training and experience in this area can make your profile more attractive to recruiters and organisations looking to improve their environmental performance.
Psychology
Business management is all about human interactions. As a business graduate, you will use it to:
- Understand your customers and their behavior.
- Manage your employees.
- Motivate them to be better at what they do.
Enrolling in a psychology course in high school will be extremely beneficial. They are designed to teach you skills related to:
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Team management
- Business relationships
Rounding out with extracurriculars
Business is one of the most popular careers among high school students. As a candidate considering this career path, you need to start working early to make your profile robust and stand out from the rest.
You want to add skills and education that most applicants don’t have. This is where after-school activities can help.
Improving Confidence and Communication
First, you need to focus on improving your confidence level and communication skills. They both allow you to:
- Build rapport with your teammates and future stakeholders.
- Create consensus when deciding on an important matter.
- Communicate new ideas and processes.
- Build effective teams
- And more.
Here is a short list of various extracurricular activities that will help you gain these skills. As you will see, they all revolve around the art of public speaking.
You can choose the one you like best. They will all, in one way or another, help you overcome nervousness, build confidence, refine your speaking skills, and give you the ability to think on your feet and communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
- Debate teams
- Public speaking clubs (e.g., Toastmasters)
- Theatre or drama club
- Model United Nations (MUN)
Internships and Volunteering
Going beyond the classroom is a great way to show how invested you are in your professional future and the industry. Plus, it’s always good to get some real-world experience before you make a final decision on what degree to pursue.
Think of it as a new way to learn and develop skills that you can’t get in an educational programme. It will also help you build your professional network and discover new opportunities that you would not otherwise have.
Take the time to analyse and consider the following options:
- Business internships
- Start-up experience
- Non-profit volunteering
- Community service projects
Research and Self-Learning
Another great option is to focus on an area of the business that interests you the most: strategy, finance, human resources, sales, project management, marketing, technology, innovation, and market trends.
Do some research on all of them and choose the one you think you might want to work on one day. Then focus on learning the most about it.
- Staying informed about current trends and strategies.
- Learning insights into successful business practices.
- Reading in-depth analyses of market trends, case studies, and emerging business theories.
There are many different ways you can do so.
- Read business books and journals: Harvard Business Review, The Economist, Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fast Company, Fortune, Ad Week, Entrepreneur.
- Take online courses and webinars: At Immerse Education we have different online programmes on business management designed for high school students considering this career path.
- Networking
- Mentorship
- Joining business blubs or societies
- Participating in business competitions such as Conrad Challenge, Blue Ocean High School Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition, and Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (GYEC).
- Following industry leaders and influencers such as Tim Cook (Apple), Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook), Bob Iger (Disney), Simon Sinek, Gary Vaynerchuck (Vayner Media), Reed Hastings (Netflix), Mary Barra (General Motors), Reshma Saujani (Girls Who Code), and Jack Ma (Alibaba).
Different Career Paths: How to Leverage What You’ve Done Already
A business degree opens the door to many different career paths and opportunities.
Understanding what each represents and the types of jobs associated with them will help you create a clear career plan and start acting on it in your late teens.
You want to focus on the education and experience that will make your profile more attractive to potential hiring managers.
Traditional Business Careers
If you plan to work in the world of corporate management, you could focus on completing leadership courses and internships. The former will help you develop foundational skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. The latter gives you real-world experience that reinforces what you learn in the classroom.
But if your area of interest is finance, you should consider adding certifications (CFA or CPA) to your profile. They demonstrate your knowledge of the field and are living proof of your commitment to getting better at what you do.
If you are interested in marketing, your plan must include training and different ways to develop your creative side and learn how digital marketing channels work and how people behave on them.
Consulting and Strategic Analysis
There are different steps you need to take so you can go from being a business graduate to working as a consultant or analyst.
What you need to do first is decide on how you are going to enter the market. It can either be through an internship or a full-time position. The decision mostly depends on what the market has to offer and what you are willing to take. Then, you need to create your cover letter and a resume specific to this type of role.
The third step would be to start doing some networking. Focus on consultants you know who are working on different firms. Chance are you will find your next interview, and job, thanks to one of them.
- Talk with them about their experience in the firm.
- Ask them for tips and advice.
- Be straight with them, and let them know you are looking for their referral.
Don’t limit your applications to top firms (McKinsey or Deloitte). You want to gain experience, learn from others, get a proven track of records, and build a profile that’s robust enough so they can consider it.
And lastly, it’s time for you to prepare for interviews:
- Be authentic
- Ask questions
- Tell stories
- Keep your answers interesting
- Use your own words
- Use the information you have gathered from your network and research.
Keep in mind that internships and case competitions are likely to give you an advantage over the rest of the applicants. And, in some cases, you will find the potential need for an advanced degree like an MBA.
Entrepreneurship and Start-Ups
If you are considering diving into the entrepreneur world, then you should start planning. Gain some business skills that will come in handy as you start leading your new organisation.
Focus on getting skills such as:
- Business management
- Teamwork and leadership
- Critical and strategic thinking
- Communication
- Customer service
- Finance
- Problem-solving
And remember, it’s never too early to start your own business. Think about it: Google, Facebook, Snapchat, WordPress, and FedEx were all founded by college students.
We encourage you to start small, but keep your goals high. Consider developing an app or website, selling handmade products, starting a moving company, offering an errand-running service, or even launching a language-learning startup.
There’s a lot you can do as a student with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Emerging Fields and Interdisciplinary Roles
As you have read, there are many different career paths in the business world, including emerging fields and interdisciplinary roles.
- Sustainability and CSR: We’ve said it before, as a business graduate you can excel at leading corporate social responsibility initiatives. It’s a trend that’s here to stay, as it’s proven to be good not only for the planet we live on but also for the company itself. It helps build a positive public image that encourages consumers to choose one brand over another.
- Data Analytics: Business graduates with good data analysis skills can stand out from other candidates because they can bring valuable insights to any organisation. After all, every company needs someone who can collect and analyse data to make more informed decisions based on market needs and customer behavior.
- Tech Industry: Today we live in a digital world and this trend is not going anywhere. If you want to be successful on this path, you need to understand the digital transformation that companies are going through and acquire project and product management skills. This will not only set you apart but will also make your job easier.
International Business and Trade
Technology is also helping to break down borders and make this a connected world. Adding languages and cultural skills will help you understand how to manage relationships with business partners anywhere in the world. A great place to start is by studying abroad or doing an international internship.
In the long run, this will help you explore career options in global trade (arbitrator, business development manager, external auditor, financial trader, human resources, etc.) and open doors to opportunities across different sectors and industries.
Public Sector and Non-Profit Management
Finally, a business degree and some experience as a student can help you pursue a career in public sector and nonprofit management.
Every year, we see recruiters looking to hire business graduates (MBA encouraged) with experience in nonprofit work to handle a variety of responsibilities in these organisations.
Responsibilities include fundraising, grant writing, organising events, tracking expenses, maximising profits, cutting losses, and creating and implementing sustainability plans.
Final Thoughts
Whatever path you choose, it’s useful to start planning and working toward it while you’re still in high school. The classes you take, the extracurricular activities you participate in, and the jobs you hold should be aligned with your career goal. It’s never too early to start adding eye-catching skills to your profile.If you need help finding out, we encourage you to take a look at the courses we offer at Immerse Education. Designed by faculty from some of the world’s top universities, they will train you in a variety of subjects including writing, technology, marketing, business management, and modern business organisations. Explore our career-led business summer programme today.
