Business Student Story Insights
BrainTrack's Business Schools Scholarships have received many inspiring "student stories" that offered revealing insights in response to the essay questions on the application. While winning stories are selected based on the creativity, focus, accuracy, practical value and overall thoughtfulness of responses to essay questions, our staff concluded that there were many helpful suggestions and thoughtful perspectives contained within the received essays that would be valuable for all prospective and current business students. The following is a snapshot of the responses we have received to the questions posed.
What Students Wish They Had Known | Helpful Hints |
Program Likes/Dislikes | How Students Chose Business
What do you wish you had known about selecting and entering your business school that would be helpful to others going into business?
Many of the essay respondents expressed regrets that they hadn't researched enough about the school they chose to attend, and the resources offered there. Several of them said that if they had known how supportive their professors and fellow students were going to be, they would have started sooner. Other suggestions from the business students included:
Explore the possibilities - Business students receive exposure to the many aspects of business, including marketing, finance, management, entrepreneurship, and information systems. There's something for all different personality types, and plenty of room to explore. Regardless of what business students end up doing after graduation, they report that they believe that their business schooling will give them a competitive advantage and important foundation.
Listen to advisors (with caution) - Student advisors have a wealth of knowledge about how things work in programs, and can make recommendations on how to balance course load and avoid difficult course combinations. They can help make sure that all program requirements are met. They also can send students down the wrong path, so being self-advised can be a smart choice, although it takes more work.
Research resources early on - There are so many opportunities available to first year students that get overlooked because of other demands on their time. Look into attending business events, listening to guest lecturers, joining student groups and clubs, and other activities outside the classroom. By doing so, beginning students create opportunities to meet and receive mentorship from upperclassmen, faculty and career consultants. This in turn can help students find their niche in the business world earlier in the process.
Be creative - Choosing a major is just one part of setting up the proper education. Consider how second majors, minors, customized majors, and partnerships between business departments and other departments in the college or university can provide the best preparation in areas of particular interest.
Study groups - Working in small teams can not only be very helpful with understanding material, but in broadening perspectives and introducing fresh ideas.
Tips for Preparing to Enter Business School
Get a preview - Take some continued education courses in business management or accounting to give business school a "trial run" and see if it's a good match. Be sure the credits will apply toward a degree.
Don't underestimate math - Keep in mind that although business is not all accounting, colleges and universities require that all students take core courses in math, and business programs have their own requirements as well. Focus on getting a good grasp of math principles in high school to avoid frustration in college.
Experiential learning - Get practical experience in business through employment, volunteering, shadowing, joining a club, business leadership and entrepreneurship programs through high schools and local universities, etc. before starting school to test the waters and identify areas of special interest.
Accreditation and employability - Make sure both the program and the school are accredited, which certifies that rigorous standards have been met. Being a graduate from an Association of Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited business school is often preferred by employers. Research the local and national reputation of the school and program as well.
Class size - It's important to find programs where class sizes are as small as possible, because developing relationships with professors and fellow students is one of the most important parts of business school.
Tuition transparency - The school and program should be clear about costs of tuition, fees and other program costs and how much debt the student will accrue during school. Equal access to and in-depth information about all available financial resources such as loans, scholarships, grants and work study should be readily provided.
Evaluate time investment - Compare the pace of various degree programs. Accelerated programs can help students get out into the business world faster, but are more demanding. Taking the required core courses for a bachelor's degree can delay being able to dig in to desired business courses for a year or two. Attending school part time can help balance responsibilities to family and work.
What have you enjoyed most and least during your business degree program so far?
Students found the demands of school work, the stress of wanting to succeed, and watching fellow students struggle to be some of the most difficult elements of their degree program. A majority found having to take required core courses that didn't seem relevant to career goals to be detractors. Some were disappointed that their programs didn't provide enough courses in areas of particular interest, or that their courses were focusing on technologies and methods that would be obsolete by the time they graduated.
Positive aspects of their degree programs included:
Gaining a deeper insight into how the world works, and developing skills that will help not just in business but in life such as leadership, ethics and communication
Being surrounded by bright fellow students with similar career goals who were not afraid to express their ideas, and professors who challenged their students to question their perceptions and fulfill their potential
Learning highly relevant and practical information tailored for specific interests, as compared to obligatory learning just to make a grade
Seeing positive changes happen through practical experience on campus or in local communities
Earning awards and honors while in school
What led you to choose business as a career path?
A majority of the business students who responded were interested in either accounting or entrepreneurship. While some were inspired by mentors (teachers, family and friends), most described business school as a practical means to an end -- a platform for building solid careers and fulfilling goals, including:
Having the freedom that comes with entrepreneurship to manage time, set goals, establish reputation, and help others
Pursuing a talent for business that seemed to come naturally
Carrying on a family tradition of entrepreneurship or business
Creating a product of value and business of merit that can affect positive change in local business communities and regional economies