Stella Trout, a graduate of Herzing and now a current Master of Business Administration (MBA) student has learned many valuable lessons throughout her educational journey at Herzing. Stella shares her story along with advice to help current and prospective business students succeed:
Stella’s Career Journey
I began my college career in 2009. I was majoring in education, but quickly developed a passion for math. I started considering other career possibilities. While I did love teaching, business was where I truly wanted to start my career, but the truth was, I faced doubt about my decision to change career paths. Sadly, I was also met with criticism. However, choosing to pursue my passion, even though I was venturing into uncharted territory, was one of the decisions I am most proud of.
When it comes to getting a degree in business, here are five things that I believe every business student, or those considering entering the field, should know:
1. Understand the basics.
Your first courses are essential to advancing in the field and will help you successfully grasp concepts you’ll learn in more detail in later courses. These classes may be at a foundational level, but it’s vital to treat them as if they are your lifeline to complete the program.
2. Absorb as much knowledge as possible in microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Take notes, memorize vocabulary and keep all of this information in an easily accessible location. What you learn in these courses are invaluable and referenced more times than I can count in the coming semesters. Getting the right answer is not enough – it’s vital to understand the information in these classes (and preferably all courses), as they are the foundation of understanding the economy, which has a direct effect on businesses. Take time to refresh yourself on these courses from time to time.
3. Be detail-oriented.
All courses require attention to detail. Getting organized and managing your time properly can help you keep track of all the little details, whether it’s an assignment that’s due or a test you have to study for. Learn to manage your responsibilities so nothing falls through the cracks by finding organizational tactics that work for you, such as writing due dates and assignments in a planner or keeping track of everything on your smartphone.
4. Learn to think creatively.
While it’s important to think analytically when it comes to business, creativity should not be overlooked. Thinking outside the box can produce innovative solutions to common challenges, and can be a competitive advantage in the workforce. Practice critical thinking in each of your courses to build that creative muscle.
5. Be open to career options.
Business is a versatile degree, providing job opportunities that range from marketing director to sales manager, management analyst, financial clerk and more. If you know you want to major in business, but you have not decided on a specific career path, don’t worry! Your options are certainly not limited. As you complete your degree, you may start to realize which courses interest you the most and you can start to narrow your career focus.
I began as a student who second-guessed nearly everything. I lacked self-confidence and had underestimated myself in all aspects of life. Just over one year later, I am a different person. I completed my college degree online while maintaining a job and being a mother.
The staff at Herzing was and still is my biggest fan. The university’s faculty and staff not only invested in my life academically but became my motivation to keep moving forward. My team of advisors and coaches never let me down or treated me as just another student or number. The difference these people have made in my life is beyond what words can explain. I can say without hesitation that submitting my information that Sunday evening to talk to a Herzing advisor was the beginning of a journey that restored hope, drive and happiness into my life.
Interested in starting your career in business? Learn about Herzing’s business degree programs to begin today.
Learn More About Our Business Programs
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
