Business, from what I have read and seen, is the most popular college major. At my school, business students make up approximately 25% of the entire student population. However, in my experience, I have seen that a lot of college students decide to major in business just because they believe it is a broad degree that could land them a variety of jobs. In many cases this is because they are not exactly sure what they want to do in terms of a career. A prime example of this that I saw first-hand was my three suite-mates from last year. All three were the stereotypical college jocks that liked to party, had no serious focus on their studies, and were way more concerned with playing sports than focusing on their future career plans. I don’t know why, though. Even Stevie Wonder could see that these guys were not professional sports material. They even told me that they were majoring in business because they thought it would be easy and they could “get pretty much any job they want.” It seems that there are many students who find their way to business for reasons similar to this, and not for reasons relating to a passion or desire to work in the business world. So my main concern and question is, with the job market flooded with so many college graduates who major in business but without a true desire to do so, how can a graduate who truly has the passion for business separate themselves from all of the competition? I guess this question would apply mainly to the process of applying for and interviewing for jobs right out of school. Of course I understand having internships and work experience on a resume that others do not have would separate one person from the competition, but I am more curious about certain skill sets or abilities that others might not have or be so strong with. For example, I read one post where an individual mentioned that great writing skills can really help a business graduate stand out from the competition because many graduates today are not as strong of writers as they used to be. Are there other skill sets like good writing/grammar that might be beneficial in standing out from all of the other business graduates?
The term business varies greatly, it depends if you’re talking about marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, MIS, and so on…
Something that might help you stand out that fits your description would be starting your own company.
So if I understood correctly, you’re interested in majoring in business but you’re worried it’s an over-saturated job market? What exactly do you want to do for work?
Some things that can help you to stand out might include:
–High GPA will show you are a serious student – some firms require a minimum GPA to get an interview.
–A professional looking resume – work with career services.
–If you are going for an interview, research the company before your interview.
–Your choice of major is important (ex. accounting, finance, MIS majors may get more opportunities than business administration majors)
–Internship experience as you noted can help set you apart – and may be an entry into a full time job.
–Strong communication/interpersonal skills will help both in the interview and in a work environment.
–ECs - being active in your school and/or community is always viewed as a positive.
If you’re doing accounting and/or finance like me, strong writing skills are highly desired. Accountants are numbers people, meaning that they are likely to be bad at writing. Having good writing skills with these Majors will make you stand out to potential employers.
@“Couldn’t Think of One” careful about stereotyping accountants as “bad at writing” or anything else. We come in all flavors.
I’m long-time CPA, who surfs every most morning before work (even during tax season). I have excellent communications skills, having taught at UC Irvine Extension for 10+ years. And I write “really, really good.”