Many people graduate from high school or even college without really knowing what they want to do with their lives. After graduation or perhaps following a few years out in the working world, you might decide that you’d like to work in business. Maybe you have something specific in mind, like accounting, or maybe you just have a general ambition to succeed in something business-oriented. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or you’re contemplating a career change, the steps below can get you closer to success.
Consider an Undergraduate Degree
If you don’t have an undergraduate degree at all, you’ll need one. Majoring in business is a good idea, whether you choose a specific focus or seek a more general degree, such as one in business administration. If you already have a degree and you are changing careers, whether or not you need to go back to school will vary based on what your degree is and what field you are changing into. Keep in mind that community colleges and online classes can be good opportunities to take courses at a lower cost and more conveniently. You can find out what kind of federal aid you’re eligible for by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and you can supplement that aid with private loans.
Consider an MBA
An MBA can offer a great mix of theory and concrete experience, but whether or not you need one is dependent on a few things. First, if you have just finished your undergraduate degree, you should work for a few years before applying. A good MBA program will only want candidates who have some work experience. Next, find out whether an MBA is useful for your particular career path. If you want to become a consultant or go into management, it might be helpful or even necessary. On the other hand, if you want to become a CPA, other types of coursework may be more useful. If you do decide to pursue an MBA, one way you can fund it is with a student loan from a private lender. Online lenders offer a quick decision back regarding your eligibility.
Find a Mentor
Finding a mentor can be an excellent way to chart your path to success in the business world and there are different tips on finding one that you vibe with. If you’re in school, there might be a program that matches you with a mentor. Some workplaces also offer mentor programs. You might be able to find a mentor more informally as well, either through community connections or at work. For example, some bosses consider themselves mentors as well.
Keep Learning
One of the best ways to become successful is to never stop learning. In the early years of your career, you will make yourself invaluable if you are always learning how to do things and take on new tasks. As you climb the ladder, constant learning will help ensure that your skills stay fresh and that you are always picking up new ones. This also keeps you flexible and open to ideas, ready to pivot whenever you need to.
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