What is the best way to launch yourself for success in the business world? The good news is that there is no single path to success, so you don’t have to tie yourself in knots worrying that you might make one wrong move and ruin all of your plans. However, there are things you can do to create luck and make success more likely.
Get Your Bachelor’s Degree
You need to start by getting a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Even if you are already working, it’s a good idea to go ahead and get this degree since it will open doors for you later. If you know the area of business that you want to work in, you can major in that, or you can get a degree in something more general if you aren’t sure, such as business administration. Majors or classes that develop your communications and critical thinking skills, such as English or philosophy, can also be helpful, but you should take some business classes alongside them. In addition, try to get an internship or a part-time job in your field or at least in an office. As for the cost of school, if you are working, your employer may contribute toward your tuition. Other options include federal aid, scholarships and private loans. You may be able to get Earnest private student loans to help cover your expenses.
Research Your Area
Do some research into the area or areas that interest you. Follow thought leaders online and interact with them. Talk to your professors and your advisor at school about future proof career ideas and your plans and see what kind of advice they have for you. Find out if your school has a mentoring program or an alumni network willing to connect with current students. You can also learn more about the fields that interest you with informational interviews. Offer to buy lunch or coffee for a contact, and talk to them about what they do and whether they have any advice for you. Find out what kind of skills you need to advance. Ask around about the value of an MBA or other advanced degrees in the sector you want to work in.
Start on the Right Foot
Experience and connections are the two main reasons to try to get internships or other work experience while you’re still in school. However, another bonus of that experience is that you get an idea of office etiquette and how to behave in the workplace. When you do start your first job, it’s important to try to take cues from others and present yourself as friendly and hard-working. It can be a tough blow for some new graduates to realize that they aren’t going to do very glamorous or interesting work starting out, but showing that you are eager to learn and help out in any way will mark you as a team player. Make it clear that you are ambitious. Go the extra mile. If you’re working at a place that doesn’t recognize your efforts, look for something better.
