Making the Most of a Major Decision

Not everyone has the right career goals to major in business. Here's how to figure out whether finance fits you

by Francesca Di Meglio

Deciding what to do with your life is no easy task. In fact, some people change their major a dozen times before settling on one that's right for them. You probably want to know more about a career in business, or you wouldn't have made your way to this site. Still, if you're like most undergrads, you're probably unsure about what path to follow. It takes patience, internal reflection, and self-assessment to determine the career you should be pursuing.

Deciding whether to major or minor in business should come down to your interests. If you're hoping to go into investment banking, then consider the major. If you want to run an art gallery, then a business minor might be best. Figuring out what to do is the hard part.

Even if it turns out you don't want to start your own business, you might have aspirations that will require some business skills, so you shouldn't rule the subject out all together. For example, if you ever want to be your own boss, you might benefit from picking up a few tricks of the trade.

Dipping Your Toe

"Whether you're a stock broker, scientist, teacher, or journalist, you work for an organization that has budgets and expenses, has to hire and motivate employees, has to deliver a product or a service to a customer, and is regulated in some way by law," says Michael Mazzeo, associate dean for Undergraduate Programs at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business. "My advice to any college student is to learn all he or she can about how businesses operate, because that knowledge will always be important to you in whatever career you choose."

College is the perfect time to test the waters and consider all the possibilities. "Don't be afraid to try a business class or two before you decide against a business major or minor," says Randall Hansen, founder and president of Quintessential Careers, a Web site that offers career and job-search advice, and a professor of marketing at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. Consider taking self-assessment tests and talking with career counselors to decide what road to take.

To be certain of your decision, research specific careers in business, conduct informational interviews with people in those fields that interest you, and try to shadow someone on the job, Hansen says. Joining professional organizations before declaring your major or minor is another way to investigate whether a career is suited to your needs and ambitions.

The Wide World

As early as junior year in high school, you can start investigating career options and the industries and functions that interest you. You can even get a jump start on your actual career if you're so inclined. "If you're interested in becoming a successful business professional, you should consider that employers are looking for candidates who possess multinational experiences," says Kay Ford, senior director of MBA Career Services at LeBow College of Business at Drexel University in Philadelphia. "Due to this need for global knowledge, you should strive to develop language skills and seek out opportunities that will allow you to gain skills in foreign markets," she adds.

While your college advising office might offer career advice and self-assessment tests, you can also take a brief quiz here to help you decide whether business is the right major for you. It may turn out that the bottom line is the just the starting point on your road to the top.

Di Meglio is a reporter for BusinessWeek.com in Fort Lee, N.J.