This paper presents a personal exploration of the decision to pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in supervision and management. The author traces an early interest in commerce and business through to a considered academic choice, addressing concerns about economic uncertainty while arguing that a business degree provides a flexible, diverse skill set. The paper examines the advantages of combining financial literacy, organizational psychology, and people management, and references projected employment growth in human resources to support the concentration chosen. It concludes by affirming the author's confidence in the career path selected.
Even as a child, I loved the idea of working in business. While some children played with dolls or toy cars, I had my own cash register, which I loved using to ring up pretend orders or to sell lemonade at my very own stand. As soon as I was old enough to open a bank account, I enjoyed watching the figures in my savings account grow. As I grew older, I began reading the business section of the newspaper. I followed the fortunes of companies whose products I enjoyed buying — like Nike or McDonald's — as they rose and fell with the market. I loved reading about the inner workings of companies like Starbucks and learning how their CEOs motivated employees to perform at their best. This is why I intend to study business administration in college, with a specific concentration in supervision and management.
A number of friends and family members have warned me that the financial industry has been troubled in recent years and that the economy remains soft in certain sectors. However, by pursuing a business degree, I believe I can acquire a valuable and flexible skill set. Knowing how to motivate people will be useful regardless of the industry in which I choose to work. It is often said that it is "an ill wind that blows nobody good," and even during a recession, certain businesses are able to thrive based on shifts in consumer tastes. As one source notes, "on average nationally, business students enter the workforce with higher starting salaries than humanities and social science majors" (Glenn, 2011).
One of the aspects of majoring in business that attracts me most is the diverse range of skills it provides. Rather than emphasizing qualitative or quantitative aspects alone — as a degree in English or economics might — a business administration degree teaches students how to manage others using an understanding of organizational psychology while also developing the ability to analyze a financial statement. It encourages collaborative work through group assignments and builds the capacity for independent research that will prove useful in professional settings. A B.A. in business also offers many hands-on opportunities to enhance learning through internships and practical field experience. Additionally, the degree develops ethical problem-solving skills, helping graduates navigate workplace dilemmas with confidence and integrity.
"HR and management fields show strong employment growth"
I am not yet certain which business or businesses will serve as my first professional home. But I am confident that I will be well-equipped to meet whatever challenges arise. I can combine my competitive drive to excel with my genuine interest in people. Studying management will allow me to draw on both of these strengths, and my character traits and personal interests make me ideally suited to a career in this field.
Glenn, D. (2011, April 17). The default major: Skating through B-school. The New York Times. Retrieved July 9, 2011, from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/education/edlife/edl-17business-t.html?pagewanted=3&r=1&sq=business%20majors&st=Search&scp=1
Human resources. (2011). Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved July 9, 2011, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos021.htm#outlook
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