Majoring in Business – Intellectual Benefits:  When I am really getting into studying or writing a paper, I listen to music that pushes me to think and to sustain this effort over time.  What is your playlist (or other form of art or music) that puts you into this type of zone?  What are you looking forward to studying as an undergraduate business major?

I usually don’t listen to music when I study because I can’t focus if the song has words in it, but if I do, it’s usually classical music. I just find it really calming and peaceful when I study or do homework. When I need to get things done, I usually go to the library or a coffee shop early in the morning so I can get tasks done more efficiently.

I’m excited to learn a little bit about every area of business because I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to major in. I’m particularly interested in learning more about finance because I’m curious to see if that actually ends up being the area of business I want to pursue.

Majoring in Business – Intellectual Deficits :  While our motivational/inspirational playlists for academic work and research inspire us to push ourselves to great lengths in our areas of interest, we also need to consider the Pink Floyd song that is linked to the blog post prompt.  Undergraduate business education can be driven by a focus on grades, and landing high paying and high status internships and jobs.  This can push us away from intellectual pursuits (similar to “We Don’t Need No Education…..”).  Where do you see this in your choice to major in business:

I think many negative assumptions are made about people who choose to major in business, but I think what the people making those assumptions don’t realize is that business students learn skills that are beneficial in every aspect of their lives, not just for getting a high-paying job. Business students learn strong communication skills that would benefit anyone of any major. They also learn problem solving and decision-making skills that will help in everyday aspects of their lives.

Personally, I’m not as driven to get an extremely high-paying job. My main priority is to find a career that challenges and excites me. I want a job I am proud of and passionate about. I want to be excited and inspired to go to work everyday because I know that will lead to a more fulfilling life.

Other Examples Like This?:  With four years of business education in front of you, how do you anticipate being able to take advantage of opportunities for intellectual challenge in your studies and personal/professional development and how can you take steps to mitigate the likely intellectual deficits that can arise through the heavy attention to monetary outcomes, status outcomes and the semester grind for grades? 

I think joining clubs and activities outside of academics will promote intellectual growth and less of a focus on getting the highest grades or the highest-paying job. I also think that taking classes outside the realm of business will create a more well-rounded business student and person in general.