Are you thinking about studying business at university? It’s one of the most popular choices for students around the world. But before you commit, ask yourself: Do you really want to study business, or do you feel like you have to?

Be Real About Your Motivation

Business can seem like a smart choice—especially if you want to earn well, support a family business, or feel pressure to choose something “safe”. But success in this field depends on real interest. Are you curious about how companies grow, how money moves, or how leaders make decisions? Or are you just following a path someone else expects?

Admissions officers can tell when your passion is real, and so can employers. If your interest is genuine, it will show in your applications, interviews, and future career.

Don’t Be Generic—Specialize

An introductory business degree is certainly a great place to start, but business schools and job markets will usually look for students with a focus. Think about areas like:

• Business Analytics or Big Data
• Marketing and Digital Strategy
• Risk Management or Finance
• Human Resources and Talent Development
• Cybersecurity in Business
• Entrepreneurship and Creating/Managing Startups

Choosing a niche makes your profile more unique and helps guide your coursework, internships, and activities.

Get Ready in High School

Start building a strong foundation with subjects like math and economics. If your school offers courses in business, accounting, IT, or computer science, consider taking one or more of those too. Outside of class, join clubs that grow relevant skills: debate, robotics, coding, investment, microfinance, MUN, or entrepreneurship. These help develop teamwork, problem-solving, your knowledge base, and communication—all key in business.

Internships and Work Experience

Internships can be helpful, but they’re not a must. What matters is quality, not just having something on your résumé. Paid jobs, volunteer work, or shadowing a professional can all be valuable—as long as you’re learning useful skills. If you do land an internship, make sure your tasks are clear and meaningful. Learn how businesses actually operate, and grow your skill set with as many practical and useful experiences as you can.

How to Choose the Right University Program

Don’t just look for the word “business” in a university’s name. Dig deeper. Ask:

• Is the program accredited?
• What is the cost and where is it located?
• Do they offer co-ops or internships?
• How strong is their career support and alumni network?
• What are the graduation and job placement rates?

Make sure your college list includes a range of options, from more competitive to more accessible programs, and do everything you can to learn more about them.

Remember also that the level of selectivity for popular programs and schools increases each year, and that all schools are quite a bit more competitive to apply to vs when your parents may have attended university.

Bottom Line

A business degree can open many doors—but only if it’s the right door for you. Take time to explore your interests, think about what kind of work you enjoy, and plan ahead. Not sure where to start?