Thinking about majoring in Business but parents disagree?

Question

I am intrigued by the whole concept of business. What it takes to manage a company, how to manage it right, finances, etc. I'm currently a junior in high school and I'm thinking of majoring in Business in college.

However, my parents disagree because they feel that Business is something vague and that anybody can do it. They told me that any guy can go open up a business and make a lot of money, like a dry cleaner or a flower shop or something. They want me to be a doctor because a doctor has to study for many years and takes a lot of hard work, and that business doesn't really have anything special because you don't have to study like anatomical terms and stuff like that. But I'm talking about big business, not small stuff. Investing, real estate, managing a big company, etc.

What are your thoughts? Do you feel anyone can do it, or do you feel it requires special skills?

Sorry for the wrong category, by accident.

Answer 1

Yes, anyone can take business classes and graduate with a business degree. That is why starting salaries for business majors aren't very high.

However, if you are inexplicably drawn to it and think it's the cat's meow....well, you should go to business school. Just make sure it is accredited.

Anyone can be a doctor aas long as they are good at memorizing things and have the grades for it. Honestly, if you're not into the idea of med school and don't have a desire to do it, then it will be a waste of your time and money (regardless of who pays for it). Becoming a doctor isn't as lucrative as it used to be with the costs of malpractice insurance skyrocketing. If you want to make serious money in the long run, business is the way to go assuming you have the acumen for it.

If you want to make lots of money, try becoming an actuary or an CPA/accountant (not kidding).

Answer 2

I work at a large medical school. We ALWAYS tell pre-med applicants to study what most interests them - NOT necessarily sciences, anatomy, etc. - as that is the only way they will be able to maintain sufficient grades and have a chance at a successful application. You can always take medical prerequisites alongside your business courses, making sure of course that you don't overload yourself too much to maintain the all-important balance.

I know several medical students who ran their own businesses before entering med school, and who are doing quite well.

I do not think 'just anyone' can do it, but if you are interested, work hard, and avoid distractions you have every chance of success. I agree with Amber Eyes' recommendation (actuary/CPA), that would fit with the areas you are interested in.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Sure, anyone can open a business, but it takes a talented person to run a successful business. Your parents are looking out for you, but ultimately it should be your call. Try to find some business majors, and ask them what it's like. I know a few, and they say the classes are pretty tough. If you're motivated and it's what you want to do, I say go for it!

Answer 4

You have to do what YOU want to do if you want to be happy. Pick business, the parents will get over it, and you can always still go to medical school if you keep your grades up.

Answer 5

Its YOUR life
Do what you want
...unless they are paying for college...