How will a business degree not only help me but help me help the world?

Question

I am interested in majoring in something in the business field. How would a degree in something related to business help me? I am also interested in making a difference in the world. How will a business degree help me do this?

Answer 1

Good for you! I'm a business professor, and I'm always glad to find people who go into it because they want to do more than just get rich.

There are several things for you to think about. One of the things you may eventually be able to do is to employ people who really need jobs, and to give them meaningful work to do, which gives people lives they can be proud of. As someone who will probably eventually get into management, you can also play a big role in helping others to develop as professionals and get a lot of the satisfaction a teacher gets when a child develops into a competent adult.

Secondly, you will learn ways to make things work more efficiently and effectively. Yes, you could use this to make liquor or fast food more efficiently and effectively, but you could also use your skills in not-for-profit organizations to ensure that the resources stretch to help more people.

Thirdly, many of the world's breakthrough ideas have come about from Research & Development programs in industry. You might be able to run a lab which finds a cure for a deadly disease, or one which finds an alternative energy source to save the planet. Yes, it is the scientists and engineers who make the actual discoveries, but it is management which funds them and allows them the flexibility, facilities, and funding to do so.

Lastly, there is the whole area of social entrepreneurship, which is the development of products and services to help the world. The new $100 computers to give access to children in developing countries to technology is an example, as is the wheelchair project, which provides inexpensive wheelchairs to disabled people living in poverty, giving them mobility and a place in their societies.

Answer 2

Making money will empower you to do things to help the world. You can do more if you have more. You will reach more people and do more good if you have the financial resources to make it happen versus slugging it out, one item or objective at a time.

You can devote your business skills towards helping charities or non-profit organizations. You can start a business that is devoted to helping the world in some meaningful way. People will respect that and may be more drawn to your business than others.

Don't think that business and doing good for the world are mutually exclusive. Every business has to do SOMETHING that is good or valuable to others or else it has no basis to exist.

I went into business as a media banker and helped finance Cable in the Classroom which has helped thousands in terms of educating them more efficiently with the technology of our day. I also financed a billboard company who went into inner city areas and improved shool playgrounds by building basketball backboards with quality materials and positive messages to remind kids to stay in school and not do drugs. These are just a couple of examples but many others abound.

A Business Degree is a good choice. And you've started off with the right attitude. Good Luck!