Monty Cerf is a mentor and advisor of college students and graduates who are looking to find success in their chosen fields. In the following article, Monty Cerf discusses ways to select a clear-cut path and get the most out of a degree, while industry moguls share their opinions on it all.
Business degrees open many doors in numerous industries. For many students, the wide selection can be overwhelming, giving them too many options and less-than-transparent career pathways.
Luckily, experts like Monty Cerf have some advice for such students, allowing students to see their options as empowering rather than scary. While business majors understand the true meaning behind being “spoilt for choice,” their plethora of routes is something to embrace.
Career Options for Business Majors
The skills obtained through a business management degree allow students to positively impact organizations across many industries.
While Monty Cerf mentions that business majors have time to choose which specialist route they’d like to walk, they encourage students to try and formulate a rough idea early on.
A few career options available for business majors include:
- Actuarial analyst
- Business analyst or adviser
- Chartered management accountant
- Data analyst
- Corporate investment banker
- Management consultant
- Insurance underwriter
- Risk manager
- Stockbroker
- Supply chain manager
Monty Cerf explains that students should note that this isn’t an exhaustive list. Instead, it provides starting points for jobs directly related to their degree.
However, business majors can head into other fields where their certification is still valuable, such as:
- Mortgage adviser
- Human resources officer
- Environmental engineer
- Costs lawyer
- Urban designer
- Sales executive
- Retail manager
- Marketing executive
- Logistics and distribution manager
As a former investment banker and wealth management expert, Monty urges students to use their electives to educate themselves on interesting industries. Deciding early on what to specialize in gives business majors ample time to choose a minor that gives them a competitive edge following graduation.
Alternatively, Monty Cerf suggests diversifying interests, and for students to open themselves up to connect with people in various fields.
Utilizing a Degree to its Full Potential
Studying business is no small (or inexpensive) feat. So, students strive to get the most out of their qualifications.
That said, many are unaware of how to truly do that, leaving them floundering like a small fish in a very large pond. But with expert advice, they can learn to swim through the ocean’s currents, ensuring they get their money’s worth and graduate with exciting career prospects ahead of them.
Building Wide-Reaching Professional Networks Proves Vital
Monty Cerf says that all business majors should be proactive about building their professional networks while still in college. From peers to professors to professionals, everyone proves vital when entering the job market. After all, nothing beats a solid reference from a well-respected industry participant or tutor.
In particular, professors often provide valuable career advice, employment connections, and recommendations. Many students fall into the trap of only trying to build connections once they need a favor. Instead, frequent communication and always coming to class prepared proves helpful for establishing positive faculty relationships.
Experts recommend students sign up for a professional networking organization, like the National Association of Professional Women or the Professional Business Network Association, to broaden their employment and progression horizons.
Studying Abroad for Life Skills and Business Practice
Studying abroad allows students to take their business major overseas, providing ample opportunities to acquire cross-cultural skills, acquire an understanding of foreign business methods, and develop relationships with like-minded students worldwide.
Plus, research suggests that employers value students’ study abroad participation.
Reading Well-Regarded Business Books for Utmost Success
Monty Cerf says that with so much literature out there, business students grapple with various recommended readings. But cutting out the hype and sticking with the classic books saves time and headspace.
The MBA Jungle B-School Survival Guide by Jon Housman and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie are must-reads for any business major.
Focusing on Presentation
Regardless of where business majors end up working, presentations are key components of success.
According to Monty Cerf, this doesn’t just apply to product presentations, but also personal presentations. Business degree holders must understand their audiences and how to effectively relate and appeal to them.
Monty recommends taking the time to thoroughly realize how a public encounter will pan out beforehand, including researching the attendees to determine their interests before taking the stage.
Utilizing The College’s Broad Resource Selection
As a last note, Monty Cerf mentions the importance of students using every resource that colleges have to offer them, including on-campus career fairs, interviews, career centers, libraries, and more.
By taking all these expert tips into account, business majors have bright futures ahead of them.
