Should You Study Business? Think Twice Before Deciding.
If I could go back in time, would I still choose to study business? I’ve asked myself this question countless times. Back then, my decision wasn’t particularly well-informed. I believed studying business was essential for anyone who wanted to build or manage a business. Spoiler: It isn’t.
That said, studying business turned out to be the right choice for me – but for reasons I didn’t fully understand at the time. If you’re considering business school, here’s what I wish I had known.
The Upsides: Why Business Can Be Worth It
🕸️ Your Network is Your Biggest Asset
The most valuable thing a business degree gives you isn’t in the textbooks – it’s the people you meet. The higher the university’s standing, the stronger the network you’ll build. But here’s the catch – networking doesn’t happen automatically. You have to be proactive: join associations, attend events, reach out to alumni. The biggest mistake I see business students make is burying themselves in coursework, thinking good grades alone will open doors. I'm guilty of that too.
🧠 It Shapes the Way You Think
A common critique of business degrees is that they don’t teach you anything particularly difficult. And that’s true. But what they do provide is something more subtle: a way of thinking. The value of studying business isn’t in memorizing frameworks – it’s in developing business acumen. I first realized this, when I started working with people from different backgrounds during my semester abroad. Different people approach problems differently. My studies taught me how to prioritize, connect ideas, and lead. These skills might not be as tangible as coding or engineering – but they are powerful in any career.
The Downsides: Why Business Can Be Underwhelming
📖 You Don’t Really "Learn" Anything Concrete
Let’s be honest: business isn’t the most intellectually challenging or academically rigorous field. Most courses are qualitative, and memorizing frameworks can feel uninspiring. Of course, some areas, like finance or operations, can be complex and engaging – but they’re the exception, not the norm. If you’re someone who thrives on deep, technical knowledge, business alone might not fulfill you.
🧑🎓 Too Many Business Students
The business world is crowded. Thousands of students graduate with the same degree every year. The ones who succeed aren’t just the ones who study hard – they’re the ones who build something beyond the coursework. Whether it’s through projects, associations, or internships, you need to find what sets you apart. Business knowledge is valuable – but it’s everywhere, and just having the degree isn’t enough.
So, Should You Study Business?
As consultants say: it depends. If business genuinely excites you and you’re ready to leverage it beyond the classroom, it can be a great choice. But here’s my advice: if there’s something else you’re deeply passionate about – engineering, writing, science – go for it. Your career will likely converge toward business anyway, but starting with something you truly love will make the journey far more rewarding.