by Jo Ann Rangel

Created on: November 14, 2008   Last Updated: November 20, 2008

Talking about a degree in Business is like talking about a degree in Liberal Arts-the subject is so broad it is one of those degrees that let you take it to any kind of industry with any level of potential. For a person who thrives on choice, this can be very liberating-but to someone who has a difficult time making up their mind, it can seem overwhelming. And that is how most degree programs are designed. The advantages of this degree in its portability make it an ideal choice for someone who doesn't know what they want to do for a career. How do you decide if this is the path for you to follow?

Do your research. Today's colleges and universities are competing for the best and brightest students. In order to engage interest, colleges design coursework that not only teaches the same tools of the trade the big CEOs use, but encourages students to decide what business environment works for them through internship opportunities. Maybe you are more of a team player than a team leader. That's ok. A business degree is flexible and works with any kind of personality. Everyone gets the same tools of the trade, what you do with them is up to you.

Consider the program. Are you a person who wants to create their own business and see where it leads? Many state universities offer business degrees in Entrepreneurship with paid and unpaid internships to get your feet wet in designing and building your own success story. Some universities also have an interdisciplinary designed degree where you can combine business with a major you really care about, like Business degree with Art degree can equal running a major art gallery, or Business degree with Nursing degree can mean your expertise is in quality services for patients at a hospital. Not sure if the business degree program you want to attend is accredited? Check with the experts at: www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/AccreditedMembers.asp where you can look up which colleges have approved degree programs in business worldwide.

Seek advice. Ask a guidance counselor from the business department of the college to put you in touch with alumni who finished the program and went to work in the community. Very often graduates with ties to the university will make themselves available to potential students to be interviewed or to get a tour of their company to have an idea how they have built on utilizing their business degree. Internship opportunities can present themselves to the right candidate from these meetings.

Remember, a business degree is like a big box of tools, there is no limit to the success you can have in any kind of industry.

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