What Do You Learn in Business School?

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau  

The business world is a highly competitive one, and there are many people competing for a spot at the top. If you are looking to advance your career, or you want to jumpstart a new one, you may be considering earning a college degree. At the same time, you may be wondering, “What will I learn in business school?” and “Is it worth it?” Read on, as we break down some of the key topics covered in a business degree program, that will launch your career to new heights. 

A career-focused business school, such as Goodwin University, can prepare you for a range of careers in the business world. Whether you are looking to run the next hot Kickstarter, or climb your way up the corporate ladder, you can benefit from the courses taught in the Business Administration degree program. Degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor, and certificate levels. This will give you the flexibility to choose your program level, and ultimately which skills and knowledge you’ll gain from it. 

What do you learn in business school? Here are some of the key topics covered: 

1. Accounting  

Bookkeeping and financial statements are critical components to any business model – no matter the size. With an accounting elective, such as Applied Accounting, for example, students learn the basic principles of accounting analysis. You will develop an understanding of financial topics such as current assets, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets. Students prepare and perform analysis of financial statements, and they also learn to read and understand an annual report. 

2. Budgeting  

With a course like “Budgeting and Planning,” you will start to understand the budgeting process, which is essential knowledge for any aspiring business leader. Students create a master budget and financial statements, analyze these statements, interpret results, and determine master budget plans. This class covers budget set-up and financing, as well as the planning and decision-making process in order to succeed. 

3. Finance 

Of course, finance is a big part of success in business. There are many finance courses available to business students. In Principles of Finance, for example, students focus on the fundamentals of sound financial management. Students study: 

• The time value of money 
• Risk/return analysis 
• Cash flow management 
• The basics of capital budgeting 
• Working capital management 
• Financial forecasting 
• Inventory management 
• Basic financial ratios 

4. Management 

Whether you want to run your own small business, or you work at a large firm, an education in management will go a long way. A class like “Introduction to Management” will teach you the basic principles of management and the relationship to customer expectations. Staffing and leading, decision making, information systems, and social responsibility are some of the topics covered in this type of course. 

5. Marketing 

Another key component in business is marketing. How will your clients (and you) make any money without a successful marketing strategy? A marketing course will help you understand principles, strategies, and methods practiced by modern businesses, including product/service distribution, promotion, and pricing. Some topics in this class include: 

• Evaluating market opportunities 
• Buyer behavior 
• Market segmentation 
• Targeting and positioning 
• Market strategy and planning 
• Development of marketing mix 
• Marketing organization and control 

Top Skills Learned in Business School
The things you learn in business school include much more than financial statements and marketing strategies. With the courses come applicable, key skills that are valued in any business profession. Some of the skills gained through a business degree program include: 

• Attention to Detail 
• Communication 
• Critical thinking 
• Interpersonal 
• Organizational 
• Problem solving 
• Time management 
• Analytical skills 
• People and team management 
• Ethical decision-making 

These skills can be applied in a variety of careers within the business world. Perhaps you have an entrepreneurial spirit. Maybe you’re dreaming about making a difference in the world through a nonprofit. You may be planning to take over the family business. Whatever your business goals entail, a Business Administrative degree – such as the ones offered at Goodwin University – can help you reach them. 

Goodwin’s business school offers a lifetime of support for its students and graduates. The Career Services Team can help you with a variety of career-related tasks. Whether you need help writing a cover letter, updating your resume, or nailing a job interview, the team can help. Goodwin’s Career Services Team also can help you build your social network (not to be confused with social media) and make connections within the business world. We have working relationships with a variety of businesses around the state of Connecticut. 

So, what do you learn in business school? Everything you need before setting out into the workforce! Learn more about Goodwin’s Business Administration programs by calling 1-800-889-3282 or visiting us online to request more information.