Why You Don't Need to Major in Business For a Successful Business Career
In today’s competitive world, college-bound students often feel pressured to follow a traditional path to secure their future. One of the most common routes to a business career is to participate in an undergraduate business program during college. It’s no wonder that Business Administration and Management have become some of the most popular—and selective—majors in higher education. But is majoring in business truly the only way to get your foot in the door in the corporate world?
Surprisingly, it’s not. While a business degree can be excellent career preparation, it’s far from the only path to a successful career in business. In fact, many prominent business leaders have found their way into the business world through diverse educational backgrounds. This raises an important question: if you don’t major in business, what other paths can you take to achieve your professional goals?
Business is an interdisciplinary field that relies on a wide range of skills, from analytical thinking and problem-solving to communication and leadership. Many of these skills can be developed through a variety of academic majors, including—but not limited to—economics, psychology, communications, engineering, and even the arts.
For example, an English major who masters the art of persuasive communication can excel in roles like marketing or public relations, where storytelling and engagement are crucial. A psychology major who understands human behavior can thrive in market research or human resources, applying their knowledge to consumer behavior or organizational culture. Even a history major, with strong research and analytical skills, can stand out in strategy or consulting roles by leveraging their ability to connect disparate pieces of information to form coherent narratives and strategies.
Employers in the business world look for a range of skills that go beyond what is typically taught in an undergraduate business school. To succeed in business, individuals need a blend of both hard and soft skills. A liberal arts education offers breadth and flexibility, allowing students to explore multiple fields while honing critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills and problem-solving abilities. These skills are indispensable in business settings, where complex, multidisciplinary challenges are the norm. The liberal arts curriculum encourages intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and creativity—qualities that are highly valued in today’s fast-paced business environments.
Moreover, many liberal arts colleges provide opportunities for students to gain practical business experience through internships, student-led organizations, or courses that emphasize entrepreneurship and innovation. These hands-on experiences can be just as valuable—if not more so—than a traditional business degree.
One of the key strengths of non-business majors entering the business world is the fresh perspective they bring to the table. While a traditional business curriculum covers essential topics like finance, marketing, and management, it can sometimes result in a homogenous way of thinking. Non-business majors are often trained to think critically and approach problems from unique angles, which can lead to innovative solutions and strategies that break the mold.
For instance, tech giants like Google and Apple have long embraced this idea by hiring liberal arts graduates for product design, user experience research, and creative marketing roles. Their diverse academic backgrounds enable these professionals to view business challenges from a more holistic perspective, contributing to the creation of groundbreaking products and services.
Majoring in business is not the only way to develop business acumen. Internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, and even extracurricular activities like student clubs or organizations provide real-world experience that builds practical skills and a strong resume. Joining a finance club, leading a student organization, or interning at a startup can impart crucial business knowledge and experiences that aren’t confined to a classroom setting.
Networking and mentorship are also crucial components of business success. Students from any major can proactively seek mentors and attend industry events to build their network, positioning themselves for future opportunities in business.
Many well known business leaders have achieved remarkable success without a business degree. Their success illustrates that diverse educational backgrounds can provide a strong foundation for a thriving business career.
Howard Schultz (BA in Communications): The former CEO and Chairman of Starbucks used his communication skills to build a global brand.
Reed Hastings (BA in Math): The Co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, applied his analytical skills to change the entertainment industry.
Susan Wojcicki (BA in History and Literature): The former CEO of YouTube leveraged her understanding of culture and storytelling to lead one of the world's largest video-sharing platforms.
Peter Thiel (BA in Philosophy): The Co-founder of PayPal and venture capitalist relied on his philosophy background to help him think critically and innovate in the tech industry.
Michael Eisner (BA in English Literature and Theatre): The creative and storytelling abilities of the former CEO of The Walt Disney Company were pivotal in his success.
Phil Knight (BA in Journalism): The journalistic skills of the co-founder and former CEO of Nike contributed to his effective communication and brand-building efforts.
Their academic backgrounds might seem unrelated to their later business achievements, but the skills and experiences they gained from their diverse educational journeys prepared them to think outside the box and lead with vision and empathy.
So, What Does This Mean For You?
Success in the business world is influenced by various factors, including skills, experiences, networking, and personal drive. By focusing on developing these attributes, students can build a rewarding career in business, regardless of their chosen major.
If you’re passionate about pursuing a career in business, but don’t necessarily want to attend an undergraduate business program, don’t worry—you have options. You can tailor your undergraduate experience through elective courses, minors, internships, and extracurricular involvement to develop the skills you need for a successful business career.
Want to discover the best path to your own business success? Contact North Shore College Consulting today to work with our experts on self-assessment and career discovery. Whether you want to build a strong application for business schools or explore other undergraduate programs that will lead to a successful business career, we can help you find your unique path and reach your full potential.
Start your journey now—schedule a consultation with us to begin crafting a strategic and personalized plan for your future!