What is Business?
Business is beyond an industry. It is a practical use of skills and insights across a spectrum of tangible paths. Regardless of the end product, key business experience can have an impactful role in the growth and sustainability of a company. This can be from Fortune 500 organizations to Start-Ups.
There are four major types of business paths:
- Rotational Programs are structured initiatives where employees move between different departments or roles within a company for a set period, gaining diverse experience and skills to develop a broad understanding of the business. These programs often target recent graduates or high-potential employees, providing mentorship and training to prepare them for leadership positions or for finding the best long-term fit within the organization.
- Business Development/Growth - A business development role focuses on long-term growth and strategic initiatives, rather than direct, short-term sales. It involves identifying new markets, partnerships, and opportunities to expand the company's reach and impact. Business development professionals often work on building relationships with potential partners and clients, researching market trends, and developing strategies to acquire new business.
- Logistics and Operations - Business logistics refers to the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption to meet customer requirements. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including transportation, inventory management, warehousing, order fulfillment, and more, all aimed at optimizing the supply chain.
- Business Analytics is the process of using data, statistical methods, and computational techniques to gain insights and make informed business decisions. It involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to understand past performance, predict future trends, and recommend optimal actions. This process helps businesses improve performance, identify opportunities, and stay competitive.
Would you Thrive on this Path?
- Are you a team player?
- Are you a problem-solver?
- Are you comfortable in a fast-paced environment?
- Are you highly adaptable?
- Do you enjoy working on varying, impactful projects?
- Can you manage a group to complete a project?
- Do you have strong data analytic skills?
If yes, you may be a great fit for the many roles in the spectrum of Business!
How can you Learn More about Business and the Various Paths Available?
- Check the Business Interest Cluster box (located within Career Interests on the drop-down menu under your name) in Handshake to receive info about upcoming events, internships and jobs
- Participate in career chats with alumni and parents on Handshake that will provide you with a "day in the life" experience of different careers
- Participate in employer site visits (various, spring semester)
- Attend alumni, parent and employer-led Business panels and workshops throughout the year - check Handshake events for more details
- Join the Claremont Consulting Group
- Join SOURCE Nonprofit Consulting
- Join the Graphite Group
- Join Claremont Women in Business
- Participate in one of the many case competitions on campus every year
What should you know about Recruitment in Business?
Business organizations love students who major in the Liberal Arts. A strong analytic background, coupled with critical thinking, and intentional decision-making is a true asset. The specific recruiting timeline will depend on the role you are seeking. For rotational programs, the Fall is typically the window to be active. For all other roles, recruitment is ongoing from late Fall, through the Spring.
Summer internships with the larger organizations are often only offered to rising Seniors. Interviews will involve a combination of FIT capacity, a deep dive into your experience, and the technical aspects of your skills. The online Vault Guide to Behavioral Interviews provides a great overview of what to expect and how to prepare. Career Services also offers opportunities for interview preparation and growth.
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Who's your Business Career Coach?
Gary Salata - [email protected]
Gary works with students, employers, and alumni associated with the following interest clusters: Business and Consulting. Gary has extensive experience in higher education and leadership. Prior to joining CMC, Gary spent extended time with The Princeton Review, working his way from SAT instructor to Executive Director of the Los Angeles Office. He found his way to higher education with an admissions start up, Joined, Inc. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of California, San Diego.