[poochiecollins]

Hi, I'm a business administration major with two classes left to pick, and not a strong idea of what I want to do in the short term. I've spoken to a few people about this some already, mostly old professors through e-mail. I'll list relevant information about me and my goals relevant to the subject, then the classes not eliminated from consideration.

• • Long-term interest in running small business, such as mom-and-pop and/or online, including running a sportsbook if I get enough capital. Otherwise willing to do sales, real estate, finance, and insurance.
  • Prefer to work for small company.
  • Known strengths are money management, resourcefulness, research skills, patience, deep thinking.
  • Known weaknesses are heavy multitasking, punctuality, somewhat easily distracted by stress, smooth-talking, orally presenting.
  • I'd like to work with friendly people (e.g. not accountants).
  • I'm northeastern coast U.S. and 25 y.o.
    

CM 1010 Business Communications
Overviews the fundamentals of effective oral and written
communication unique to business and technology. It teaches
the skills necessary for effective business communication,
including the writing of business memos, letters and reports
and career, oral and global communications. Also included
are legal and ethical situations and exposure to today's
communication technologies.


BBA 2150 Business Mathematics
Provides student with a basic understanding of the various
ways in which mathematics is used in a modern business.
During this course of study, you will revisit basic mathematical
operations, equations, and percentages, then move on to
business-related math. In the business-related mathematics
segment of this course, you will examine mathematics as it is
applied to such varied areas as business and retail operations,
as well as to financial management. As a result, you will learn
how to keep business checkbooks and cash records, calculate
wages and maintain payrolls, calculate depreciation and overhead,
and maintain financial records. Moreover, you will learn
how to calculate and distribute profit and loss, calculate retail
markup and markdown, compute simple and compound
interest, compute the maturity value of a bank loan, and
calculate the value of annuity funds.

BBA 2361/3361 Online Communication & Behavior
An overview of the challenges and key concepts of
communicating electronically in the new millennium.
Addresses performance issues concerning proper etiquette,
style, usage, tactics, and strategies for using it as a
communication medium. Provides foundational knowledge
for those who use e-mail as a communication tool in the
workplace.

BBA 3241 Marketing Problems & Strategies
An overview of the strategic decision-making approach as
applied to marketing management. Provides valuable insight
into the application of a strategic decision making approach
including the role that marketing plays in strategy
development, market analysis techniques, and methods for
developing, deploying, and controlling strategic marketing
programs.

BBA 3401 Entrepreneurship
Designed to explore learner’s entrepreneurial instincts and
aptitude. Reviews the significant role the entrepreneur plays in
our capitalistic society. A research project exposes learners to
marketing research methods, marketing strategies, and the
financial planning procedures needed to start a new venture.

BHR 3565 Employment Law
Provides a working knowledge of federal legislation and
regulations affecting employers. Provides a simple approach
to employment law with a foundation of legal principals
explained in the layperson’s language. A consistent theme of
the course is employer awareness of protected classes. Focuses
on employee and employer rights and responsibilities from
the hiring and recruiting process through termination of the
employment agreement.

MAR 3211 Consumer Behavior
Investigates consumer behavior as the study of people and
the products that shape their identities. The topics discussed
in this course have both personal and professional relevance,
and present theoretical and applied case analysis to consumer
behavior; including psychological, social, economic, and
political foundations in consumer activities. In addition
to understanding buying behavior, this course explores the
products, services, and consumption activities which
contribute to the broader social world from a multi-cultural
perspective.

MAR 3231 Marketing Research
Presents a comprehensive introduction to the marketing
research process, and establishes a logical sequence of
activities to effectively conduct marketing research. The course
is devoted to explaining the many ways that marketing
researchers gather information and utilize technology and
the internet in marketing research. The course also investigates
how technology improves a researcher's ability to provide
better information to marketing decision makers. Global
marketing research is explored in detail and includes ethical,
social, political, and legal implications to research activities.

MAR 3271 Advertising
Provides an integrative course of study which prepares for
gathering and analyzing primary and secondary research data,
compute and evaluate the potential of alternative courses of
action, cooperate with a team in developing creative solutions
to a problem; analyze competitive proposals, and discern the
economic, social, and cultural role of advertising. Explores the
global effects of marketing and advertising on business,
industry, and national economies, and the strategic function
of advertising within the broader context of business and
marketing.


When giving advice, tell me what about you or what you know makes you credible. A particularly elaborative post from someone who appears to be very credible can get up to ten SBR points, but most helpful posts will probably get a few. I'm being generous with points here because this is what I call an important decision.

[Fishhead]

MARKETING IS THE KEY



MAR 3231 Marketing Research
Presents a comprehensive introduction to the marketing
research process, and establishes a logical sequence of
activities to effectively conduct marketing research. The course
is devoted to explaining the many ways that marketing
researchers gather information and utilize technology and
the internet in marketing research. The course also investigates
how technology improves a researcher's ability to provide
better information to marketing decision makers. Global
marketing research is explored in detail and includes ethical,
social, political, and legal implications to research activities.



BBA 3241 Marketing Problems & Strategies
An overview of the strategic decision-making approach as
applied to marketing management. Provides valuable insight
into the application of a strategic decision making approach
including the role that marketing plays in strategy
development, market analysis techniques, and methods for
developing, deploying, and controlling strategic marketing
programs.

[mathdotcom]

Get out of your business administration program and learn something useful

Everyone who goes to 'business school' to learn how to run a business does not know how to run a business. If you did you'd already be running one.

[Lost Angel]

CM 1010 Business Communications
Overviews the fundamentals of effective oral and written
communication unique to business and technology. It teaches
the skills necessary for effective business communication,
including the writing of business memos, letters and reports
and career, oral and global communications. Also included
are legal and ethical situations and exposure to today's
communication technologies.

BBA 3241 Marketing Problems & Strategies
An overview of the strategic decision-making approach as
applied to marketing management. Provides valuable insight
into the application of a strategic decision making approach
including the role that marketing plays in strategy
development, market analysis techniques, and methods for
developing, deploying, and controlling strategic marketing
programs.


Business Mathematics, you will delegate to a department of people who you will pay to take care of that. The other courses deal with subject matter that is going to evolve and change over the course of your business life, some of it very drastically like Online Communications and probably Employment Law. If you feel like it you can always get some business mathematics training later in your journey (I'd recommend this because you do want to avoid being totally clueless, out of touch with accounting procedures within your business).

A path towards grasping Marketing Strategies, being able to effectively brainstorm on such and getting yourself in as good a place to communicate effectively...these things will be worth their weight in Gold to you. Literally.

[Sinister Cat]

My opinion would be to pick the classes with the best professors.. if your school compiles ratings based on its student reviews of the professors, look at them. Who knows what you will actually learn based on a course description. OTOH, the right professor could really teach you something or get you interested in something.

[jgray]

My advice is to remember these are your final two classes and focus in on what's important. Finishing. Five years from now, the classes you choose will likely have zero impact on success. If I were you, I'd evaluate the choices entirely by factors not listed above.

First, are any of the classes taught by professors that you can develop a professional relationship with? If they got to know you and your intellect, do they have connections in an industry that might help you short and long term find a job, start a business, etc.

Second, if none of the professors fall into the above category and since you list punctuality as a weakness, I'd choose the class that starts the latest. It will give you a better chance of making it on time.

[MC PICKS]

You say 2 of your known weaknesses are smooth talking and orally presenting so this class I feel is a no brainer...

CM 1010 Business Communications
Overviews the fundamentals of effective oral and written
communication unique to business and technology. It teaches
the skills necessary for effective business communication,
including the writing of business memos, letters and reports
and career, oral and global communications. Also included
are legal and ethical situations and exposure to today's
communication technologies.


You also state that you are interseted in possibly running an online business or going into sales, real estate, finance or insurance so I would recommend this class as I feel it covers a lot of options for you...

BBA 2361/3361 Online Communication & Behavior
An overview of the challenges and key concepts of
communicating electronically in the new millennium.
Addresses performance issues concerning proper etiquette,
style, usage, tactics, and strategies for using it as a
communication medium. Provides foundational knowledge
for those who use e-mail as a communication tool in the
workplace.


Whether you run an online business, or go work in one of the previously stated fields you are possibly looking to pursue, online communication skills is a must have either way. I dont think you can go wrong with the second class and it will provide you with a broad spectrum of your goals. The first class, I feel is a must. Good luck in your future endeavors.

**

[poochiecollins]

Thanks for replies so far. Points will be coming. A couple notes and replies:

* As implied in my first post, if there's anything about you that you think adds to your credibility that you mention, there's a good chance it'll get you more points. Age, occupation, and past work experiences are examples. Those who posted already can edit; I'll be re-reading.
* Don't say you like two courses if it's only because I have two left. If they're the only two you like on the list considering my information, that's fine.
* Fishhead: could you elaborate on why?
* Lost Angel: do you have past experiences or other information on your comment on online communications? It sounds logical, but two others recommended the class, the other being a professor, though the latter was more so suggesting it over CM 1010.
* Sinister Cat: I know about the value of good professors, but my last couple dozen credits, including the next two classes, are at an exclusively online school. Their usefulness is limited to how they respond to e-mails and comments they leave on tests. Additionally, there aren't many ratings for my school at ratemyprofessor.com.
* jgray: maybe I could try to find out if any of the online professors live near here, but doubt it.
* ** PICKS: what say you about Lost Angel's comment on online communication changing rapidly?

[THEGREAT30]

I have a degree in Business Management and it is too broad. You should narrow your choices. I know this may not sound like wise move but it is. The best class to give you a trade within a broad degree would be.

BHR 3565 Employment Law
Provides a working knowledge of federal legislation and
regulations affecting employers. Provides a simple approach
to employment law with a foundation of legal principals
explained in the layperson’s language. A consistent theme of
the course is employer awareness of protected classes. Focuses
on employee and employer rights and responsibilities from
the hiring and recruiting process through termination of the
employment agreement.

This would lead you straight into a career in Human Resources which is more focused than being wide open.

CM 1010 Business Communications
Overviews the fundamentals of effective oral and written
communication unique to business and technology. It teaches
the skills necessary for effective business communication,
including the writing of business memos, letters and reports
and career, oral and global communications. Also included
are legal and ethical situations and exposure to today's
communication technologies.

Would also be a good class for someone being led into Human Resources due to communication skills. You will need to be able to communicate well and be able to identify those with good communication skills. Good day

[whatsgood5]

Go with these two, they'll take you places

BBA 3241 Marketing Problems & Strategies
An overview of the strategic decision-making approach as
applied to marketing management. Provides valuable insight
into the application of a strategic decision making approach
including the role that marketing plays in strategy
development, market analysis techniques, and methods for
developing, deploying, and controlling strategic marketing
programs.

BBA 3401 Entrepreneurship
Designed to explore learner’s entrepreneurial instincts and
aptitude. Reviews the significant role the entrepreneur plays in
our capitalistic society. A research project exposes learners to
marketing research methods, marketing strategies, and the
financial planning procedures needed to start a new venture.

Seriously though, GL with whatever you do end up taking.

[iceminers26]

Employment Law and Consumer Behavior would be my recommendation, good luck in whatever two you decide to enroll in.

[iceminers26]

Originally Posted by THEGREAT30

I have a degree in Business Management and it is too broad. You should narrow your choices. I know this may not sound like wise move but it is. The best class to give you a trade within a broad degree would be. BHR 3565 Employment Law Provides a working knowledge of federal legislation and regulations affecting employers. Provides a simple approach to employment law with a foundation of legal principals explained in the layperson’s language. A consistent theme of the course is employer awareness of protected classes. Focuses on employee and employer rights and responsibilities from the hiring and recruiting process through termination of the employment agreement. This would lead you straight into a career in Human Resources which is more focused than being wide open. CM 1010 Business Communications Overviews the fundamentals of effective oral and written communication unique to business and technology. It teaches the skills necessary for effective business communication, including the writing of business memos, letters and reports and career, oral and global communications. Also included are legal and ethical situations and exposure to today's communication technologies. Would also be a good class for someone being led into Human Resources due to communication skills. You will need to be able to communicate well and be able to identify those with good communication skills. Good day

Have to agree here in terms of being too broad, now a days, its easier to find employment if you are more specialized in a certain field. I always thought it was the complete opposite and felt that I would have more options with just a Business Degree, but that was not the case. Therefore, I got my MBA with a Global Management concentration.

[MC PICKS]

I wont debate another posters advice but I'll give you some background on myself. I graduated in the top 5% of my class in computer science from a university in the northeast. I worked as an IT engineer from 97-04. During that time I invested my money exceptionally in the stock market and bought real estate as well. I got laid off in 2004 and have been living off the 5 rental properties that I have as well as dividend checks. I saw this housing crunch comin 5 years ago and bought rentals, with money I made off the market. As far as online communications goes, well your right, it does change, but a lesson in etiquette and strategy as far as the internet is concerned, will last you a lifetime in business, no matter if its 5 months or 500 months from now. All the advice in this thread is good so take it in and decide on your own. Again good luck man.

[MC PICKS]

Thanks for the points man. Let us know what 2 classes you decided on. BOL

[Lost Angel]

Thanks for the points, I did not see until now that you had asked me to elaborate on how my suggestions were based upon my own experiences etc.

That, to some degree...I can't do math for shit but was born being able to communicate effectively so really less from experience, my recommendations, though I know the value of communication...has saved my LIFE a few times LOL....I thought, based on what you said in "weaknesses" that classes dealing with strengthening communication skills would be good for you.

Other posters had great input though. Whatever you decide on, I think its a very good sign that you seek input on decisions....a promising sign for the future.

[Lost Angel]

Originally Posted by poochiecollins

* Lost Angel: do you have past experiences or other information on your comment on online communications?

To more directly address your question, I just felt from the course description (perhaps I misunderstood it) that this class was gonna deal with use of hardware that might not even be around, in its present state at least, for the majority of your business life.

An overview of the challenges and key concepts of
communicating electronically in the new millennium.

not even sure what that means LOL,figured it was talking about what I said above

Addresses performance issues concerning proper etiquette,
style, usage, tactics, and strategies for using it as a
communication medium. Provides foundational knowledge
for those who use e-mail as a communication tool in the
workplace.

wtf? I swear that statement means "this class will teach you to send an email!!"

I could do that in about 6 minutes.

Well.....about 10 minutes prolly cause you'd likely show up 4 minutes late.


I liked alot the other poster's comment encouraging you to choose the class that would be most accommodating to your inability to get places on time

[poochiecollins]

I'm shying away from specialized classes b/c I don't have a good idea what I want to do. After re-reading the description for Online Communication & Behavior, I'm wondering a little about how much it'll tell me that I don't already know or could quickly find out, considering I use the Internet all the time. EDIT: posted before seeing the last three posts.

[poochiecollins]

Lost Angel, I gave your reply @ 12:46 p.m. an extra point than I otherwise would of because the last bit of it made me feel better, even if it may not be true XD

[Lost Angel]

Originally Posted by poochiecollins

Lost Angel, I gave your reply @ 12:46 p.m. an extra point than I otherwise would of because the last bit of it made me feel better, even if it may not be true XD

Yeah "Online Communications"...that one puzzles me. Instinctually I'd think it to be designed for newcomers to internet use???

I am almost CERTAIN that, at some point, over the course of the years during which you'll be in business that society is gonna see a MASSIVE backlash against business done in the impersonal way that technology creates and a return to "face to face" dealings. With this is mind is why I suggest to you that you do all that you can to shore up your communications skills.

Even if we don't see a desire within the business world to return to the "old ways" and make business dealings less impersonal....there would still be some with whom you'd do business that would respect you more if you had "what it took" to DO business that way...rather than being like everyone else...emailing, texting etc.

If nothing else you want to have the ability to communicate effectively your vision where regards your business...to those that you'll work with or, later, hire around you....to get everyone on board with what you think needs to be done.

[iceminers26]

Originally Posted by poochiecollins

I'm shying away from specialized classes b/c I don't have a good idea what I want to do. After re-reading the description for Online Communication & Behavior, I'm wondering a little about how much it'll tell me that I don't already know or could quickly find out, considering I use the Internet all the time. EDIT: posted before seeing the last three posts.

First off, you are only 25 years of age and there are several people out there older than you that still do not know what they want to do in terms of a career. After all, it will be the job you are more than likely to have for the rest of your working career, 25+ years in most cases, so it takes a lot of thought and consideration to what you want to pursue; be patient, you will eventually find your calling.

As far as taking the course you mentioned above, I too feel that you can almost learn anything you want on your own via the Internet, so feel that you could bypass that course if there are other courses that seem more appealing and will better prepare you for the real world. I really think regardless of what you pursue, you cannot go wrong enrolling in that Employment Law class, it will benefit in the long run. The information you receive in that particular course can be put to use in any field you may pursue, it is always beneficial to know business law, and how often does the law change, not too much, so if you acquire this knowledge now, you will have it for the rest of your life.

Good luck in finding your calling in the business world and do not get stressed out over being undecided at the current time, work hard in school in the meantime and things will work themselves out.

Best of luck bud.

[iceminers26]

After reviewing your revision in the first post, I would suggest the following two course: Employment Law and Entrepreneurship.

Employment law for the points I made in the previous post and Entrepreneurship because you have aspirations of someday opening your own small business, this course will help you get closer to your goal.

Again, good luck with whichever courses you decide to enroll in.

[poochiecollins]

Ugh, the course that had recommendations that included professors and no negative comments that I was about to register for, BBA 3241 Marketing Problems & Strategies, was discontinued just last week I was told, the academic adviser saying it didn't fit into any particular marketing program, I think.

Employment Law has been recommended a lot, but a professor told me "[m]any small businesses these days use partners and contractors instead of employees, and most small businesses are exempt from many sections of federal regulations about protected classes." When I asked if he could elaborate further, since more than a couple people recommended it, he said "Just like Business Communications, Employment Law is a good course. If you had ten courses left in your degree program, I would recommend both. But you have two courses and 8 or 10 good ones. So, do you expect to be in a position soon when you will be employing significant numbers of people where Employment Law will benefit you, or are their other courses on the list that are of greater benefit to you. Remember that employment law changes over time as new regulations are enacted." I'll keep the course in for consideration in case someone has reason to believe the professor's not entirely correct.

My current academic adviser through e-mail told me that CM 1010 is generally a freshman course where the classes I've already taken should have covered, so Business Com. is no longer a consideration. Business Mathematics is out. Online Com.& Behavior is mostly out, after a couple recommendations against, and an e-mail from the professor of the course that didn't indicate I'd learn anything special. So the courses most strongly being considered are:
BBA 3401 Entrepreneurship
BHR 3565 Employment Law
MAR 3211 Consumer Behavior
MAR 3231 Marketing Research
MAR 3271 Advertising

A friend who majored in psych said about Consumer Behavior, "consumer behaviour is too much psychology bs with an economic twist," "it's simple: people respond to incentives. that's the whole course in that line right there," and "thats what the whole course will boil down to. people will do things that make themselves better off, sometimes even though it makes others worse off. they respond to incentives. it's the basis of all consumer behavior and a fundamental principle of economics." She's only 21, and others have recommended the course, so I'm keeping it in the mix for now.

I'm probably going to register for Marketing Research between now and tomorrow (Thursday, 4th) morning unless good reason otherwise, as it seems most in tune with what I like to do while being commercially useful, and pick between the others shortly later (this online program is pretty flexible with how you can enroll in classes).

If anyone has additional comments, particularly in light of this post, please go ahead. More SBR points too :-)

[THE PROFIT]

Marketing & advertising is where it's at. I worked in that business for years but never had a degree in it. Wish I had, the money difference would probably not have been much different as I was good at what I did, I would just not have to work as hard for the money, because I was kinda learning as I went. But a good marketing person is needed in every occupation & you wont be out of work if willing to give it your all

[MC PICKS]

Just take the two clases that I suggested and you'll be OK. If your in your final year of school, chances are you have learned as much as your gonna learn, but these two courses will help you in the future. When you enter the business world you will learn 10 times in 3-6 months, vs what you learned in college, no matter what field you choose. Not raggin on college, it's just a straight up fact. Again I wish you the best of luck, and let us all know which two you decided on. Just curious, where do you go to school? I'm guessin it begins with a P.

[jgray]

Given the options you have left, I'd choose the Entrepreneurship course. The marketing courses are a waste of time. Although marketing and advertising are critical to any business, business level market courses rarely teach anything of substance. The employment law course is also a waste. The laws in this area change quite a bit from year to year. By the time you are in a position to make any decisions with regard to an employee (management level) the laws will be different. You will also likely have the assistance of an attorney that will be an expert to provide advice.

The benefit of an entrepreneurship course is twofold. One, it will give you some perspective in to the thought process of a business owner - the folks you might be working for. Two, given your desire to run a business, it will help make you aware of potential areas of concern. You won't learn everything with a business degree, but you might be made aware of the potential questions that you can be asking. An entrepreneurship course will make you aware of new and different questions.

For what it's worth, I have a degree in finance. Best of luck.

[THE PROFIT]

Thanks

[THEGREAT30]

Thanks for the degenerate luv