(Almost) Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Business Schools

by Robyn Tellefsen

Wherever you look, you can find a rant on all the things you can't learn in business schools. But, according to National Center for Education Statistics data on the number of bachelor's degrees conferred in 2003-2004, business (22%) remains the most popular field of study. Obviously, there must be some merit to a business education. So let's take a look at all the things you can learn in business schools:

>>Business Basics
Business schools provide a strong foundation of business knowledge and technical skills that you will build on for the life of your business career.

>>Effective Communication
A business education will help you hone your oral, written, and electronic documentation skills -- key to success in any business career.

>>Cause and Effect
Through case studies and consulting, business schools give many students their first real glimpse of the legal, ethical, and moral implications of business decisions and practices on society as a whole.

>>Problem Solving
At any point in your business career, you'll be faced with complex problems to solve. A business education stretches your ability to think critically and to utilize creative and logical analysis to determine solutions.

>>Teamwork
Beyond learning to lead, those with successful business careers must learn how to work with a team to accomplish their goals. A business education provides this opportunity.

>>Budgeting
There are many more factors to consider when budgeting for an organization than for a family. Business schools teach you to address the various processes that account for resource expenditures, and forecast appropriately.

>>Customer Relations
Through coursework and hands-on client consulting, business schools provide the opportunity to learn practical skills of listening, conflict resolution, and diplomacy.

>>Global Perspective
A business education provides international context to demonstrate the ways businesses worldwide affect each other in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations.

>>Business Law
To address the complicated rules and regulations encountered in today's business world, business schools offer a realistic, in-depth view of the legal environment in which students will work.

>>Policymaking
At the heart of every business is its vision and mission, which is often determined via strategic management skills learned in business schools. These skills enable business career professionals to perform industry analysis, develop strategic plans, and see them through to completion.

Sure, there are some real-world experiences you'll never encounter in business schools. But with a solid business education, you'll be prepared to tackle anything that comes.