Yeah, economics courses are useful, psychology courses are useful, and
law courses are useful, maybe some marketing courses, but generally I'd
recommend you get a BS in something real then get your MBA if you want
some business expertise, or else take some extension courses at night.
Barbara Lamar wrote:
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-extropians@extropy.org
> > [mailto:owner-extropians@extropy.org]On Behalf Of Brian D Williams
>
> > Jeremy if I could turn back the clock the one thing I would've done
> > as far as school is concerned is I would have taken more business
> > classes.
>
> I'm not sure I agree with you, Brian, about taking business classes. I took
> a number of business classes at the University of Texas and have also
> started and operated businesses. I learned much more about business by
> actually engaging in it than by studying about it. Unless your goal is to
> get a job with a person or organization that requires business classes as an
> admission ticket, I'd advise you to start a business in order to learn about
> business (and even if you DO need a business degree as a ticket, it's still
> good to get some practical experience). You don't need a huge amount of
> capital in order to do this, and it can be done "on the side" without
> completely disrupting the rest of your life. Keep your eyes and ears open
> for things or services people need that you could provide. As far as I've
> been able to determine, the same general economic principles apply to both
> tiny and huge businesses. A lot of the stuff they teach in university
> classes is based on unrealistic assumptions, some of it's pure BS; but out
> on the streets you gain practical wisdom which you can put to use in
> real-life situations. With respect to summer jobs, internships, and so
> forth, IMO most "management trainee" jobs in large companies teach social
> skills but not how to run businesses (not to say that social skills aren't
> extremely useful).
>
> > Go to a discount bookstore and find a copy of "The millionare next
> > door, or the millionare mind" this weekend and start reading. It
> > may help re-inspire you.
>
> Another good book is _Rich Dad, Poor Dad_.
>
> As far as non-business classes to take, I'd suggest sampling as many things
> as possible. You may find something that ignites your interest. When I was
> in school I found that my mind seemed sharper if I took at least one math
> course each semester. Even now I find that I can think more clearly if I
> spend at least half an hour each day engaged in mathematical play.
>
> Barbara
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