Why Business is the Smartest Major for First-Gen, Transfer-Bound Students

On this episode of our Transfer Basics Series, we explore one of the most common questions I get as an educator: “What should I major in if I don’t know where to start?”

Here’s the honest answer I give every time—start with business. Let me show you why.

Over the years, I’ve seen too many students hesitate to even begin their college journey. Why? They’re unsure what to study. They feel confused or unprepared. But here’s the truth:

“Not starting is wasting your life away. You gotta quit delaying.”

The key is to get moving. Start taking classes, because college itself is a journey of exposure—to new people, new professors, and new perspectives. Through that exposure, students naturally start to find their way.

But if you still need a little direction, I’ve got one powerful question for you…

Ask yourself: What isn’t a business?

Look around you. The sunglasses you wear? That’s a business. The t-shirt on your back? Business. Electricity, the shelves in your house, the paint on the walls? All businesses.

Even the institutions we take for granted—the school system, hospital system, prison system—are businesses.

Which leads to this: If everything around you is run like a business, you might as well understand how business works.

Why Business Knowledge is Essential

Understanding business isn’t just about preparing for the corporate world. It’s about surviving and thriving in society. Business education covers everything from:

-Management and supervision

-Technology used in operations

-Business law and policy

-Regulations at local, state, and national levels

By learning how business functions, you equip yourself with tools that are applicable everywhere—whether you work in tech, healthcare, education, or start your own company.

Choose Your Focus: Concentrations in Business

Once at the university level, students can specialize through concentrations that align with their interests and career goals. Some of the most popular include:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, International Business, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, Information Systems, General Management, Real Estate and Land Use

This is where your career path really begins to take shape—and your interests can guide the way.

Go Further: MBAs and Doctorates

After earning your bachelor’s degree, many students go on to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or even a Doctorate in Business. These advanced degrees are especially powerful for those seeking leadership roles or looking to make a long-term impact in their fields.

Double Up: Major in Your Passion, Minor in Business

Business is also one of the most popular and useful minors. You can major in something like psychology, history, or Chicano studies—whatever speaks to your personal identity or intellectual passion—and still take 7–10 business classes to earn a minor in Business Administration.

This gives you flexibility AND job-readiness.

“Just trust me—all my students who major or minor in business do very well.”

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