Why I Decided to Major in Business Administration

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

When I tell strangers about my major, I normally get one of two responses – a knowing nod or a weird mixture of a shrug and a smile. And I get it. People have a preconceived notion that business majors are only looking for a high-paying job. Finding a job that offers a secure lifestyle is truly a significant accomplishment. However, this is far from the main reason why I chose to major in business.

I’ve always been fascinated with marketing and business. As a kid, I’d spend one Saturday a month at the park near my house selling lemonade. This lemonade stand was way better than what you’re probably imagining. I baked sweets and sold different homemade lemonade flavors that consistently brought in $300 dollars a month. I got a thrill out of seeing how much people enjoyed what I created. My passion for selling carried into middle school, where I opened up a school spirit shop full of personalized school gear. 

As I got older, I realized that my interest in sales and marketing blended with another passion of mine, fashion. I’d always been fascinated by pretty clothes and following trends, and combining those two parts of myself made everything click when assessing my career options. I could explore the business of fashion.

As a business major at USC, I’ve had the opportunity to further explore my passion for fashion through clubs like the Fashion Industry Association and the Business Cosmetics Club. Since Milan, Italy is the home of couture fashion, I also plan to study abroad at Bocconi University in the Spring of 2024 to explore fashion’s role in the business world more thoroughly.

Whether people give you that knowing nod for your career choice or express doubts, that’s okay. The important thing is that you follow your passions and don’t let anyone or their reactions hold you back from pursuing your goals.

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