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Is a business degree a waste?
I’m not super set on going to uni, but my parents really want me to. I was thinking about doing a business degree since I want to start my own business one day, and I thought uni might be a good place to meet like-minded people and make some useful connections and network with companies where I could potentially work if I decide not to pursue my own business straight away. It also seems like a safe option in case I just want a decent salary job.
However, I keep seeing people say that a business degree is a waste of time and money, and that I’d be better off skipping uni altogether or studying something else.
Would I be better off doing a degree in economics or computer science, or something along those lines? I’ve also considered English because I enjoy it, but I feel like the career prospects are quite limited.
However, I keep seeing people say that a business degree is a waste of time and money, and that I’d be better off skipping uni altogether or studying something else.
Would I be better off doing a degree in economics or computer science, or something along those lines? I’ve also considered English because I enjoy it, but I feel like the career prospects are quite limited.
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I mean. You don't need a business degree to work at major corporate employers, you don't need a business degree to be an entrepreneur, and you don't need a business degree to network.
Unless you are specifically intellectually interested in the content of a business degree (which I can't imagine why you would be) in most cases it's not any better or worse than any other degree. An English lit grad that actually made a point of getting internships and so on will be as employable as a business, economics, or CS student that did the same (and more so than those other degrees where the student did NOT do that).
The reality of the world is that employers don't care what subject you studied, unless you need subject specific knowledge to do a job. If you want to be a software engineer you probably need a relevant degree. If you want to become a VP of marketing at a multinational corporation, it is irrelevant what you studied.
No degree is going to guarantee a job, much less one with a good salary (the arguable exception being medicine although even that is increasingly in doubt as while medical school places have expanded, foundation and specialty training posts have not expanded by the same amount if at all in some cases). You can do a business, economics, or CS degree and come out of uni with no job or a poorly paying job. Sever the mental link you have between subject and employability and recognise the only thing that is going to get you a job (well paying or otherwise) is essentially your own hard graft (while at uni or not) in getting work experience, internships, preparing your CV, writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, assessment centre activities, and psychometric tests.
Unless you are specifically intellectually interested in the content of a business degree (which I can't imagine why you would be) in most cases it's not any better or worse than any other degree. An English lit grad that actually made a point of getting internships and so on will be as employable as a business, economics, or CS student that did the same (and more so than those other degrees where the student did NOT do that).
The reality of the world is that employers don't care what subject you studied, unless you need subject specific knowledge to do a job. If you want to be a software engineer you probably need a relevant degree. If you want to become a VP of marketing at a multinational corporation, it is irrelevant what you studied.
No degree is going to guarantee a job, much less one with a good salary (the arguable exception being medicine although even that is increasingly in doubt as while medical school places have expanded, foundation and specialty training posts have not expanded by the same amount if at all in some cases). You can do a business, economics, or CS degree and come out of uni with no job or a poorly paying job. Sever the mental link you have between subject and employability and recognise the only thing that is going to get you a job (well paying or otherwise) is essentially your own hard graft (while at uni or not) in getting work experience, internships, preparing your CV, writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, assessment centre activities, and psychometric tests.
Reply 2
Original post
by dariyan0002I’m not super set on going to uni, but my parents really want me to. I was thinking about doing a business degree since I want to start my own business one day, and I thought uni might be a good place to meet like-minded people and make some useful connections and network with companies where I could potentially work if I decide not to pursue my own business straight away. It also seems like a safe option in case I just want a decent salary job.
However, I keep seeing people say that a business degree is a waste of time and money, and that I’d be better off skipping uni altogether or studying something else.
Would I be better off doing a degree in economics or computer science, or something along those lines? I’ve also considered English because I enjoy it, but I feel like the career prospects are quite limited.
However, I keep seeing people say that a business degree is a waste of time and money, and that I’d be better off skipping uni altogether or studying something else.
Would I be better off doing a degree in economics or computer science, or something along those lines? I’ve also considered English because I enjoy it, but I feel like the career prospects are quite limited.
Hi @dariyan0002 ,
I'd love to share a bit of information on this as I'm in a similar position except I was set on getting a degree 🙂.
While it's true, you do not need this degree to network, start a business or get into some great jobs, it can certainly help.
To give some context, I study a business and management degree and I also began my own business within the past year while doing my studies. I truly believe my degree has been beneficial when it comes to growing my knowledge and communicating with like-minded people. I've been inspired by so many wonderful ideas from my peers and the teachers are super knowledgeable and love to share their insight. The main benefit of doing a degree alongside is the stability and safety net this gives as you are enhancing your education in case being self employed doesn't work out. Additionally I found a business degree isn't overly time confusing, therefore leaving lots of time to work on business ideas.
The best part of being at university while starting a business was the support. Due to UCLan having their own department for business start ups, I received consistent advice, financial support and even the offer to have my own small office space to run my business.
However, if you are not keen on getting a degree and want to focus on your own start-up, this is also an excellent choice. Personally, while I've made great connections at uni, the best networking has been through meeting suppliers, customers and more. Once you start making connections, many people open up about their business practices and are happy to help, which I found invaluable. Additionally, many of the skills I learnt about running a business I've learnt through experience.
Overall, do a degree if you feel you actually want to and would prefer a solid plan B. But if your focused on being entrepreneurial, go for it. If you really want to go to university but you're not interested in the actual management of people, techniques, management history etc, then I recommend another course which can be more interesting to yourself and still extremely valuable. Head on to your desired universities course page and look at the modules and research into job prospects to further your knowledge on this to help make your decision.
I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions 😊,
-Sophia (University of Central Lancashire)
Reply 3
20
Original post
by dariyan0002I’m not super set on going to uni, but my parents really want me to. I was thinking about doing a business degree since I want to start my own business one day, and I thought uni might be a good place to meet like-minded people and make some useful connections and network with companies where I could potentially work if I decide not to pursue my own business straight away. It also seems like a safe option in case I just want a decent salary job.
However, I keep seeing people say that a business degree is a waste of time and money, and that I’d be better off skipping uni altogether or studying something else.
Would I be better off doing a degree in economics or computer science, or something along those lines? I’ve also considered English because I enjoy it, but I feel like the career prospects are quite limited.
However, I keep seeing people say that a business degree is a waste of time and money, and that I’d be better off skipping uni altogether or studying something else.
Would I be better off doing a degree in economics or computer science, or something along those lines? I’ve also considered English because I enjoy it, but I feel like the career prospects are quite limited.
You want to start you own business one day?
What business? Why dont you start it today?
Reply 4
7
Original post
by QuadyYou want to start you own business one day?
What business? Why dont you start it today?
What business? Why dont you start it today?
Reply 5
I got a 48k a year offer from an oil company despite studying business and being a bottom level uni. It all depends on you.
Reply 6
You could also consider a degree apprenticeship in order to make money whilst getting a degree qualification.
Reply 7
Hi there,
I did my undergraduate degree in Business, and I would say it really depends on how you approach it. A business degree can open doors, but it’s what you do with the opportunities that makes the difference.
If you're thinking about uni to help build a future business or connect with like-minded people, that’s a valid reason. Some unis offer support through business hubs, enterprise centres, and start-up competitions (even if the funding isn’t massive, the experience and networking are super valuable). Maybe look into courses that offer practical modules—things like business consultancy projects, entrepreneurship, marketing, SEO, or social media strategy. These kinds of hands-on experiences will likely be more useful than just theory-heavy content.
It’s also worth considering courses that include portfolio work or let you build something tangible during your studies. An entrepreneurship-focused degree could be a good fit based on your goals.
That said, don’t choose uni just to please your parents. It’s a big commitment and very different from school or college, so it’s important you feel motivated by your own reasons for going.
Hope that gives you some helpful things to consider! 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
I did my undergraduate degree in Business, and I would say it really depends on how you approach it. A business degree can open doors, but it’s what you do with the opportunities that makes the difference.
If you're thinking about uni to help build a future business or connect with like-minded people, that’s a valid reason. Some unis offer support through business hubs, enterprise centres, and start-up competitions (even if the funding isn’t massive, the experience and networking are super valuable). Maybe look into courses that offer practical modules—things like business consultancy projects, entrepreneurship, marketing, SEO, or social media strategy. These kinds of hands-on experiences will likely be more useful than just theory-heavy content.
It’s also worth considering courses that include portfolio work or let you build something tangible during your studies. An entrepreneurship-focused degree could be a good fit based on your goals.
That said, don’t choose uni just to please your parents. It’s a big commitment and very different from school or college, so it’s important you feel motivated by your own reasons for going.
Hope that gives you some helpful things to consider! 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
(edited 10 months ago)
Reply 8
Imo yes, I doubt it will do anything for you in terms of business strategy and may make your prospects worse due to student debt.
Reply 9
Original post
by QuadyTSR is still here.
Reported due to not being relevant to thread (again)
Reply 10
I would suggest an apprenticeship so that you are working in business and can see how it works from the bottom up. A degree won't tell you how to start your business. Only you can do that.
Reply 11
15
Original post
by Flamingo10I would suggest an apprenticeship so that you are working in business and can see how it works from the bottom up. A degree won't tell you how to start your business. Only you can do that.
Reply 12
Original post
by MakroAll too often i see this type of comment and It comes from a very small minded mindset. Not everyone doing a business degree is dreaming of a sandwich café or a corner sweet shop. Some are building the toolkit for mergers, equity strategy, or founding firms that scale this is what a good business degree equips you for including internships/placements and networking with like minded people.
You won't get the skills to do this from a degree. A degree can't teach you to do something from previous examples. It can only teach you what happened in a situation in the past. A degree can also cause you to become seriously out of date if something in the law changes when you are half way through it.
Business degrees qualify you to work in a business somewhere so getting a job in a business. They don't teach you how to do business or to create your own.
You actually do not need to do any study after school to run a big business.
Look up James Dyson and Richard Branson.
Reply 13
15
Original post
by Flamingo10You won't get the skills to do this from a degree. A degree can't teach you to do something from previous examples. It can only teach you what happened in a situation in the past. A degree can also cause you to become seriously out of date if something in the law changes when you are half way through it.
Business degrees qualify you to work in a business somewhere so getting a job in a business. They don't teach you how to do business or to create your own.
You actually do not need to do any study after school to run a big business.
Look up James Dyson and Richard Branson.
Business degrees qualify you to work in a business somewhere so getting a job in a business. They don't teach you how to do business or to create your own.
You actually do not need to do any study after school to run a big business.
Look up James Dyson and Richard Branson.
So what if a business degree qualifies you to get a job in a business? Thats a fantastic thing supported by high fliers that business grads are one of the ost employable. A degree is not the final destination, its part of the journey getting to where you finally want to be. As for 'James Dyson' and 'Richard Branson' the classic 'what about the billionaires?" curveball, using a handful of ultra-wealthy outliers to dismiss someone's educational goals is poor logic.
Dyson and Branson have built empires without degrees but you might want to remember they are the exception, not the rule. I can equally give you a long list of successful entrepreneurs who did go to university, it doesn't even have to be in 'Business'.
Most successful entrepreneurs, big or small, benefit from developing their skills, learning useful tools, networks, developing resilience and mentoring in a structured environment, for many university is exactly that. It is called 'Preparation'.
A degree of any kind is not a golden ticket (few exceptions eg Medicine, Dentistry) for most its just the 1st step. Work experience, placements etc needed alongside. Some universities offer funding towards starting up a business and offer ongoing business support even after graduation & run business workshops. There are business societies at various universities where students can share ideas and support one another and grow.
Criticising someone's ambition because it doesn't look like Branson's path is silly and ill informed. There is no one size fits all way to succeed in business.
Reply 14
Original post
by JgraduateI got a 48k a year offer from an oil company despite studying business and being a bottom level uni. It all depends on you.
this fella is lying lmao
Reply 15
Original post
by degreepthis fella is lying lmao
Reply 16
15
Original post
by ThisismyunitsrI doubt it. Oil and gas can pay a lot of money. I still do not feel it is worth it for OP to do a degree in business though.
If the degree teaches skills wanted by employers (research, analysis& understanding of data, evidence based decision making, interpersonal skills reporting, global awareness, problem solving etc) that can be applied across almost any industry & research shows it has great graduate outcomes compared with other degrees in terms of employment, what is your rationale as to why it should not be a viable degree to study? would a degree in Psychology, Sociology, Liberal Arts, even the haloed 'Economics' be more respectable and in what way? what doors do you think they open that a degree In Business Management can't?
Reply 17
Original post
by MakroIf the degree teaches skills wanted by employers (research, analysis& understanding of data, evidence based decision making, interpersonal skills reporting, global awareness, problem solving etc) that can be applied across almost any industry & research shows it has great graduate outcomes compared with other degrees in terms of employment, what is your rationale as to why it should not be a viable degree to study? would a degree in Psychology, Sociology, Liberal Arts, even the haloed 'Economics' be more respectable and in what way? what doors do you think they open that a degree In Business Management can't?
I think most degrees are a waste of time tbh. Mine certainly was. I am not a young person anymore (I am 28) and almost all of my friends and family members who did not undertake a degree are in better situations (financially, emotionally, mentally etc) than those who did.
Reply 18
7
Original post
by ThisismyunitsrI think most degrees are a waste of time tbh. Mine certainly was. I am not a young person anymore (I am 28) and almost all of my friends and family members who did not undertake a degree are in better situations (financially, emotionally, mentally etc) than those who did.
In addition to not undertaking a degree, what advice would you have in terms of what next steps I should take? What did your family members who are now in better financial situations do to get to that point?
Reply 19
15
Original post
by ThisismyunitsrI think most degrees are a waste of time tbh. Mine certainly was. I am not a young person anymore (I am 28) and almost all of my friends and family members who did not undertake a degree are in better situations (financially, emotionally, mentally etc) than those who did.
I'm twice your age and in my circle which includes young people your age, all have done extremely well post degree. The overwhelming research based evidence indicates that those who have a degree fare better and earn higher than those who don't have a degree.
www.Gov.uk
Learn more Earn more
If you, your friends and family have not benefited from a degree or concluded it's a waste of money they need to critically look at what they are doing wrong. Sit down and look at what are the trends and patterns amongst your associates to identify the source of the problem, is it the choice of career/course? is it the university?, is it poor academics restricting access to good opportunities? is it lack of drive to find voluntary work from an early age or secure internships etc during studies? were they cut out for university in the first place? or perhaps all of the above. There is something your community is doing wrong that is being repeated and causing you all to fail but don't assume your experience applies to the whole planet and don't kill young people's dreams with ill-informed opinions.
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