circumstances often necessitate last-minute changes in strategy, and even the best laid plans need adjusting when problems pop up. Problem-solving is a crucial skill that involves thinking on your feet, diagnosing a problem, and creating an action plan to keep a business running smoothly. It also helps you hit the ground running in a new job and face unfamiliar tasks and challenges with confidence. Turn the newness of a role into an opportunity: by applying your entrepreneurial mindset and critical thinking, you’ll make a strong first impression. Start by asking: Have I seen this before? • If yes , use your experience to guide your actions, adjusting your approach based on the role’s specific guidelines. • If no , identify a resource (a peer, manager, or supervisor) and ask for guidance. The first time, allow them to walk you through the process. Moving forward, refine your questions to target specific points for clarification. Eventually, propose your own solution first — this shows you’re analyzing the problem, learning from feedback, and thinking proactively. FINANCIAL LITERACY: UNDERSTANDING MONEY EARLY Financial skills, typically taught as part of most standard undergraduate business programs, include budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, investment and financing, pricing strategy, and cost-benefit analysis. The more technical aspects of finance involve: • Forecasting • Financial modeling • Reading and interpreting financial statements • Preparing variance analysis • Valuing assets or business units • Understanding key terms like profit margin, ROI, and debt-to-equity ratio High schoolers can also focus on financial literacy: the fundamental understanding and skills necessary to earn, manage, and invest capital. Easy ways to develop these skills could include: • Taking a financial literacy class if your school offers one • Learning how to budget your allowance • Tracking income from a part-time job • Saving and investing small amounts of money to see how interest grows over time HOW LEARNING CODING AND DATA ANALYTICS CAN BOOST YOUR BUSINESS IQ Today’s tech-driven economy relies on coding and data analysis to gain insight into market trends, target specific consumers, improve operational efficiency, and make more informed business decisions. Learning coding and basic programming also enhances problem-solving and logical and creative thinking skills.
Consider this: writing code requires breaking problems down into smaller steps and strategizing how to build solutions systematically — a mindset that translates directly to tackling business challenges. Data analysis encourages critical thinking, helping you see patterns, spot opportunities, and make decisions based on evidence rather than guesswork. Still in high school? Experiment with coding or data analysis through online tutorials, school programs, or personal projects. They’re valuable skills that, once you’ve grown proficient, can help make your resume stand out. USING TECHNOLOGY TO LAUNCH YOUR IDEAS The companies you work for throughout your career will largely dictate the tools (and technology) you use. However, there are three basic categories of tools you might encounter: • Online project management platforms like Monday.com, Asana, or Airtable can help you stay organized, track task completions, and keep projects on schedule. • Collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack make it easy to communicate quickly with your team. • Video conferencing tools like Google Meet or Cisco Webex make staying connected simple when you work remotely or with people outside your school or office. Many companies also use AI through existing platforms or new and innovative applications. Getting comfortable with common chatbots and industry-specific apps (e.g., AI coding or image generation) will keep you efficient and technologically current.
HOW TO START BUILDING BUSINESS SKILLS IN HIGH SCHOOL
Hard skills , like data analysis or balance sheet creation, are best learned through instruction and practice. Take business, finance, accounting, and marketing classes. If your school doesn’t offer them, consider enrolling in summer entrepreneurship programs , pre-college summer classes , and dual enrollment community college courses. To develop your soft skills , follow one of the most common college admissions tips: take on leadership roles. Look for opportunities in class, sports, clubs, or in your community. These opportunities will provide a leadership experience for your college apps while building your confidence and honing your communication skills. Hands-on projects , like coordinating a fundraiser, bake sale, or local event, help develop key business skills. By jumping into a project headfirst, you’re guaranteed to encounter challenges that teach you to think creatively and manage responsibilities in real time. Feel a little intimidated? You don’t have to do it alone! Whether you’re organizing through your school’s business club or a service organization, or trying something new with a group of friends, remember you can always ask a mentor, teacher, or parent for advice.
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