Today, we explore Business Management—the third most popular major among international students in the U.S., chosen by 14% undergraduates[1]. Yet, despite its popularity, many students—particularly those from China and Southeast Asia—struggle to navigate the nuances of this field.
In fact, we advise approaching it with caution. Many students see management as a prestigious alternative to accounting or finance. They assume that careers in accounting and finance involve endless number-crunching, whereas management seems more dynamic—focused on leadership and overseeing teams.
However, the truth is a bit more complicated. In reality, management studies may not be the best choice for undergraduates looking for strong career prospects or practical business skills. Before committing to this major, students should carefully evaluate whether it truly aligns with their strengths and goals.
But let’s back up first. What is Management Studies?
Before the 19th century, the concept of “management studies” did not exist. Only governments, militaries, and religious institutions needed to manage large groups of people. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution, with the rise of large-scale factories, that management as a discipline emerged. Factory owners hired large workforces and needed structured systems to regulate them, aiming to maximize labor efficiency and productivity.
By the early 20th century, advancements in psychology, sociology, and economics contributed to the development of more humane management models. Instead of using strict punishment to discipline workers, the focus shifted to improving efficiency and product quality. Additionally, rather than simply expanding the workforce, employers began prioritizing the professional development of individual employees.
Today, management studies is a highly interdisciplinary field. It incorporates foundational knowledge from economics, statistics, accounting, finance, and marketing—though not in great depth—while also encompassing modern management areas such as employee development, client and partner relations, strategic planning, and leadership. With advancements in communication technology, businesses have also moved toward flatter, less hierarchical management structures.
Why Do We Advise Most Students Against Majoring in Management?
In short, it’s too broad and generalized. Students are required to cover a wide range of topics, but they rarely develop deep expertise in any of them. Here are two common misconceptions about management studies:
Misconception 1: A Degree in Management Guarantees Job Opportunities
Since every company requires management professionals, it’s easy to assume that a management degree would provide strong job prospects. Yet this is not the case. A graduate with a bachelor’s degree in management cannot immediately step into a managerial role. After all, how could a recent graduate with no work experience be expected to lead a team of seasoned professionals?
So, what career paths are actually available for management graduates? The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania—one of the top business schools in the world—provides some insight. Wharton explicitly states that its undergraduate management major is primarily suited for two types of students:
1. Those who wish to pursue a career in human resource management (HR).
2. Those who plan to work in corporate management consulting or strategic consulting (e.g., firms like McKinsey or Bain).
As such, studying management does not automatically qualify students for managerial roles in companies.
Misconception 2: Management is an Easy Major
Many believe that management is easier than fields like finance or accounting. However, this is not necessarily true. Using the 3-year undergraduate program at the London School of Economics (LSE) as an example, the curriculum is rigorous.
LSE requires students to take foundational courses in economics, finance, accounting, and statistics in the first year. The second year consists of advanced coursework in economic theory, management principles, and specialized subjects such as human resource management, information systems, and marketing. In the third year, students take elective courses, except for one compulsory course in strategic management, which incorporates mathematics and statistics, teaching students how to use data analysis and modeling to evaluate corporate strategies. For example, students may analyze whether acquiring a competing company would yield long-term financial benefits.
Moreover, LSE states that applicants for this major should demonstrate strong intellectual versatility. The university prefers students who have taken a combination of humanities and science subjects. For instance, ideal A-level subject combinations include history + mathematics + chemistry or geography + biology + physics. This reflects LSE’s view that management studies is an interdisciplinary field, requiring students to excel in both qualitative and quantitative thinking.
Succeeding in management studies requires reading dense academic papers, conducting economic research, and analyzing business problems through data modeling. So, contrary to common belief, management is not an easier alternative to finance or accounting.
Studying Business at Private Colleges vs. Public Universities: A Tale of Two Tracks
At top-tier private universities like Harvard, Princeton, and liberal arts colleges, Business degrees are rarely offered at the undergraduate level. Instead, students interested in business often major in Economics, where coursework emphasizes theory, policy, and analytical frameworks. These programs attract ambitious, finance-focused students aiming for elite roles on Wall Street or in management consulting. For example, Harvard Economics graduates frequently secure positions at firms like Goldman Sachs or McKinsey, leveraging their school’s prestige and alumni networks.
By contrast, public universities like UC Berkeley and the University of Michigan offer specialized, practice-driven majors such as Supply Chain Management, Product Marketing, and Accounting. These programs prioritize hands-on skills directly tied to industry needs. A Supply Chain Management graduate might join Amazon’s logistics team, while an Accounting major could land at Deloitte or PwC. Though these roles may lack the glamour of investment banking, they offer stable career trajectories and align with growing sectors like tech and global trade.
The Reality of Regional Universities
At lower-ranked regional universities, Business & Management programs mirror those of mid-tier schools but face resource constraints. Smaller endowments mean fewer research opportunities, outdated facilities, and less industry-connected faculty. Graduates from these institutions often find roles at local companies or franchises—for instance, managing marketing campaigns for a regional retail chain or overseeing operations at a manufacturing plant. While these jobs may lack global reach, they provide critical entry points into the workforce.
Still Interested? Consider Your Skills and Career Goals
Some students opt for management studies simply because they struggle with traditional academics. They may not perform well on exams, problem sets, or research papers, so they prefer a major that seems more practical and career-oriented. Yet a general management major is not necessarily the best choice, given the academic rigor involved and the limited job prospects for graduates.
Instead, we recommend that students choose a specialized management major aligned with their interests and strengths. Options include:
• Entertainment Management
• Hotel Management
• Sports Management
Unlike general management, these majors provide hands-on, industry-specific skills rather than broad theoretical knowledge. Students learn practical applications relevant to their chosen fields, making them more competitive in the job market. Additionally, specialized management graduates have clearer career pathways, as they are trained for specific industries.
Of course, pursuing a specialized management major means committing to a specific career path early on. Students should ensure that they are genuinely interested in their chosen field, that their personality aligns with the job requirements, and that the industry offers promising opportunities.
The Job Market: Internships Are Non-Negotiable
In today’s competitive hiring landscape, even a diploma from a top-tier school no longer guarantees success—internship experience is the deciding factor. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), Employers rank internship experience as the most critical qualification when choosing between otherwise similar candidates, surpassing GPA, university prestige, or even relevant coursework[2].
The report underscores that internships aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re a baseline expectation. For international students, this is especially urgent: U.S. employers often view internships as proof of cultural adaptability, workplace readiness, and technical competency. This means one thing: start early.
- Secure internships as soon as your freshman year. Early roles may involve mundane tasks (e.g., data entry or market research), but they build foundational skills and industry connections.
- Leverage on-campus jobs. Roles in student admissions, campus startups, or academic departments teach teamwork and project management—skills that resonate on resumes.
Practical Steps for International Students
- Network Relentlessly: Attend career fairs, join LinkedIn groups, and cold-email alumni. A referral can bypass the “resume black hole.”
- Target Niche Industries: Tech startups, green energy firms, and e-commerce companies often sponsor visas for specialized roles.
- Master Soft Skills: U.S. workplaces value collaboration, adaptability, and communication—qualities rarely taught in lecture halls.
The Bottom Line
Many students believe that management is an easy, practical major that guarantees good job prospects. However, its broad curriculum makes it difficult for students to develop deep expertise, and it does not necessarily lead to management positions after graduation. Students who plan to join a family business after graduation may be better off studying specialized fields like marketing or accounting, gaining relevant work experience, and later pursuing an MBA to develop management skills.
For students who struggle academically and are looking for a more career-oriented major, they should select a specialized management major that aligns with their strengths and professional aspirations. By making an informed decision early on, students can set themselves up for long-term career success.
That said, your university’s ranking isn’t destiny. While top schools provide access to elite networks, lower-ranked programs can still lead to stable, high-demand careers—especially when paired with the right skills and experience. The key differentiator isn’t just what you study, but how proactive you are. Internships, networking, and hands-on skill-building will always matter more than a university’s reputation in today’s competitive job market.
References
[1] https://opendoorsdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/OD24_Fast-Facts_2024-1.pdf
Samidha Education Co., Ltd. 
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