Is a Business Degree Worth It? Reflections of a Grace College Business Senior

Have you ever wondered, “Is a business degree worth it?” 

If so, you’re not alone. This was the exact thought going through my mind when I was trying to decide if I should major in business. 

My name is Sarah Stephens, and I am getting ready to graduate in just a few short weeks from Grace’s undergraduate business school. My time studying event management and marketing at Grace has been nothing short of amazing, and I want to share just what made Grace’s undergraduate business school so special.

The Back Story

There is no better way to express my experience than to simply tell you a story. Now, imagine me, a transfer student. I had just arrived on Grace’s campus. I didn’t know a single soul, and I was not looking forward to walking into my first class — let alone taking a college-level accounting class. On the first day, I showed up to class half an hour early, and I waited outside of the classroom until I saw enough students go in. I worked up my courage, walked in, and found a seat. My stomach was fluttering as I waited in anticipation for class to start. As I sat there, I was asking myself, “Is a business degree worth it?” I was absolutely terrified to be taking financial accounting, and I honestly didn’t think I would be able to pass the class. 

Once class started, Dr. Stichter immediately put me at ease. He spoke comforting words, shared about his life, and prayed with us. In the first 15 minutes of class, I had already learned more about Dr. Stichter than I had all of my professors combined at my previous school. At my former school, we never got to know our professors on a personal basis, and we certainly never prayed in class. It was in these moments that I knew Grace was different. I knew I belonged here. When class ended, I nervously went up to Dr. Stichter and explained that I was worried about the difficulty of his class. He reassured me that I would be fine. He connected me with a tutor and explained that if I ever needed any help, all I had to do was ask! 

Because of Dr. Stichter, financial accounting ended up being one of my all-time favorite classes. 

So, Is a Business Degree Worth It?

Since that first day in Professor Stichter’s class, I have found infinite reasons for why the answer to this question is yes. Here are just a few:

1. Strong Connections. I have been able to sit and work alongside classmates who are future industry leaders. I have been able to connect with many people during my time at Grace and I know that they will be invaluable contacts in the future. I have met some of my best friends working on group projects being able to bond in the shared struggle of looming deadlines and overcoming obstacles. 
2. Real-Life Application. Another reason I love the undergraduate business school at Grace is that they make sure that you graduate with real-life experience. I was able to work with several external companies and gain experience interfacing with clients in a professional manner. This experience was invaluable. Now, I’m able to provide examples of work I have done.
3. Faith Integration. One of the things I love most about Grace’s undergraduate business school is that they teach you how to integrate your faith into the workplace. As every senior does, I thought I knew it all until I sat down for Dr. Fawcett’s Biblical Basis Business. Within ten minutes, I was fully engaged, fighting back tears as he spoke with such passion about how we as seniors are about to embark on a mission far greater than the journey we are completing. In that class, Dr. Fawcett taught valuable lessons about being men and women of integrity. His words stuck with me and challenged me! 
4. Professors that care. I could go on about how great my classes have been while at Grace and how much I know my professors actually care. Hear me when I say I go to my classes excited to connect with my professors, excited to learn from their experience and excited to gain invaluable insight from them. Just last week, I got to sit down with Dr. Grossnickle and discuss in-depth my plans for after graduation. It’s this level of intentionality that has truly inspired me.

When I think of my time in the School of Business coming to an end, my heart sinks and I find myself feeling sad. Which is ironic because two years ago I was so ready to be done and asking myself, “Is a business degree worth it?”

Now as I am preparing to walk across the stage to receive my diploma, I am looking at freshmen and wanting to let them know how lucky they are to have their entire college experience ahead of them. I would do it all again if I could, but I know I’m ready for the next step. My classes and professors in Grace’s undergraduate business school have prepared me to go out and face the “real” world of business. They have equipped me with the tools and abilities to take on my career with confidence. 

No one will ever be able to take away the knowledge or experience that I have received from getting my business degree. Is getting a business degree worth it? I can’t answer that for you, but it certainly was for me! 

Now it’s up to you. I urge you to learn more about Grace’s undergraduate business school by clicking here.