INTRODUCTION TO
BUSINESS
FINAL COURSE
PROJECT
Parris Ennis
May 22, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW
2
BUSINESS SKILLS ASSESSMENT
3
RESEARCHING CAREERS
5
INTERNSHIPS
9
NETWORKING
11
RESUME
13
COMPUTER SKILLS
14
AREA OF CONCENTRATION
17
SUMMARY CONCLUSION
18
REFERENCES
19
1
OVERVIEW
The purpose of this Course Project is to demonstrate my understanding, comprehension, and
mastery of the following concepts:
● Identifying and recognizing issues in business.
● Explaining the importance of research and networking in preparation for a career in
business.
● Using Business terminology.
Throughout this semester I have acquired knowledge on Business topics, theories, as well as
terminology. I have applied this newly gained knowledge to my Course Project. I have
accumulated and assembled the necessary eight (8) parts/requirements along with completed
written summaries, a cover page, a table of contents, and an APA formatted References page,
into one Microsoft Word document.
2
BUSINESS SKILLS ASSESSMENT
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”
Graduating high school is a momentous occasion for me, it marks the end of one chapter in my
life and the beginning of another. Graduating high school is my greatest accomplishment in life
as it signifies not only my academic achievements but also my personal growth; it serves as a
reminder of all the memories, friendships, and experiences that have shaped my high school
journey. Graduating high school represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication
as well as the successful completion of a major life milestone and a symbol of commitment and
tenacity. This milestone is a source of pride for me as it taught me perseverance and resilience;
throughout my school years I faced numerous challenges both academically and personally — I
juggled various responsibilities while trying to balance my studies with extracurricular activities
and although there were times when I felt overwhelmed and doubted myself, I never gave up.
Even when it was difficult, I continued moving forward. Graduating high school is more than
just receiving a diploma. It is a representation of the knowledge and skills that I have gathered
over the years. It is evidence of the numerous hours invested in studying, going to classes, and
finishing tasks. It is a reflection of the relationships and friendships that I have forged as well as
the lifelong memories that I have created. Graduating high school is a moment that I will treasure
for the rest of my life.
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List of Skills
●
Time Management: My ability to manage my time effectively will aid in my success in
college and the business world as it allows me to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and
manage multiple projects simultaneously which will prove to be very helpful in college
and beyond. Effective time management is the driving force behind accomplishing
objectives and reaching goals.
● Critical Thinking: Being able to analyze information and develop effective solutions will
be instrumental in my success in college and in the business. Critical thinking skills
enable me to effectively gather knowledge, process information rapidly, and analyze data
wisely. It makes it possible for me to make decisions and solve problems more
successfully.
●
Teamwork: The skill of teamwork is underrated, this skill allows for successful
collaboration with peers, sharing ideas, and working towards common goals with a group
of like minded individuals. Working effectively with others allows the completion of
tasks in a more efficient and productive manner — this is an essential skill to have in
college and the business world.
● 7. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to change is very important in college and in the
business world. In today’s workplace it is more important than ever to be adaptable; life
is unpredictable and constantly changing therefore, being open to learn new skills, take
on new responsibilities, and adjust to changing circumstances will always be a beneficial
skill to have in pursuing education and a career.
4
RESEARCHING CAREERS
Career Choice 1: Nurse
Job Description: Registered nurses (or RNs) collaborate closely with supervising physicians to
determine the needs of patients, ensure their care, monitor them, administer medications, keep
records, speak with other healthcare professionals, educate patients about medications, and carry
out other related duties.
Employment Rates: The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were about 3.1 million
registered nurses working in the US in 2020. According to projections, employment of registered
nurses will increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031, which is a predicted 203,200 opportunities
for registered nurses every year.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ASN)
along with passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses
are the prerequisites for becoming a practicing registered nurse (RN). To become a registered
nurse, you must have a nursing degree from a recognized program and nurses must have a
license for their state of practice.
Training: Nurses are trained on the job and have the option of continuing their education to keep
their knowledge current.
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Advancements: with experience and further study nurses can advance their careers in their field;
an RN may pursue advanced practice registration to become an APRN, which offers prospects
for nursing leadership and specialty. APRNs can choose from one of four specialties: certified
nurse practitioner, certified clinical nurse, certified nurse midwife and certified nurse anesthetist.
Additionally, as an APRN, you might decide to focus even more on a particular patient
demographic or work environment, such as pediatrics or mental health or they could also decide
to pursue management or executive nursing leadership.
Earnings: The average registered nurse salary varies greatly by state. According to the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, the average registered nurse salary in the United States is $82,750.
Career Choice 2: Respiratory Therapist:
Job Description: Patients who suffer from breathing problems or other cardiopulmonary
ailments are assessed, treated, and cared for by respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists aid
patients who are having breathing difficulties by evaluating patients through diagnostic
procedures and evaluations, administering treatments, and monitoring outcomes.
Employment Rates: The number of respiratory therapists employed in the US is about 135 800.
Respiratory therapist employment is expected to expand by 14% by 2031.
6
Qualifications: You must complete either an Associates degree in Respiratory Care or a
Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care, pass credentialing exams, and acquire a license
in your state to become a respiratory therapist.
Training: Respiratory therapists are trained on the job and have the option of continuing their
education to keep their knowledge current.
Advancements: Licensed respiratory therapists have two career options: they can advance
clinically to positions such as respiratory therapy manager or director of respiratory therapy, or
they can work as educators and program directors to develop the next generation of RRTs.
Additionally, there are career prospects in the fields of respiratory consulting, medical equipment
sales, patient care education, and sleep technology and medicine.
Earnings: The average yearly salary for the Respiratory Therapy job category in the United
States as of May 14, 2023, is $106,878 which translates to about $51.38 per hour. The wage,
however, differs by state and may be more or lower.
Career Choice 3: Financial Analyst
Job Description: Financial analysts advise companies and individuals on investment choices.
They create financial models, evaluate financial data, and offer investment advice. Financial
analysts use data to identify critical patterns and risks or forecast results for strategic business
choices.
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Employment Numbers: Currently, the United States employs over 298,522 financial analysts.
Between 2021 and 2031, financial analysts' employment is expected to expand by 9.3%,
according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related
discipline like statistics, economics, or general business is typically necessary for entry-level
financial analyst positions.
Training: Financial analysts receive on-the-job training and may participate in continuing
education to keep their skills up to date.
Advancements: Many financial analysts think about going back to graduate school for higher
degrees. A graduate with a master's degree can anticipate starting out as a senior financial
analyst, and with more training and experience, a senior financial analyst can advance to a
supervisory post. In the securities sector, a senior analyst frequently advances to become a fund
manager or portfolio manager in charge of a group of senior analysts.
Earnings: As of May 1, 2023, the average income for a Financial Analyst II in the United States
is $77,061, however the range frequently is between $69,707 and $86,241.
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INTERNSHIPS
Internship Choice 1: Summer Youth Employment Program at NYC Department of Youth and
Community Development
The largest youth employment program in the country, Summer Youth Employment Program
(SYEP), offers paid summer internships and career exploration opportunities to NYC adolescents
between the ages of 14 and 24. I am interested in this program because as a young person in
New York City I believe that I will be better prepared for my future career path by taking part in
organized project- and work-based programs. I will have a special opportunity through SYEP to
explore my interests and find new ones by participating in project- based education where I can
discover career prospects and improve my community and engage in work experiences that
offers paid summer employment in a range of businesses across NYC where I can develop work
readiness skills and explore career options.
Internship Choice 2: NYC Ladders for Leaders at NYC Department of Youth and Community
Development
Ladders for Leaders is a subset of the Summer Youth Employment Program, it is a well-known
program that provides high school and college students with the chance to take part in paid
professional summer internships with prestigious firms, non-profit organizations, and
governmental agencies in New York City. I am interested in this program as it will provide me
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with the unique opportunity to explore my professional and educational interests through
pre-employment training, paid summer internships, and the ability to join the alumni network. I'll
have the chance to get assistance with preparing a resume and cover letter, as well as with
interview techniques, learn the fundamentals of business etiquette and workplace readiness and
have access to a wide network of alumni and paid internship options in a number of industries.
Internship Choice 3: Summer Health Internship with the Bronx-Westchester Area Health
Education Center
The Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP) at the Bronx-Westchester Area Health Education
Center (BW AHEC) offers a six-week summer placement opportunity for students entering their
junior and senior years of high school, as well as freshmen and sophomores in college, who have
expressed an interest in the health field. Through this program, I will have the chance to learn
about a range of health-related occupations as well as concerns affecting my communities'
health. I will be able to observe healthcare professionals and inquire about their educational
backgrounds, professional backgrounds, job descriptions, and duties. My interest in pursuing a
career in nursing makes me an ideal candidate for this internship program.
10
NETWORKING
Andy King
Andy King is the founder of the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program, a program that challenges
youth in my community to take charge of their lives to effect change, set an example and be a
source of inspiration and motivation for our community. This program aims to empower youth to
become positive, productive and influential leaders of society. As a former Council member for
the 12th District of the New York City Council, the community in which I reside, I know that Mr.
King is a community leader that is connected to a diverse range of enterprises and community
organizations, making him an excellent resource for networking. Through his YEP program I
will be able to cultivate relationships with other leaders and influential people in my community
which will allow me to have access to a powerful network where I can discover opportunities to
find a mentor, an internship or an apprenticeship.
Kevin Riley
Councilman Kevin Riley is the current Council member representing the 12th Council District,
he is an avid and active member of my community who is fueled by a passion for public service
and his love and dedication for his community. Through an event at my school, The Stop the
Violence Summit, I had the pleasure of meeting the councilman; his commitment to uplifting and
making his community better is the reason why I believe he is an optimal candidate for
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networking. Mr. Riley’s access to resources, community connections, leadership and community
involvement will prove to be very beneficial to me as it will expand my networking horizons,
create new and accessible opportunities and widen my scope for personal and professional
growth and development.
Yvonne Elliot Barham
As the community coordinator at my school, Mrs. Barham represents my school and collaborates
with the principal and students to plan and implement projects that boost the school’s visibility
in the community. She is very community-oriented and has a long list of relationships with
influential people within the community. Mrs. Barham has a strong and potent network of
community wide leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians and educators — which makes an ideal
person to build a relationship with for networking. Through her outreach activities such
community events, workshops, appearances, and other communication opportunities she exposes
students to powerful and inspiring men and women within our community; these connections
often lead to internships and having a lifelong mentor which is perfect for a young woman like
me in society. Mrs. Barham’s connections will enable me to effectively network with influential
people in my community.
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RESUME
13
COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Word
Proficiency Level: Basic
● Insert and formatting text and paragraphs
○ Fonts, borders, colors, numbering, aligning, applying styles and themes, use
templates
● Modifying a document
○ Insert, delete, search and replace, spellcheck, thesaurus, add comments
● Manage Lists
○ Sort a list, format a list
● Tables
○ Insert, modify, format a table, convert text to a table
● Inserting graphic objects
○ Insert symbols and special characters, add images
● Controlling page appearance
○ Border, color, headers and footers, page layout, add watermark
● Printing documents
○ Preview, print, page layout
● Preparing to publish a document
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○ Check spelling, grammar, readability, research tools, check accessibility, save
document other formats
Microsoft Excel
Proficiency Level: Basic
● Formulas
○ Insert simple formulas (total, add, subtract, multiply, divide, count) and functions,
show/hide formulas, orders of operations
● Worksheet Basics
○ Navigation, menus and ribbons, editing data, data entry: autofill, saving a
workbook and managing versions
● Modify a worksheet
○ Insert, delete, and adjust cells, columns, and rows, search and replace, add
comments, create new worksheet from filtered worksheet
● Formatting techniques
○ Fonts, borders, colors, numbering, aligning, naming ranges, using filters, applying
styles and themes, templates
Microsoft Powerpoint
Proficiency Level: Basic
● Creating a presentation
○ Select a presentation type, edit text, build a presentation
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● Advanced text formatting
○ Characters, paragraphs, text boxes
● Adding graphics
○ Images, shapes
● Modifying objects
○ Edit, format, group, arrange, animate
● Adding tables
○ Create, format, insert
● Adding charts
○ Create, format, insert
● Preparing for delivery
○ Review, apply transitions, print, deliver
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AREA OF CONCENTRATION
Selected Area of Concentration: Finance
Finance is the study of the management, creation and analysis of money and investments;
investing, borrowing, lending, budgeting, saving, and predicting are all encompassed in the field
of finance. I have chosen finance as my area of concentration for a number of reasons: I have
always had an unfeigned interest in finance since I always enjoyed working with numbers and
data. There are numerous career opportunities in finance and the finance industry provides job
security as it is stable and financial professionals are always needed in the workplace. Pursuing
finance as a career option also comes with benefits such as a high salary and flexibility since
most industries require finance professionals. Choosing finance as my area of concentration
offers many advantages which include:
Career Advancements - with experience and higher education financial professionals have to
prospect to advance to higher positions and higher income.
Financial Security - being well versed in finance will help me to manage my money wisely and
make smart decisions on investments, retirement planning and other financial decisions.
Business Opportunities- as a financial expert I will be able to use my financial knowledge and
skills to start my own business or work as a consultant.
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SUMMARY CONCLUSION
Throughout the semester as I was developing my ideas and thoughts for the Course Project, I
gained a unique perspective on the study of business. The insight that I gained from creating this
project is invaluable; I learned that there is much more to business than what meets the eye;
cultivated an understanding of the nature of work in the business world, I realized the necessary
steps that I must take in order to be successful in this cut throat industry and most importantly I
discovered that I have a genuine interest in business. From researching careers, finding
internships and creating a prospect of potential networking opportunities I realized that business
is more than just a degree it is about making the right connections and creating a name for
yourself. In doing this project I was forced to assess my skills and abilities, this allowed me to
analyze the traits that I possess that will contribute to my success in college and in business.
Additionally, while exploring various career choices, internships and networking opportunities I
was able to learn more about my strengths and weaknesses, my interests and also I gained
valuable knowledge and information into the world of business itself. It is incontestable that this
Course Project has provided me with a more insightful understanding and outlook on business;
the lessons that I have learned and the information that I have gained is invaluable.
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REFERENCES
Hayes, A. (2023, May 15). What does finance mean? its history, types, and importance
explained. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/finance.asp
Weebly. (2023, May 20). High School Internships . SRMP4LIFE.
https://www.srmp4life.com/high-school-internships.html
Carpenter, J. W. (2023, April 5). Financial analyst: Career path and qualifications. Investopedia.
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/financial-advisors/121815/financial-analyst-career-path-q
ualifications.asp
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