Business Research for High School Students

Types of Business Careers

The business world offers a wide array of career options to suit your unique interests and strengths. If you have a strong passion for environmental conservation and sustainability, you might want to work for a renewable energy company, managing sustainable supply chains, or advising businesses on environmentally responsible practices. Your focus on sustainability would align with the growing demand for eco-friendly products and services, making it a unique and impactful career choice. 

If you have a deep interest in global affairs, languages, and diverse cultures, a career in international business could be an excellent fit. This path could lead you to roles in international trade, diplomacy, or as a global supply chain manager. Your ability to navigate cross-cultural communication and your interest in understanding international markets can be a valuable asset in fostering global trade and relationships, making a significant impact on the global business landscape. Here’s a list of some career options in the world of business. 

• Marketing and Advertising - Roles in marketing and advertising involve promoting products or services, conducting market research, and creating advertising campaigns. You might also pursue e-commerce and digital marketing involving online sales, digital advertising, and managing online business platforms.

• Finance and Accounting - Careers in finance and accounting encompass roles such as financial analysts, accountants, auditors, and financial planners.

• Entrepreneurship - Entrepreneurship offers opportunities to start and run your own businesses, from small startups to large ventures.

• Management - Management careers include positions like general managers, operations managers, and project managers, responsible for overseeing business operations and teams.

• Human Resources - HR professionals manage personnel matters, such as recruitment, employee relations, training, and benefits.

• Consulting - Business consultants offer expertise and advice to organizations seeking to improve their performance and efficiency.

• Sales and Business Development - Sales representatives, account executives, and business development managers work to generate revenue by selling products or services.

• Supply Chain and Operations - Professionals in this field manage the flow of goods and services, from production to delivery.

• Real Estate - Real estate careers involve buying, selling, and managing properties, including real estate agents, brokers, and property managers.

• International Business - This field focuses on business operations in the global marketplace, including international sales, trade, and supply chain management.

• Healthcare Management - Healthcare managers oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring efficiency and quality patient care.

• Nonprofit and Social Impact - Careers in this sector involve working for charitable organizations, NGOs, and social enterprises to address social or environmental issues.

• Hospitality and Tourism - Professionals in this field manage hotels, restaurants, and travel-related businesses.

• Sports Management - Sports managers handle the business and operational aspects of sports organizations, teams, and events.

• Retail Management - Retail managers oversee the daily operations of stores and manage staff.

• Manufacturing and Production Management - These roles involve supervising the production of goods in manufacturing facilities.

• Energy and Environmental Management - Professionals in this field work on sustainability, environmental compliance, and energy efficiency in various industries.

How to Get into Business

A traditional path to success in business involves a strong academic foundation, active involvement in relevant extracurricular activities, mentorship, internships, and part-time jobs. Higher education plays a significant role, with most successful entrepreneurs pursuing a bachelor's degree in a business-related field. Staying informed about the business world, honing your soft skills (e.g., excellent verbal and written communication, tenacity, empathy, adaptability) and exploring specializations are essential steps. As you progress, networking and proactive job-seeking will become crucial. 

While this path is conventional, there are also always business mavericks who succeed solely on their unique strengths and the willingness to challenge the status quo. Steve Jobs didn't complete college. His passion for design, user experience, and innovation set Apple apart. His relentless pursuit of excellence and vision for groundbreaking products also helped lead to remarkable success. Oprah Winfrey's early life was marked by adversity, and she did not follow a traditional business path. Her authenticity, empathy, and ability to connect with audiences catapulted her to media stardom and a successful multimedia empire. It just goes to show that curiosity, passion, observation, hard work, and a willingness to take bold risks can take a future entrepreneur far. Even so, it always helps to master your subject and hone your skills, and here are some resources you can use.

1. Take a Class in High School

The availability of business-oriented classes varies greatly from school to school, but most high schools offer at least a few of the types of courses listed below. You can also look for courses at your local community college or seek out online versions of these courses. 

• Mathematics - Strong math skills are crucial in business. Courses in algebra, geometry, and even calculus can be valuable. Statistics is also essential for data analysis and making informed business decisions.

• Economics - High schools often offer introductory courses in economics. Understanding economic principles is fundamental to business.

• Finance - Some high schools offer courses in personal finance. Understanding financial principles is crucial for business and personal success.

• Accounting - Learning the basics of accounting can be beneficial, as it's a core skill in financial management.

• English - Strong communication skills, including writing and public speaking, are essential in business. English is also spoken as a first or second language by a large percentage of the world's population. This makes it a common medium for communication between people from different linguistic backgrounds.

• Foreign Languages - Despite the prevalence of English, learning a second language, especially one spoken in a country with a strong business presence, can be advantageous in our globalized world. With the rapid growth of the Chinese economy, learning Mandarin Chinese can be highly advantageous for those interested in global business, trade, and international relations. Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

• Psychology or Sociology - Knowledge of human behavior and social dynamics can be beneficial in marketing, management, and human resources.

• Public Speaking - These courses can help you develop strong presentation and persuasion skills.

• Marketing - If available, a basic marketing course can introduce you to key concepts in promoting products and services.

2. Read a Book

Here are a few recommendations that  provide fundamental concepts like lean startup methodology, interpersonal skills, and business success principles. These books offer a solid foundation in entrepreneurship, leadership, and decision-making. We’ve also included a few thought-provoking books that challenge traditional thinking and cover topics like disruptive innovation, blockchain, and the impact of technology on society. Reading these books helps you adapt to the ever-changing landscape of business and fosters innovative thinking.

To complement your book reading, we’ve also listed some business periodicals, blogs, podcasts, and consider mentorship and networking for practical insights and guidance in your chosen field.

Foundational Books:

• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries - This book introduces the concept of lean startup methodology, which is essential for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to build efficient and sustainable businesses.

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - This classic focuses on interpersonal skills, which are crucial in business and leadership.

• Good to Great by Jim Collins - Collins identifies the factors that make some companies achieve long-term greatness, offering valuable insights for business success.

• The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen - This book explores the disruptive innovation theory and how businesses can navigate technological change.

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki - While not a traditional business book, it provides valuable insights into personal finance and investing.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - Understanding human decision-making is critical in business, and this book delves into the psychology behind it.

• The Art of War by Sun Tzu - A classic on strategy, often applied to business and management.

• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber - This book emphasizes the importance of systems and processes in building a successful business.

Thought-Provoking Books:

• Zero to One by Peter Thiel - Thiel discusses innovation and building businesses that create monopolies, challenging conventional wisdom.

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari - This book provides a broader perspective on human history and its implications for business and society.

• Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke - Duke explores decision-making, uncertainty, and risk, offering insights that challenge traditional business thinking.

• Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari - Building on "Sapiens," this book explores the future of humanity, including the role of technology in business.

• The Everything Store by Brad Stone - A look at the rise of Amazon and its impact on the retail industry and beyond.

• Principles by Ray Dalio - Dalio, a successful hedge fund manager, shares his unconventional principles for decision-making and running an organization.

• Blockchain Revolution by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott - This book delves into the potential disruption of blockchain technology in various industries.

• The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz - Horowitz shares insights on the challenges of building and running a successful tech company.

Business Magazines and Periodicals:

• Harvard Business Review - Offers in-depth articles on a wide range of business topics, from leadership to strategy.

• Forbes - Covers a variety of business-related subjects, including wealth, entrepreneurship, and technology.

• The Economist - Provides global analysis of current affairs, business, finance, and economics.

• Barron's - Focuses on investment and financial news, making it valuable for those interested in finance and stock markets.

• Fast Company - Concentrates on innovation, technology, and leadership in the business world.

Business Blogs:

• Inc.com - Offers a mix of articles on entrepreneurship, small business, and leadership.

• Entrepreneur.com - Focuses on startups, business growth, and entrepreneurship.

• HBR Blogs (Harvard Business Review Blogs) - Provides a collection of blogs written by experts on various business topics.

• The Motley Fool - Offers insights into investing and financial matters, often with a light and approachable tone.

• Seth Godin's Blog - Seth Godin is a renowned marketing expert and his blog offers insights on marketing and leadership.

Business Podcasts:

• "How I Built This" by NPR - Features interviews with founders and entrepreneurs about the stories behind their companies.

• "Planet Money" by NPR - Explores economic and business topics in an engaging and informative way.

• "The Dave Ramsey Show" by Ramsey Solutions - Focuses on personal finance and small business advice.

• "The Tim Ferriss Show" by Tim Ferriss - Tim Ferriss interviews world-class performers in various fields, offering insights on their habits and strategies.

• “Freakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner - Explores intriguing and unconventional economic topics and is a thought-provoking podcast for anyone interested in the intersection of economics and everyday life.

3. Extracurricular Study

The right extracurricular activities can foster essential business skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. They also offer opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Participation in business-related clubs and competitions, like DECA or FBLA, expose you to industry-specific concepts and chances to network. Finally extracurricular involvement demonstrates to prospective colleges and business programs that you have the commitment, initiative, and a passion necessary for the competitive world of commerce.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) - FBLA is a career and technical student organization that helps students develop leadership and business skills through competitions, conferences, and community service.

DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) - DECA is a widely recognized organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. It offers competitions, leadership development, and networking opportunities.

Other Business, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Economics, or Math Clubs - Join or start a club focused on business, entrepreneurship, or investing. You can organize events, workshops, and projects that provide practical business experience. Economics and math clubs can enhance your quantitative and analytical skills, which are valuable in various business disciplines.

Toastmasters International - Joining a local Toastmasters club can help you improve your public speaking and leadership abilities.

Student Government - Participating in student government can help you develop leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.

Debate Clubs or Mock Trial - Develop your public speaking and argumentation skills by participating in debate clubs. Mock trial teams also involve legal and business elements, fostering skills in argumentation, critical thinking, and public speaking.

Entrepreneurial Competitions - Participate in competitions like the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge or the NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) Business Plan Challenge.

Community Service - Volunteering can help you develop social responsibility, leadership skills, and a sense of giving back, all of which are valued in business.

School Newspaper or Yearbook - These activities can help you develop writing and communication skills, which are essential in business.

Part-time Jobs - Working part-time, especially in customer service or sales roles, can provide practical experience in dealing with customers and managing business operations.

Business Research Opportunities 

Once you have a better grasp of what kind of project you want to do, you could pursue your vision at a local community college, a competition, an internship, a summer program, a virtual program, or with your own independent research or business project idea. If you want to be free to conduct your own project, we still advise that you give yourself a deadline and have a qualified adult advisor or mentor who you can consult with. 

Find research programs close to home

We’ll go into summer programs in more depth in the next section, but if you want to find all types of research opportunities close to home, our High School Student Research Opportunities Database is an excellent resource. Click on your state, then search based on your location, institution, event type (in-person or virtual), and tuition (paid or free). 

Work with a professor

If you have a clear idea of a project you might want to work on, you can reach out to professors in your field to see if they are open to collaborating with you. Refer to our Guide to Cold-Emailing Professors (written by Polygence literature research mentor Daniel Hazard, a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University).

Engage in your own research project

Students with initiative and focus can opt to tackle research independently. Carly Taylor, a Stanford University senior who has completed several research projects this way, outlined a guide about how to write a self-guided research paper. By reading it, you’ll get a better understanding of what to expect when taking on this type of project.

Also check out our comprehensive list of business research programs for high school students

Summer Programs in Business

Here are some of our top picks for summer business research programs. We chose them based on a combination of their affordability, name recognition, social opportunities, and academic rigor.

1. Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)

Hosting Institution: Haas School of Business - University of California, Berkeley

Cost: $7,050 USD

Format: In-person (Berkeley, CA)

Application deadline: Mid March

An intimate cohort of only 50 students, this two-week course invites students to learn concepts of teamwork, communications, presentations, writing a business plan, and research skills. They will also meet a panel of undergrads from UC Berkeley. Immersed in the on-campus life, participants also experience social activities, hear from guest speakers, and collaborate with a team to build a business plan which they then present at the end of the course. Check the site for the most current application information.

2. Essentials of Finance

Hosting Institution: Wharton University

Cost: $7,299 USD

Format: In-person (Philadelphia, PA)

Application deadline: Early April 

This two-week program provides an introduction to the theory, the methods and the concerns of the world of finance. Students are exposed to the fundamentals of both personal and corporate finance. Additionally, participants look into topics like the time value of money, the trade-off between risk and return, equities and corporate accounting, and learn fundamentals of finance with real-world applications and case studies. Check the site for the most current application information.

3. Entrepreneurship Academy

Hosting Institution: Georgetown University

Cost: $5,500 USD

Format: In-person

Application deadline: May 15, 2023

This two-week program explores how to choose a start-up, prototype testing, market research, social innovation, global business, and the operations of running a business. In addition to class work, participants will hear from guest speakers, develop a business plan and pitch presentation, participate in discussions that invite critical thinking, and review case studies. The experience incorporates a blend of classroom lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, and group discussions. Check the site for the most current application information.

Check out the full list of Top 10 Business Summer Research Opportunities for High School Students for more options. 

Business Internships or Low-Cost Programs for High School Students

These opportunities may involve more than a strictly financial focus, but they do open prestigious doors in the business world.

1. Student Leadership Program

Hosting institution: Bank of America

Compensation: Unspecified amount

Format: In-person (Various locations)

Application deadline: Mid-January

This is a great opportunity if you're interested in working with non-profits and looking to change your own community. The Student Leaders program accepts hundreds of community-minded high schoolers annually. These students participate in a paid 8-week internship with nonprofits, such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity, and gain firsthand experience in serving their communities. Check the site for the most current application information.

2. Microsoft Discovery Program

Hosting institution: Microsoft

Compensation: Unspecified amount

Format: In-person (Redmond, WA)

Application deadline: Early March

For graduating seniors in the western Washington area only: This full-time, fully paid, 4-week Microsoft internship will teach you programming fundamentals alongside Microsoft employees as your mentors. Check the site for the most current application information.

3. Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)

Hosting Institution: Penn State

Cost: $50 USD registration fee only if accepted

Format: In–person (State College, PA)

Application deadline: Late March 

BOSS is a two-week program designed for high school students interested in pursuing a business education. It allows participants to experience a taste of college life via college prep and business fundamentals courses taught by Penn State faculty. In addition to coursework in Hospitality Management, Risk Management, and Management and Organization, students are also invited to participate in social activities. Check the site for the most current application information.

Check out the full list of 10 Business Internship Opportunities for High School Students for more options. 

Business Project Ideas and How to Brainstorm Your Own

As far as coming up with a good business research project, you can investigate lots of different avenues, from economics to finance to entrepreneurship and tech ventures. Start by considering your personal interests. Identify the areas that intrigue you the most and align with your academic and career goals. Next, reflect on your existing knowledge and skills in economics and business. Choose a project idea that allows you to build on your strengths and is feasible within your available resources. You can seek guidance from mentors, teachers, or advisors who specialize in economics, finance, or business. Discuss your interests and potential project ideas with them to gain valuable insights and suggestions. Here are a few ideas by some of our Polygence Business mentors to get you thinking.

Artificial Intelligence replacing knowledge workers

Are AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E (text to image) poised to rapidly replace knowledge workers? Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are capable of performing all sorts of tasks, from drafting sales copy to writing code, but is AI enough to replace knowledge workers? This is a hot topic that many people are weighing in on right now. There are certainly jobs that could and will be replaced by automation, but there could also be others where AI simply complements the work of a human. Explore how AI will or will not replace different workers. What industries or roles are most susceptible to being replaced by AI? What specific tools could they be replaced by? Come up with your opinion on this debate and if possible focus on a specific industry and how generative AI might impact it.

Idea by Business research mentor Brandon

Crypto Case Study: in-depth market research on crypto-currency businesses

Cryptocurrency, or crypto for short, is a form of digital currency that uses cryptography for secure financial transactions and operates independently of a central bank or government. With this project, you can gain a better understanding of finance-focused crypto businesses from all around the world. Do your research and handpick a few companies to deeply study. Where did they go wrong? When and why did they thrive? What is their value proposition for customers? With crypto currently not doing so well and being associated with scandal, there’s an opportunity for you to learn a lot throughout this process! 

Idea by Finance research mentor Ben

Business product analysis

In this project, you will conduct a comprehensive analysis of a chosen product from a company of your choosing. You can pick a product that you know particularly well and ideally one that you use yourself. What does the product do? How does it help customers? How does the product compare to the competition in terms of price, quality, and other factors? You can even think about how the product could be improved, based on your own experience or comparisons to competitor products. What do other customers think of the product, based on online reviews? The final outcome of the project can be written documentation that summarizes the chosen product and provides reflections on potential improvements.

Idea by Business research mentor Leo

You can check out more ideas on our 20 Business, Economics, and Finance Research and Passion Project Ideas for High School Students post.

Business Projects from Polygence Scholars

Business projects are particularly well-suited to being combined with all kinds of interests. Take a look at topics covered by some of our Polygence Scholars.

The Primary Market of Concert Ticketing

Parker examined the ramifications of the 2010 Live Nation and Ticketmaster merger into the Live Nation Entertainment (LNE) conglomerate. The record-high prices of concert tickets of 2023 on the primary market have frustrated millions of music fans and many blame LNE. But she found that pent-up demand, a pandemic-weakened supply chain, and rising concert production costs most accurately explain these prices, not LNE's market power. You can read her research here. 

How Corporate Social Responsibility Affects Business 

Austin created a podcast to raise awareness about the wasteful/harmful practices that companies enact and discussed the pros and cons of enacting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in companies. You can listen to it on Buzzsprout. 

Financial Illiteracy and Exclusion among the Unbanked

Abhinav studied the causes and effects of financial illiteracy and exclusion in the most at-risk demographic groups and solutions proven to bring them into the financial mainstream. He chose to work on this project because of my passion to alleviate poverty through economics and business in low-income communities and countries. You can download his research on ResearchGate.

See more business projects done by Polygence Scholars. 

Writing a Business Research Paper

We can’t stress enough the importance of choosing a topic that truly excites you. You will be spending a lot of time researching it so the more curious you are about the subject, the easier it is to motivate yourself to work on it. Let’s go over several key steps and components of writing a strong research paper:

1. Select a Relevant and Intriguing Topic: Choose a business-related topic that interests you. Ensure it's specific and has clear research questions.

2. Conduct Thorough Research -  Gather information from reputable sources, including academic journals, books, and online databases. Cite sources properly.

3. Formulate a Research Question -  Define a clear and concise research question that your paper will address. This question guides your investigation.

4. Develop a Strong Thesis -  Craft a well-defined thesis statement that conveys the main argument or purpose of your paper.

5. Create an Outline - Organize your paper's structure with an introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion.

6. Methodology - Describe the methods you used to collect and analyze data, providing a clear understanding of your research approach.

7. Analyze and Interpret Data - Present your findings and analyze them, using charts, graphs, or tables when necessary. Connect your findings to your research question.

8. Discussion - Interpret the significance of your findings, discussing implications, limitations, and potential areas for future research.

9. Citations and References - Ensure proper citation of sources using a recognized style guide (e.g., APA, MLA).

10. Proofread and Edit - Carefully review your paper for grammar, spelling, and clarity issues.

An excellent business research paper distinguishes itself through thorough research using credible data, a well-defined thesis, clear and concise writing, and meaningful analysis. It offers a fresh perspective, contributes to the existing body of knowledge, and provides practical recommendations or insights. Additionally, adherence to citation and formatting guidelines is crucial. Seek feedback from teachers or mentors to refine your work and elevate it to a higher standard. 

Also be sure to read our How to Write a Research Paper as a High School Student post. Even though it's not focused solely on business writing, it does include a lot of detailed instructions and some invaluable pro tips that can be applied to any field. 

Showcasing Business Projects

You might want to take a look at potential journals before you even start your research. Browsing through previous articles will give you a sense of the length, tone, format, and other specifications you would need to fulfill in order to publish your findings. If you’re interested in publishing your work, here are some publications you could look into. 

1. Concord Review

The Concord Review is a quarterly journal that publishes exceptional essays written by high school students on historical topics. That said, if your business research has a historical bent to it, it might be eligible for submission. The journal has been around since 1987 and has a great reputation, with many student winners going to great universities. I your paper is published, your essays will also be sent to subscribers and teachers all around the world, which is an incredible achievement.

Papers submitted tend to be around 8,000 words, so there is definitely a lot of writing involved, and the Concord Review themselves say that they are very selective, publishing only about 5% of the essays they receive. We’ve posted our complete guide on publishing in the Concord Review here.

Cost: $70 to Submit and $200 Publication Cost (if accepted)

Deadline: Fixed Deadlines in Feb 1 (Summer Issue), May 1 (Fall), August 1 (Winter), and November 1 (Spring)

Type of research: History / Social Sciences

2. The Schola

The Schola is a peer-reviewed quarterly journal that showcases essays on various humanities and social sciences topics authored by high school students worldwide. They feature a diverse range of subjects such as philosophy, history, art history, English, economics, public policy, and sociology.

Editors at Schola are academics who teach and do research in the humanities and social sciences

Cost: $180 submission fee

Deadline: Rolling

Subject area: Humanities

Type of research: Essay submission

3. Research Archive of Rising Scholars (RARS)

Research Archive of Rising Scholars is Polygence’s own preprint server! We were inspired by arXiv so we created a repository for articles and other creative submissions in STEM and the Humanities.

We launched RARS in 2022 and we’re excited to offer a space for budding scholars as they look to publish their work in journals. To get a sense of business research papers we have published in the past, check out the results of a “business” search. 

Cost: Free

Deadline: Rolling

Subject area: STEM and Humanities

Type of research: Original research, review articles

Be sure to read our posts on The Best Business Competitions for High School Students and the Top 8 Journals to Publish Business Research for more options.