The 10 Biggest Regrets Of 2025’s Best & Brightest Business Majors

The 10 Biggest Regrets Of 2025’s Best & Brightest Business Majors, Contd.

5) Spend More Time with Faculty: “I would have treated my professors as future colleagues, not just as instructors. It is easy to see them solely as authority figures who assign grades. In reality, they are industry experts, researchers, and well-connected professionals with valuable insights.

“If I could go back, I would have engaged with them more intentionally — asking deeper questions, discussing their work, and seeking mentorship. Looking back, I realize that treating professors as potential career allies rather than just educators could have opened even more doors.”

– Shamarric Edwards, St. John’s (Tobin)

6) Pursue More Activities Outside the Business School: “If I could do it all again, I would have joined more non-business clubs and explored interests outside my major. While I’m grateful for the professional growth I gained through business organizations, I sometimes felt like I missed out on the excitement of trying something completely new. College isn’t just about career preparation. It’s also a time to do silly things, meet new people, and step outside your comfort zone.

“Whether it was learning a new skill, joining a creative club, or immersing myself in a different field, I wish I had pushed myself to embrace unfamiliar experiences just for the joy of discovery.”

– Isabel Li, Rutgers Business School

7) Be More Present and Enjoy the Process: “Throughout my time at TCU, I was always focused on the next big thing like getting through the difficult class, leading/starting an initiative, or finding new opportunities to get involved in. While that drive pushed me to grow, it also sometimes kept me from fully appreciating the experiences happening right in front of me.

“Looking back, I realize that some of the most valuable moments weren’t the big milestones, but the everyday interactions like studying with classmates that turned into best friends, the impromptu meetings with professors that left me feeling empowered, and the small wins that often got overlooked in pursuit of my next goal. If I could go back, I would remind myself to slow down, take a breath, and truly embrace each experience for what it was.

“Moving forward, I want to bring that awareness into my career by not just chasing the next goal or thing I can accomplish but rather enjoying the process. I have now learned that life isn’t just about reaching a destination, it’s about appreciating every step along the way.”

– Kassidy Allen, Texas Christian University (Neeley)

8) Embrace Failure: “Looking back, I am really proud of the way I have learned to navigate ambiguity. When I flew 3,000 miles across the country to begin my college career, there were so many ‘what ifs’ in the back of my mind, including the big one: ‘What if I fail?’ I spent my first year using that fear as a reason to shy away from opportunities. But, as the semesters went on and I had more experiences and opportunities, I began to meet that question with a different attitude: ‘Well, what if I do fail? Then what?’ And now, as a senior BBA, I realize that the answer to that question is that it’s up to you! You can either let it defeat you, or you can try again. On that note, what even is failure? In my opinion, anything can be a success if you look at it hard enough. Failure is how you define it. Maybe you didn’t get that opportunity you wanted, but you learned something! Is that not a success?

“Throughout my time here at Ross, we have talked a lot about what it means to have a growth mindset and how to navigate ambiguity – and my four years here have taught me how to do exactly that. So, one thing that I would do differently is to realize and utilize the power of perception to my advantage to do so quickly.”

– Hillary Simmons, University of Michigan (Ross)

9) Pick Your Battles and Set Your Boundaries: “If I could do one thing differently in business school, it would be to learn to pick my battles and establish boundaries sooner. Throughout my time at Hult, I was always motivated to tackle new challenges, whether they were group projects, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities. While this ambition pushed me forward, I frequently found myself overcommitted, juggling too many responsibilities at once. As a result, I was not always able to fully take in or appreciate every experience to the fullest.

“It wasn’t until my senior year that I truly realized the importance of saying no. I understood that being selective about where I invested my time and energy did not imply missing out—rather, it meant making room for deeper, more meaningful experiences. This lesson has shaped not only how I approach opportunities but also how I prioritize balance in all aspects of life.”

– Maria Alonzo, Hult Business School

10) Engage with More Employers: “Looking back on my first year, one thing I regret is not participating more in corporate site visits and exploration programs hosted by various firms, as well as open networking opportunities. Major corporations, especially those headquartered in New York City, often organize special exploratory events exclusively for first or second-year students. These events present a unique opportunity to get ahead of the curve, as they allow you to introduce yourself to recruiters in person and experience the company’s culture firsthand. Additionally, you get the chance to engage with employees and associates.

“During my first year, I was still adjusting to the significant cultural transition, which hindered my ability to fully take advantage of the business opportunities available in New York City. Looking back, one thing I would have changed is attending more evening networking events held almost weekly for different niches through various organizations and startups. This is common in larger metropolitan areas like NYC, and, as a college student, it’s an ideal time to put yourself out there and meet like-minded individuals.

“You never know who you might encounter in New York City—perhaps the future founder of a billion-dollar company.”

– Vishesh Chawla, Fordham University (Gabelli)

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