Business Careers
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Are you considering a career in business? From accounting and finance to marketing and management, a business degree can equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right path. Whether you’re a recent graduate or looking to switch careers, a business degree can offer you a fulfilling and high-earning career.
Featured Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Career Paths in Business
A business degree qualifies you for a variety of challenging and well-paid careers. Each field contains many concentrations and subspecialties, which opens multiple possibilities for you as you plan your future.
Accounting
Accounting involves recording and managing financial records. College programs feature rigorous courses in math, accounting principles, and economics. Associate degrees can provide entry-level employment, but certified accountants need at least a bachelor’s degree and must take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
Business Administration
Business administration involves managing all business operations, including resources and people. Administration degrees focus on leadership, finance, and decision-making. A degree in business at any level can prepare you for careers in various industries.
Business Intelligence
Business intelligence uses data to generate actionable information for executives and decision-makers. College programs provide training in relevant technology and analytical skills. Most employers require business intelligence analysts to hold a bachelor’s degree.
Business Management
Management requires planning, organization, and the direction of business operations and employees. In this field, you’ll learn communication and leadership skills. An associate degree may allow you to pursue some entry-level management jobs.
Economics
Economics leverages theory and quantitative methods to analyze and guide decision-making. Programs in economics provide broad analytical training, which proves useful in many fields. Minimum education requirements vary depending on the job title.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the process of creating or establishing a new business or organization. College programs typically focus on innovative thinking, ethics, and business fundamentals. You can launch enterprises regardless of your education level.
Finance
Finance explores money management, including investments, assets, and liabilities. Degrees focus on the development of applied skills and theoretical knowledge. You can qualify for an entry-level finance career with an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Human Resources
Human resource management involves recruiting, hiring, and managing employees. College programs offer communication, leadership, and legal/ethical knowledge training. Many human resources jobs require a bachelor’s degree.
International Business
International business professionals build trade and commercial relationships that transcend borders. Given the global competition for available vacancies, earning an MBA in international business can help set you apart on the job market and maximize your career potential.
Logistics
Logistics studies the supply chain, i.e., how goods move from supplier to manufacturer to customer. These programs develop student knowledge related to business operations and management. A bachelor’s satisfies the minimum education requirements for many logistics jobs.
Marketing
Marketing professionals promote products/services and build customer relationships. Marketing programs develop student skills in communication, data analysis, and critical thinking. Many entry-level jobs require a bachelor’s degree.
Project Management
Project managers lead teams planning, guiding, and administrating organizational initiatives with specific objectives and timelines. They typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree, which many professionals supplement with additional certifications from agencies like the Project Management Institute.
Public Relations
The public relations (PR) field is dedicated to managing and spreading information to promote positive reputations of businesses and individuals. PR students develop communication, research, and writing skills. Many PR jobs require at least a bachelor’s.
Sports Management
Sports management professionals fill behind-the-scenes positions in amateur and pro sports. They may represent athletes, advance branding and public relations objectives, and build revenues for leagues and franchises. A bachelor’s degree is a common requirement for entry-level roles in this field.
Business Career and Salary Outlook
The outlook for business careers is bright, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Job growth in this sector is expected to outpace the average across all professions from 2022 to 2032.
Due to the industry’s growth and the need to replace existing employees, the BLS projects that 911,400 new job opportunities will be created in this sector each year. As of May 2023, the median annual salary for these roles was $79,050, significantly higher than the $48,060 median income for all professions.
However, income can vary greatly depending on the specific role. For example, accountants and auditors earn about $79,880, budget analysts around $84,940, financial analysts approximately $99,890, and human resources specialists roughly $67,650.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Outlook (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Accountants and Auditors | $79,880 | 4% |
| Financial Analysts | $99,890 | 8% |
| Human Resources Specialists | $67,650 | 6% |
| Management Analysts | $99,410 | 10% |
| Market Research Analysts | $74,680 | 13% |
How to Start Your Career in Business
Starting a business career requires getting an education, networking, and taking clear steps that align with your professional goals. Acquiring a degree in business administration or a related field is essential, as this provides you with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for various business roles.
Building connections with peers, mentors, and industry leaders is also crucial, as networking can open doors to job offers, collaborations, and invaluable advice.
It’s also important to stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and recent news. This knowledge can help you excel in your chosen profession and make informed career decisions.
Finally, refining your resume and honing your interview skills can increase your chances of landing your desired role and advancing your career.
Education
There are various types of business degrees: a two-year associate, a four-year bachelor’s, an MBA, and other advanced graduate degrees that generally take 2-4 years to complete.
Associate Degree
An associate degree in business provides foundational training in business. You’ll take business administration, management, accounting, marketing, and finance classes. These programs also include general education courses that build transferable skills like writing and communication.
Bachelor’s Degree
Four-year undergraduate programs are the most popular choice for aspiring business students. These 120-credit programs include general education courses and major courses and may also offer minor or concentration courses.
Some undergraduates enroll in a general business or business administration bachelor’s programs, which provides a fundamental education and skill development with plenty of flexibility to pursue work in multiple industries.
Other popular business-related bachelor’s degrees include accounting, human resources, and entrepreneurship. Graduates of these areas frequently find work as certified public accountants (after obtaining licensure), human resource managers, and small business owners.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree
MBA programs generally require 30-40 credits of coursework, depending on the school specialization. These programs study leadership, finance, and strategy, providing graduates with employment flexibility. They use case studies to help students learn about real challenges in the business world.
You typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field to gain entry into an MBA program, and some programs require students to have some work experience. You can often specialize your MBA program to suit your desired industry or rule, like entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, or healthcare management.
Business Certifications
Certifications and licensure are also key considerations when planning a business career.
Certifications, awarded by a third-party entity that sets industry standards, signify that you’ve mastered specific skills based on job-related analysis. These often require prior professional experience and can enhance your resume by showcasing your specialized knowledge and commitment to your profession. In business, you can get a certificate in global business management, content marketing, or project management.
While certifications aren’t required to practice a profession, they can open doors to better job opportunities and showcase your ongoing education and skill development.
On the other hand, licenses are mandatory and are issued by a government body to legally allow you to pursue a specific job in a certain area. Licenses are proof of competency and are typically required in regulated business professions like finance and accounting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Careers in Business
Business can be a good career given the broad scope, high demand, and diverse skill set you can develop with a business degree.
A foundational degree in business, such as a bachelor’s in business administration, can equip you with a wide-ranging understanding of various business operations, paving the way to progress and prospects in numerous sectors.
A business degree’s adaptability allows you to specialize in marketing, finance, or human resources, tailoring your studies to specific career ambitions.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed June 8, 2024.
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