A business degree will help you in a range of industries. The skills you’ll learn are transferable, making you an asset in any company. You can even use your new knowledge to start your own business.
Your degree in business can help you get hired in management, administration, digital marketing, finance, and more.
Because it’s such a broad field, you may be wondering what you can do with a business degree.
This article will cover everything you need to know about the types of roles you can get with a business degree, like job descriptions, skills, and average salaries. Are you ready? Let’s get started.
What is a business degree?
Simply put, a business degree is a bachelor’s in business or a specialized field within business, like a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). If you study full-time, the degree should take four years to complete, although some finish earlier or later.
These degrees, whether generalized or specialized, open a wide range of career pathways. When you choose to study for a degree in the business field, you’ll gain skills in many areas. For example, a business major’s curriculum may cover accounting, human resource management, and marketing.
You can study business at a college or university, both on-campus or online. There are full-time and part-time options available.
There are a few other types of business degrees. Two-year associate’s degrees in business management can also be an option, and if you want to continue your studies after earning your bachelor’s, you can enroll in a master’s degree program for even better career opportunities.
The top 11 jobs you can get with a business degree
Let’s dive in and take a look at the top eleven jobs you can get in the business field.
1. Accountant
Accountants are experts in numbers. They help companies and individuals meet their tax obligations.
For example, they get tax returns ready for lodgement and look over financial statements to make sure they’re accurate. They offer tax advice and check that all laws are ‌upheld.
They help people make financial decisions, set budgets, and assess risks. These team members use accounting software, such as MYOB, Xero, Quickbooks, and Microsoft Excel.
Accountants usually have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business. Other credentials, like a CPA license, may also be required.
Accountants need strong math skills, computer skills, attention to detail, and communication skills. Some are employed by companies — while others work as freelancers.
How much does an accountant make?
The average salary for an accountant in the US is $77,250 per year or $37.14 per hour. The growth rate is predicted to be 6% in the next ten years.
2. Project management specialist
Project management specialists are in charge of different projects. They oversee budgets, set deadlines, and manage teams.
They can deal directly with customers and business owners to make sure the project runs smoothly. Project management specialists build relationships and order supplies.
Project managers track progress and write detailed reports. They need to be flexible as well as detail-oriented. Sometimes clients will request last-minute changes, so they will need to update their strategy on short notice.
To get the job, you can study for a business or project management degree. Experience in business is also recommended.
Project management specialists need to be organized, with excellent communication and leadership skills. Computer skills are also required.
How much does a project management specialist make?
The average salary for a project management specialist is $94,500 per year or $45.43 per hour. Job growth is predicted to be 7% over the next ten years.
3. Sales manager
Sales managers are business leaders. They work in a range of industries, including wholesale and retail trade.
They set budgets and keep track of sales performance. They look at data and help team members improve their sales figures.
Sales managers come up with pricing and special offers. They set targets and approve bonuses for high-performing sales representatives. If a customer has a complaint, the sales manager will try to resolve the issue.
The job can involve long hours and travel. If you want to work in this role, a business-related degree and sales experience will help you get the job.
You’ll also need strong communication skills, customer service skills, and leadership skills.
How much does a sales manager make?
The median wage for sales managers is $127,490 per year or $61.30 per hour. The job growth rate is 5% in the next ten years.
4. Social media specialist
Social media specialists can manage a range of social media platforms. For example, they may look after a brand’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.
They plan content, take photographs, and publish posts and videos. They respond to followers online using their brand’s voice.
Social media specialists create goals and generate reports. Common goals include boosting sales or getting more website visitors.
There are different pathways to becoming a social media specialist. A business degree is one option, as it’ll give you the right tools for success.
Social media specialists need computer skills, technical skills, writing skills, and creativity.
How much does a social media specialist make?
The average salary for a social media specialist is $48,565 per year or $18.03 per hour.
5. Human resources manager
A human resources (HR) manager works in an office setting. They support employees and handle any issues in the workplace.
HR managers are involved in the hiring process. They’re present during interviews and help make the final hiring decision. They set up training programs and make sure new employees are comfortable in their roles.
If the company offers benefits, the HR manager will choose the right plan for each employee.
There are different degrees that’ll get you this job. There are specific human resources programs, or you can study business or communications.
HR managers need excellent communication skills, leadership skills, business knowledge, and problem-solving skills.
How much does a human resources manager make?
The average annual salary for an HR manager in the US is $126,230, or $60.69 per hour. Job growth is set to grow by 7% in the next ten years.
6. Financial analyst
Financial analysts work for companies and individuals. They look over financial activities, such as income and expenses.
Financial analysts partner with their clients to create goals. They offer advice on investment options and write detailed reports.
If a company wants to know its value, the financial analyst will give managers an estimate. These financial experts stay up to date with industry trends and legal obligations.
Most financial experts have a bachelor’s degree in business or similar. You’ll also need a license and certification.
Math skills, communication skills, analytical skills, and computer skills are all essential for this role.
How much does a financial analyst make?
The average annual wage for a financial analyst is $95,570, or $45.95 per hour. There’s a job growth rate of 9% in the next ten years.
7. Marketing manager
Marketing managers deal with marketing, advertising, and promotions.
These team members oversee campaigns and set marketing budgets. They plan promotions via different media channels, such as newspapers, television, and social media. Marketing managers work closely with business leaders to understand the company’s goals.
They approve content, including graphics, video, and text. Depending on the company, they may manage a team of marketing professionals.
Marketing managers look at data to measure success and write reports.
If this is your preferred career path, you can enroll in a business degree program. Marketing managers should be tech-savvy, creative, and excellent communicators.
How much does a marketing manager make?
The median salary for a marketing manager in the US is $133,380 per year or $64.12 per hour.
8. Loan officer
Loan officers secure funding for their clients. They usually have a specialty, such as mortgages for individuals or business loans for companies.
Loan officers assess loan applications and make sure they have the right documents. For example, they may ask clients for proof of identity, credit ratings, and financial statements.
They follow all laws and approve or deny loans. They answer questions and give clients different options.
Loan officers work in a range of settings, including banks and mortgage companies.
Many loan officers have a business degree. A license or certification may be required depending on your location. Loan officers need excellent communication skills, math skills, and computer skills.
How much does a loan officer make?
The average annual salary for a loan officer is $63,380, or $30.47 per hour. The industry is growing at a rate of 4%.
9. Property appraiser
Property appraisers tell people the value of things they own. For example, there are real estate appraisers who put values on structures such as homes and businesses.
Then, there are general property appraisers who value personal items, including jewelry and antiques.
They do inspections and look for any special features. They take photos, and if they have any questions, property appraisers compare similar items. They may also check in with an industry expert.
Property appraisers type reports and keep up to date with local trends. For example, if they’re appraising real estate, these workers will keep track of sales in the area.
Some property appraisers have a degree in business. Job training may also be required.
Property appraisers need attention to detail, communication skills, and computer skills.
How much does a property appraiser make?
The average annual salary for a property appraiser in the US is $61,340 per year or $29.49 per hour.
10. Event planner
Event planners organize events, including weddings, conferences, and live performances.
They plan every detail, from the time to the decorations to the venue. They work closely with their clients to make sure they’re happy. Event planners set budgets and work with vendors to get the best price.
Before the day, the event planner will inspect the venue to make sure it’s ready. They may be present during the event and deal with any issues, so the client doesn’t have to.
It can be a high-pressure role, and event planners often have a business degree. Business degrees help them understand how business operations work and how to coordinate multiple stakeholders. Experience in food services will be an advantage.
Event planners need strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and time management skills. Basic math skills, computer skills, and attention to detail are also required.
How much does an event planner make?
The median wage for an event planner is $49,470 per year or $23.79 per hour. It’s a fast-growing industry, with job growth predicted to be 18% by 2031.
11. Fundraiser
Fundraisers raise money for charity organizations. They have a strong professional network and are always on the lookout for potential donors.
They plan charity events, campaigns, and other fundraising activities. Fundraisers keep accurate records of those who have donated and make sure the organization’s legal obligations are being met.
It’s a leadership role, and fundraisers train volunteers and help them learn more about the charity. They count donations and set targets.
Fundraisers may oversee marketing materials, such as websites, television advertisements, and brochures.
A business degree is beneficial if you want to be a fundraiser. You’ll also need interpersonal skills, computer skills, and marketing skills.
How much does a fundraiser make?
The average annual salary for a fundraiser is $60,660 per year or $29.17 per hour. The job growth rate for the next ten years sits at 11%.
The most popular business degree jobs
A business career can be a rewarding one. When you study for a business degree, you’ll get access to job opportunities in a range of areas. For example, you can work in marketing, finance, management, sales, or human resources.
In this article, we gave you a rundown of some of the top business degree jobs. Our list includes accountants, project management specialists, sales managers, and social media specialists.
There are jobs for HR managers, financial analysts, marketing managers, and loan officers. Or, you can consider working as a property appraiser, event planner, or fundraiser.
Remember, when you study business, you’ll gain transferable skills that can be useful in almost any industry.
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