The Basics About Business Degrees

Out of all the educational options available to college students, a business degree is probably the most versatile in terms of career paths. Your studies can be focused on finance, human resources, management, marketing, or any number of business-related areas. One can also pursue a more general business curriculum, which in turn opens a whole other set of occupation possibilities.

As is the case in most other degree programs, you can expect both general education courses and classes specific to your major while pursuing a degree in business. It should come as no surprise that math will feature prominently in your coursework, especially for those who choose to focus in areas like finance and accounting. For those who go down the marketing path, there will be psychology, communications, and advertising classes as well. Along with foundational topics like history and ethics, you will receive a well-rounded knowledge base while studying business.

No matter the level of education you pursue – certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate – you’ll want to develop and strengthen some core skills. Attention to detail and the ability to share complex information in everyday language are crucial both in academia and the real world. Active listening is important, being one of the most vital (and underrated) leadership traits. To support all this, you’ll want to bring a superior work ethic to the table – “good luck” in the business world is generally earned.

Faster-than-average job growth is projected for most business occupations over the next few years. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular career options and see what the future holds:

• Accountants: Entry-level jobs in accounting will require a bachelor’s degree, but to move up you’ll want to consider pursuing an MBA or CPA. Growth for this position is projected at 13 percent, and the average salary in the U.S. is about $65-$70K.
• Financial Analysts: Earning your bachelor’s in finance, statistics, or economics will get your foot in the door, though some positions will require both a master’s degree and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification. This position is projected to grow about 16 percent in the future, and average wages hover around $80,000. 
• Real Estate Brokers: With only a high school diploma and state certification, a real estate broker can average about $60,000 in the United States. Growth projections for this industry are 11 percent. 
• Financial Advisor: A more customer-oriented position than the financial analyst, these professionals helps investors meet their financial goals. You’ll need to start with a bachelor’s in finance, accounting, economics, or something similar, but expect to continue your education with specific training in taxes, estate planning, and laws relating to investments. Licensing may also be required, depending on the state you choose to work in. Demand for this position is expected to grow by seven percent for the next few years, and the average salary is around $90K.

Whatever type of business certificate or degree you pursue, you’ll find a wide variety of career opportunities. Add to your education a solid work ethic, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in helping others solve problems, and there’s almost no limit to what you can achieve.