If you have chosen business administration as your college program, even before you’ve come up with that decision you’ve probably asked the question: “What can you do with a business administration degree?”
A business administration degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to take on today’s toughest business challenges. You’ll learn both the numbers side and the management strategies that can make you an important player in any organization’s success. The career possibilities for business administration graduates are huge. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be about 963,500 new job openings every year in business and financial fields.
In this blog, we list 10 of the most in-demand jobs today, including their annual average salaries. We also highlight the necessary certifications you can take to boost your career as a business administration major.
- Top 10 Careers for Business Administration Majors
- Business Administration-Related Certifications
- What Are The Necessary Skills To Excel In The Field?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Top 10 Careers for Business Administration Majors
A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) gives you a solid foundation in areas like accounting, finance, project management, IT, HR, marketing, international business, logistics, and organizational behavior. This broad set of skills means you’ll have plenty of career options when you graduate.
While you might start out interested in business administration because of your leadership abilities and your knack for managing teams, you’ll quickly realize that there’s so much more to it than just management. The degree opens up a whole world of opportunities beyond what you might expect. But what can you do with a business administration degree? The list below shows the top careers that await you.
1. Advertising Executive
- Annual average salary: $67,650
- Level of required degree: Bachelor’s degree
You don’t need to have a marketing or advertising background to manage client accounts that require promotional work. Many businesses hire professionals with business degrees for this, and they also often handle internal marketing efforts. If you’re wondering what can you do with a business administration degree, managing client accounts or overseeing marketing initiatives are just a couple of potential career paths.
Take vendors like Rooms to Go or Ikea, for example. They need to stay competitive and reach the right customers by choosing the best advertising channels. This requires the organizational and analytical skills that business majors are known for.
2. Human Resources Specialists
- Annual average salary: $67,650
- Level of required degree: Bachelor’s degree
Human resources specialists primarily focus on recruiting, screening, interviewing, and hiring employees. But since they’re usually trained in all aspects of HR, they often take on other tasks like handling employee relations, managing compensation and benefits, and overseeing training. What can you do with a business administration degree? This role is one example, as HR specialists often manage key operations such as processing payroll and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for human resources specialists are expected to grow by 5% through 2024.
3. Training and Development Specialist
- Annual average salary: $68,172
- Level of required degree: Bachelor’s degree
Training and development specialists help employees grow by creating, running, and managing training programs that improve their skills and knowledge. These specialists work in almost every industry, spending a lot of time interacting with people, giving presentations, and leading various training activities.
If you’re curious about what can you do with a business administration degree, this career path offers a great opportunity to apply business skills in a role focused on employee growth and organizational development.
Their day-to-day tasks often include figuring out what training employees need by using surveys, interviews, or consultations and then developing programs to meet those needs. This could involve writing training manuals, designing online learning modules, or creating other materials to support the courses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for training and development specialists is expected to grow by 7% through 2024.
4. Compliance Officer
- Annual average salary: $74,601
- Level of required degree: Bachelor’s degree
A compliance officer’s job is to ensure that a business or organization stays on track with all the laws, guidelines, and regulations that apply to their industry. Essentially, they help the company avoid legal issues by making sure everything’s being done by the book. If you’re wondering what can you do with a business administration degree, working as a compliance officer is one way to apply your knowledge of business regulations and policies.
As a compliance officer, your day-to-day involves reviewing policies, staying updated on the latest laws, and making sure the company is sticking to them. You’d also be responsible for identifying potential risks and advising on how to fix them.
5. Market Research Analyst
- Annual average salary: $74,601 per year
- Level of required degree: Bachelor’s degree
A market research analyst’s job is all about studying market conditions to figure out how well a product or service might do, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As a market research analyst, your role is to dive into data and trends to understand what drives consumer behavior.
You’ll analyze everything from sales numbers to customer surveys, helping companies make smart decisions about launching new products, pricing strategies, or marketing campaigns. If you’re wondering what can you do with a business administration degree, this career path is an excellent option for applying analytical skills and business insights.
In 2023, the median salary for market research analysts was $74,601, and the field is expected to grow 13% by 2032, which is much faster than average.
6. Municipal Manager
- Annual average salary: $75,873
- Level of required degree: Bachelor’s degree
Modern cities aren’t just run through politics and development; they also need a lot of administrative work behind the scenes, and that’s where administrative services managers come in. Municipal administration often relies on business graduates because, like businesses, they need to be efficiently managed. What can you do with a business administration degree? Managing city or county operations as an administrative services manager is a perfect example.
As an administrative services manager in a city or municipal setting, your job involves managing various operations that keep public services running smoothly. You’ll oversee things like budgets, facilities, and staff, ensuring everything is organized and efficient. You might also work on improving processes to make government services more accessible and effective for citizens.
7. Business consultants
- Annual average salary: $84,691
- Level of required degree: Bachelor’s degree
Business consultants, also known as management consultants, help companies find ways to improve how they operate. They give managers advice on how to boost profits, whether through cutting costs or increasing revenue. What can you do with a business administration degree? This role is a prime example, as consultants typically figure out what’s not working, come up with a plan to fix it, and then work with managers to make sure those changes are effective.
As a business consultant, you’re the go-to person for helping companies run more smoothly and profitably. This involves analyzing current business practices, identifying inefficiencies, and designing strategies for improvement.
You’ll often work closely with upper management to ensure that your suggestions are practical and achievable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management consulting jobs are expected to grow 14% by 2024, which is much faster than average.
8. Administrative Services Manager
- Annual average salary: $104,900
- Level of required degree: Master’s degree
As an administrative services manager, you’d likely be leading a team of administrative staff or managing the operations of a specific department or facility. A big part of your role would involve looking at how things are running and finding ways to make everything more efficient while making sure the company follows all regulations. If you’re wondering what can you do with a business administration degree, this role is a great example, as it involves both leadership and operational management.
As an administrative services manager, you play a key role in an organization’s smooth operation. You’ll oversee budgets, negotiate contracts, and coordinate services like maintenance, records, and facility management. You’ll also need to be proactive in identifying issues and areas for improvement and working with other departments to implement changes that enhance productivity.
9. Financial Controller
- Annual average salary: $115,371
- Level of required degree: Master’s degree
A financial controller is basically the top accountant in a company. They’re responsible for making sure all the accounting work and financial reports are accurate, and they also conduct compliance audits to ensure everything is done by the book. What can you do with a business administration degree? Becoming a financial controller is one option, where your business knowledge helps ensure the company’s financial integrity and compliance.
As a financial controller, you’ll be in charge of the company’s overall financial health. This includes overseeing the accounting department, preparing financial statements, and ensuring that all transactions are recorded accurately. Your role often involves budgeting, forecasting, and helping to guide financial strategy
10. Operations Manager
- Annual average salary: $122,860
- Level of required degree: Master’s or Doctoral degree (varies depending on the industry)
Operations managers are responsible for keeping a company’s day-to-day activities running smoothly. You’ll manage both staff and resources, always looking for ways to make processes more efficient and improve overall performance. If you’re wondering what can you do with a business administration degree, this role is an excellent example of applying business knowledge to optimize operations and drive success.
As an operations manager, your job is to oversee all the moving parts that make a business function. You’ll be in charge of streamlining processes, managing budgets, and ensuring everything from production to customer service runs like clockwork. It’s a role that requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to juggle many different responsibilities at once.
Business Administration-Related Certifications
For business administration majors, pursuing certifications and licensure can enhance career prospects and demonstrate expertise in specific areas. Here’s a list of some of the most relevant certifications and licensure exams:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This is a licensure exam that allows accountants to perform jobs for business majors with legally recognized accounting duties, such as auditing, tax consulting, and financial analysis.
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA). This designation, offered by the Institute of Management Accountants, focuses on financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning for managerial roles.
- Certified Financial Analyst (CFA). This is a prestigious certification in finance, covering investment management, portfolio strategy, and financial analysis.
- Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt. These certifications focus on improving processes, reducing waste, and enhancing quality management. What can you do with a business administration degree? Pairing it with Six Sigma certifications can open doors to roles in process improvement and operational efficiency.
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). This certification validates skills in identifying business needs and determining solutions. This is best for those interested in business analysis and improving organizational processes.
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). This demonstrates expertise in human resources practices or jobs for business majors, including recruitment, employee relations, and benefits.
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM). This covers production planning, inventory management, and operational efficiencies in supply chain management.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP). This specializes in personal financial planning, including retirement, taxes, and estate management.
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). This validates the ability to perform internal audits, manage risk, and ensure compliance within organizations.
What Are The Necessary Skills To Excel In The Field?
A business administration major requires many skills to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. From leadership to analytical thinking, these skills are essential for managing diverse tasks, solving complex problems, and driving organizational success. If you’re curious what can you do with a business administration degree, this major prepares you for a wide variety of roles that require these critical business skills.
Here are five of the most important skills a business administration major should possess:
- Leadership. Leadership is essential for guiding teams, making critical decisions, and driving projects to completion. Business professionals often need to inspire and manage others. This is to ensure that everyone is working towards common goals.
- Analytical thinking. Analytical thinking helps in making data-driven decisions and solving problems effectively. If you’re interpreting financial reports or evaluating business strategies, this skill allows you to break down complex information and make informed choices.
- Communication. Strong communication skills are vital for conveying ideas clearly, negotiating deals, and collaborating with teams. Whether it’s written or verbal, being able to communicate effectively ensures that projects move forward smoothly.
- Time management. With multiple tasks and deadlines to juggle, excellent time management is critical. It allows professionals to prioritize their work, meet deadlines, and maintain productivity in a fast-paced environment.
- Adaptability. In a constantly changing business world, adaptability is key. Whether it’s adjusting to new technologies or responding to market trends, being flexible helps business professionals stay relevant and thrive in any situation. If you’re asking what can you do with a business administration degree, this skill of adaptability opens up a wide range of career paths where flexibility and innovation are highly valued.
These skills will help you stand out in the job market and also equip you to handle the challenges of various business roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most in-demand business management careers in 2024?
In 2024, several business management careers are expected to be in high demand, providing promising opportunities for business administration graduates. Here are three standout careers
- Financial manager – The growing complexity of the financial landscape, especially with technological advancements and regulations, means that financial expertise is essential. Financial management roles are expected to grow by 16% through 2031.
- Market research analyst – With data-driven decision-making becoming increasingly critical across industries, market research analysts are expected to see 19% job growth through 2031.
- Human resources manager – As companies continue to prioritize employee satisfaction and organizational development, the demand for skilled HR managers is projected to grow by 7% through 2024.
2. How fast can you earn a business administration degree?
Typically, it takes around four years to earn a business administration degree. However, if you’re able to take on more credits at once or have transfer credits from previous coursework, you might be able to finish in less than four years.
3. Is business administration a difficult program to enroll in?
Enrolling in a business administration program is generally not considered particularly difficult compared to other specialized programs like engineering or medical degrees. However, the ease of getting into the program largely depends on the school you’re applying to, its admissions criteria, and how competitive the program is.
Takeaways
A business administration degree opens doors to numerous fields. From advertising and HR to market research and operations management, graduates have a wealth of career paths to explore.
- While many may initially pursue business administration for leadership roles, the degree offers much more than just management training. You gain expertise in areas like marketing, finance, IT, and logistics.
- Many roles associated with a business administration degree have promising job growth. For instance, management consulting is expected to grow by 14% by 2024, while market research analysts may see growth of 13% through 2032.
- Pursuing certifications like CPA, CMA, or PMP can further boost your career in business administration.
- Prepare for your future career as early as college. Connect and partner with a college admissions expert to help you develop a game plan for college.
