If you want to lock down your job prospects and get some serious hands-on experience in business management, a business major is the way to go. It's a solid choice that can open doors to a variety of industries - think finance, human resources, health care, and more!
Lucky for you, we've got the inside scoop on the top jobs you can land with a business major. This guide will outline all the deets on the skills you need, the responsibilities you'll take on, and the cash you could be earning.
7 top jobs for business majors
A business major offers diverse skills and knowledge that can lead to opportunities in many industries. Check out some cool career options you can explore after graduation.
Sales representative
Sales reps use their expertise to persuade potential and current customers to buy products or services.
According to theBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sales reps earn an average of $60,000 per year, but some pull in as much as $128,000. And you could earn even more through commissions for smashing those sales targets.
Technically, all you need is a high school diploma to get into the game. But you might want to consider getting a business or marketing degree if you really want to impress hiring managers.
You must have awesome interpersonal and communication skills to crush it as a sales rep. Choosing a business major is great if you want to hone those skills and get a deeper grasp on the sales process.
Business analyst
Business analysts are like the behind-the-scenes wizards that help companies get their act together. They do this by analyzing company data to identify areas for improvement.
As for salary, business analysts can make an average of $93,000 a year, with the potential to earn more with experience.
Most companies require a bachelor's degree in business to become a business analyst. Some might even prefer a master's degree, but not always.
A business program provides coursework on all the basics you need to know, like finance and accounting. Plus, you'll get to work on your problem-solving and communication skills, which are huge in this field.
Financial adviser
Want to help people make wise financial choices? As a financial adviser, you'll assist clients with topics like budgeting, insurance, and debt management.
Financial advisers are raking in some serious cash, with an average yearly salary of $94,000. Keep in mind that your education and experience can impact your earning potential.
You'll likely need a college degree in finance or business to become a financial adviser. A business major will teach you key financial management skills. Learning about entrepreneurship can also help you understand what your clients want to achieve financially.
Product manager
As a product manager, your main gig is making cool stuff that people actually want. You'll do a lot of market research and work with different teams to bring your ideas to life.
In terms of salary, it really depends on your job sector. On average, product managers can make anywhere from $45,000 to over $100,000 per year. That's some pretty good cash, right?
While there are no hard and fast rules about education, many companies prefer a business degree for this role. This college major equips you with the skills in marketing and project management that are essential in the field.
Loan officer
Loan officers are the people you go to when you need some cash to make a big purchase, like a house or a car. They analyze loan applications to determine terms and amounts.
The average salary for a loan officer is around $63,000 per year. And if you want to get into this role, you're going to need a bachelor's degree in finance or business.
You'll also need to be a people person with a great work ethic. A business degree is a major plus, as it'll give you the skills needed to analyze financial risks.
Administrative assistant
An administrative assistant provides office support by answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filing paperwork.
As an admin assistant, you can expect an average salary of around $45,000 a year, which isn't too shabby. However, there's room for advancement to an executive assistant role, where the big bucks really start to roll in.
You don't need a college degree to be an admin assistant, but having an associate degree or bachelor's degree in business administration can definitely give you a leg up. A business major can teach you skills like time management and tech know-how, which you'll need for this role.
Fundraiser
As a fundraiser, you'd be in charge of raising funds for nonprofits or charities. This includes finding donors, planning events, and making promotional materials.
The average salary range for a fundraiser is between $37,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on factors like experience and the size of the organization.
You won't need a specific degree to become a fundraiser, but having a bachelor's in business or communications can be helpful. If you go for a business major, you'll learn all about crunching numbers, plus you'll polish your teamwork skills.
Is a business degree worth it?
Getting a business degree might seem pricey at first, but it's an investment in yourself that can pay off big time throughout your business career. Don't sweat the cost too much because the benefits can last a lifetime.
Here are some reasons a business major is worth your time and money:
- Career advancement. With a general business degree, you may have access to higher-level full-time positions in the job market that offer higher salaries and better benefits.
- Transferable skills. In-demand business skills like problem-solving,critical thinking, and leadership are valued in many industries, making a business degree applicable to a broad range of career options.
- Networking opportunities. Business degree programs often provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals, allowing you to build valuable connections and open doors to new job opportunities.
How much does a business degree typically cost?
The cost of getting a business degree can vary depending on where you live. In-state tuition tends to be cheaper than out-of-state or international student rates, so keep that in mind when making your budget.
According to theNational Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition fees for a four-year public institution in the U.S. are $9,400 per year, resulting in a total of $37,600. Private institutions, on the other hand, may charge anywhere from $18,200 to $37,600 per year, which translates to a total cost of $72,800 to $150,400 for a four-year program.
However, don't stress about the seemingly high costs! Several financial aid resources are available to students, including tuition discounts, scholarships, and cost-effective online education options. These resources can help you find a college that meets your needs and budget.
What are the best business schools?
It's important to consider several factors when choosing a business school, such as preferred location, tuition costs, and schedule flexibility. To help you get started, here are three top schools recommended for pursuing business studies:
- University of Pennsylvania. This private institution offers a unique program for entrepreneurs with hands-on training to develop business skills. The school also offers specializations in business analytics and marketing to broaden your expertise in domestic and international business operations.
- University of California, Berkeley. This school offers in-state students a lower-cost tuition option of about $14,000 per year, significantly lower than other colleges. It also offers combined programs that enable students to pursue their interests in science or engineering alongside theirbusiness degree.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT provides internships to its business students, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. They also offer business graduates virtual career resources to help with career planning and networking.
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