Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, planning on joining a start-up company, or looking to climb the corporate ladder to an executive title, getting started in the business field is extremely rewarding and worthwhile.
The business world and the careers available are vast and versatile. Plus, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than the average of all occupations, resulting in an annual average of 911,400 openings between 2022 and 2032.
All of these factors lead many students to pursue a business degree, yet many still wonder how to get into business and how to start a career in business.
Below, we’ll share the beauty and benefits of a business career, as well as explore why a solid business education is important. Further, you will learn how to stand out with a business degree, and get tips on how to start a career in business that you love.
What are the Beauties and Benefits of a Business Career?
Often, some of the biggest factors for students when choosing a degree and future career are the amount of job security, career growth, and earning potential available.
Fortunately for many students, a business career meets all those qualifications.
We’ve already mentioned the employment growth rate, which shows students the high number of business jobs available, resulting in extremely high levels of job security. Furthermore, with so many jobs, there are abundant opportunities for career growth, advancement, and success.
Candidates with business degrees go on to exciting careers as entrepreneurs, managers, business administrators, chief executive officers (CEOs), presidents, vice presidents, chief operating officers (COOs), chief information officers (CIOs), and so much more. Additionally, candidates find these positions in a number of industry settings, including:
- Corporate
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Nonprofit Organizations
- State and Federal Government
Lastly, the high earning potential is one of the most attractive benefits of a career in business. The median annual wage for business and financial occupations is $76,850, which is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $46,310.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also reports that candidates with business degrees can expect to earn at least a median annual wage of $69,000 in comparison to the $63,000 annual salary earned from all other fields.
Why is Business Education Important?
While there are examples of business professionals who achieve success without a degree, they are few and far between.
Business professionals are hardworking and dedicated professionals who must be knowledgeable and stay on top of the ever-evolving industry, know the ins and outs of their organization and sector, and even propose and implement strategies that will edge out the competition.
For these reasons, students pursue business degrees, such as a degree in Business Administration, to prepare themselves for the workforce. Business Administration programs offer courses and educate students on business law and ethics, corporate responsibility, customer relations, modern targeted marketing, social media, and more.
Combined with real-world experience through internships and networking with industry leaders and mentors, graduates with a degree in Business administration have both the technical and soft skills needed to translate innovative ideas into action and start their careers in business.
How to Get Into Business and Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market
Employers in most careers, companies, and industries prefer candidates who hold an advanced degree, whether that is an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. For example, in the field of business, 53 percent of occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree, and 26 percent of employees have an advanced degree.
Thus, candidates can give themselves an edge in the job market by earning one of the following degrees:
- Associate in Business Administration: This two-year degree offers one of the fastest tracks in business education by covering the fundamentals of business management, business law and ethics, accounting and finance, economics, budgeting, and planning, in addition to general education courses.
- Bachelor’s in Business Administration: Easily the most popular option, this four-year degree dives deeper than an associate-level business degree by exploring topics in management, marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship, business research, customer relations, and strategic planning.
- Master’s in Business Administration (MBA): While the length of these programs can vary depending on the type of degree and specialization, this graduate-level business degree often takes students an additional two to three years to complete. This degree is perfect for students looking to become managers in their companies as it focuses heavily on management techniques, theory, economics, accounting, and finance.
- Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL): While still an advanced degree that prepares students for forward-thinking leadership roles, this flexible degree can be completed in as few as 20 months part-time and is a great option for students who want to expand their careers to executive and impactful leadership roles.
At Goodwin University, we offer an associate and bachelor’s degree program in Business Administration, as well as an MSOL program to help you advance your business skills. Check out our downloadable Get Started Guides today to discover which is the right fit for your career goals!
In addition to gaining knowledge and experience, business degrees offer students opportunities to network and make connections with peers, staff, and faculty. These connections often pave the way for future employment and career opportunities long after graduation.
Finally, candidates further their communication, analytical, technical, management, leadership, and ethical skills in business programs and show employers they can be trusted to work and become leaders in the organizations or industries of their choosing.
How to Find a Business Job You Love
In addition to one’s education and training, candidates are best equipped to find a business job they love when they are clear on their personal and career goals.
For example, if you dream of starting and running your own business, then a career as an entrepreneur and enrolling in a degree program focused on entrepreneurship would be the best fit. On the other hand, you might prefer to work for an already established company. So, a master’s degree in business or leadership may be a better fit.
Students should consider their interests and passions, ask themselves what type of environment they want to work in and work with their college or university’s career services team to help themselves during school and long after graduation.
Being clear on one’s interests, goals, and desired work environment will go a long way to finding the business job and career you love.
Our flexible and affordable business degree options at Goodwin University are designed for students who want to start and find a business career they love quickly.
If you need more support or want to explore all of your degree options for a thriving and exciting career in business, reach out to our team.
It’s time to start building a business career you love!