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What Exactly Can You Do with A Business Degree? Quite a Lot.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2017 Report, over 72 percent of all businesses in the country intend to hire employees with a business degree.

That fact makes a business degree one of the most popular degrees at any university. But, what exactly can you do with a degree in business? What types of jobs might you be able to land with the degree? The answer is that it depends—both on your goals and on the type of degree you choose.

Here is a helpful guide to help you decide.

What is a Business Degree?

A business degree teaches theories of finance, marketing, and management and administration—and how to apply these theories to real-world problems—in order to prepare the student for the fast-paced, fast-changing business world.

At the Bachelor's level, there are a wide range of business degree specializations to choose from. Options include:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Human Resources
  • Healthcare Management
  • International Business
  • Marketing
  • Public Administration
  • Healthcare Administration/Management

Many entry-level positions in business—from sports management to international business—only require an undergraduate degree. Students in these programs learn broad industry best-practices and special knowledge specific to the intended career path, such as healthcare workflows or renewable energy technology.

However, if you are aspiring to an upper-tier leadership role, you will likely need a master’s degree—or even a doctorate. Earning an advanced degree late in your career can also deliver a salary boost within a current position.

graphic describes what type of business degree you should earn

Why Earn a Business Degree

According to a 2014 Georgetown University study reported by Forbes: “a college graduate will earn a median $1 million more than a high school grad over his or her lifetime—completing a law, business or other professional degree adds another $1.3 million to that figure.”

It’s clear that adding a business degree to your resume will likely lead to a higher salary, whether you are a recent graduate or an established professional in your field. However, that’s not the only reason to earn a business degree. It can boost your career performance in many other ways:

graphic describes the top reasons to earn a business degree

10 In-Demand Careers That Require a Specialized Business Degree

For forward-thinking business degree-seekers out there, here are 10 growing careers and degree programs that can help you prepare for them.

1. International Management Analyst

Management analysts analyze the relations between a company and its foreign partners and find ways to resolve problems and facilitate smoother workflows.

  • Median Salary: $82,450
  • Expected New Jobs (2016-2026): 115,200
  • Projected Growth: 14%
  • Recommended Business Degree: International Business B.S. or International Finance, B.S.

As business becomes increasingly global, the need for expertise on international laws, finance, and tax codes will continue to multiply. After mastering foreign risk assessment, the impact of globalization, and culturally sensitive communication, international business grads will be ready to face the world as management analysts or consultants.

2. Renewable Energy Technology Managers

Renewable energy technology managers use their knowledge of energy technology and engineering to increase energy efficiency and sustainable design.

  • Median Salary: $73,750
  • Projected Growth: 16-24% (for all wind and solar power jobs)
  • Recommended Business Degree: Renewable Energy Technology Management, B.S.

As renewable energy sources such as wind and solar become more desirable and cost-effective than coal and natural gas, jobs in the green energy field are greatly increasing. Working in this field is a great way to make a difference in the push toward limiting our carbon footprint.

3. Information Systems Manager

As an information systems manager, you will be responsible for developing and directing the information technology goals of a business.

Demand for these jobs is skyrocketing as business computer networks become increasingly complex. The pay and benefits are well above average, and there are often opportunities to work remotely in this field, for those wanting more flexibility.

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4. Financial Examiner

Forensic accountants combine their accounting and finance expertise with investigative skills to identify a range of white-collar crimes.

  • Median Salary: $81,690
  • Expected New Jobs (2016-2026): 5,100
  • Projected Growth: 10%
  • Recommended Business Degree: Forensic Accounting, B.S.

Financial Examiners often work for private accounting firms and banks, as well as the FBI or CIA. Due to changing and increasing financial regulations, this position will be in high demand for many years to come.

5. Healthcare Business Analyst

Healthcare business analysts use their critical knowledge in financial management and healthcare workflow to locate problems and areas for improvement at hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

The healthcare industry is predicted to undergo explosive growth over the next 40 years, and a degree in healthcare management is a great way to meet the demand. These leaders assess growth areas and propose innovative ways to address key issues and increase performance.

6. Emergency Management Director

If you are interested in police, fire, and other emergency response careers—or already employed at the entry-level in one of these fields—you should consider a major in public safety administration

A degree in Public Safety Management & Leadership focuses on public policy and administration, preparing you for a leadership role as an emergency management director. Preparing and responding to natural disasters and other emergencies requires lots of work on the outside, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping keep the country safe.

7. Financial Examiner

Forensic accountants combine their accounting and finance expertise with investigative skills to identify a range of white-collar crimes.

  • Median Salary: $81,690
  • Expected New Jobs (2016-2026): 5,100
  • Projected Growth: 10%
  • Recommended Business Degree: Forensic Accounting, B.S.

Financial Examiners often work for private accounting firms and banks, as well as the FBI or CIA. Due to changing and increasing financial regulations, this position will be in high demand for many years to come.

8. Health Information Technician

Health Information Technicians work with healthcare organizations to manage, use, and protect patient and business data. These jobs are in high demand across the country.

Health information technicians are responsible for sensitive healthcare data. They are responsible for coding data to comply with security and privacy regulations, while ensuring it is accessible to the right people. Technicians often work closely with clinical databases and registries to help the organization increase its’ quality of care and deliver a superior patient experience.

9. Logistics Manager

A Logistics Manager is the person who oversees the purchasing and shipping of products or goods within a supply chain. This role is critical to keep the operation on track (and on budget).

Logistics managers oversee many areas of the supply chain, including transportation, warehousing, and stock control. They will often spend a lot of time visiting stops along the supply chain. The efficiency of a company’s supply chain has a huge impact on its profitability, and logistics managers are key to this component.

10. High School Business Teacher

High school business teachers teach introductory business courses (such as business operations, marketing, and management).

  • Median Salary: $59,170
  • Expected New Jobs (2016-2026): 76,800 (for all high school teachers)
  • Projected Growth: 8% (for all high school teachers)
  • Recommended Business Degree: Business Education, B.S.

If you enjoy working with students and studying business principles, then consider getting a business education degree. This degree will set you up to teach business fundamentals to 9th-12th graders in a memorable format. A degree will help you develop educational tools to teach business to the next generation of leaders.

Making the Leap

Business degrees are popular—and for good reason. With all the choices out there, finding a program that fits your passions and skill set, in tow with good financial incentives, is possible. If you’re on the fence, consider our recommendations for making the leap to earning your business degree.

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