The business field encompasses a variety of careers integral to the function of small and large companies. A business degree can help you find a job in the field. Desirable skills and qualities vary based on your area of study. For example, individuals who are good with numbers and who have strong record-keeping and organizational skills are likely to be successful in the accounting and finance areas in business, while hospitality and call center operations require good customer service and interpersonal communication skills. Most entry-level business jobs require some college training or a business degree, but on-the-job experience is also important.
A business degree is most often necessary to attain an entry-level position in the field. Programs include:
Most business degree programs cover a variety of areas in business, including economics, ethics and information systems. In some business fields, specialized certifications are required to hold certain positions, and can help you advance in the career field. For example, certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) allows an accountant more career options in auditing and tax preparation. Finally, work experience is an important prerequisite for upper-level jobs in the business field, including the administration and business management areas.
A business degree can lead to a variety of job opportunities in traditional fields, as well as new business areas like e-business. Some jobs in the business field include:
Jobs in the business sector have experienced varied growth in recent years, and some are expected to continue to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010), the accounting field is expected to grow over 20 percent in the 10-year period from 2008 to 2018. During this time, the management and finance fields are expected to remain more constant, with approximately 5 percent growth projected.