Business Administration Careers

Business administration careers are invaluable to any workplace as they help most organizations meet short and long-term goals. In addition, these professionals have leadership capabilities and can assume different roles in multiple industries.

A business administration degree from an accredited college or university gives you lucrative career opportunities in numerous industries.

This guide explores business administration careers, degree options, salaries, job outlook, and other valuable information to improve your job prospects.

Read on to discover everything you need to start your business administration journey today.

Why Choose Business Administration?

A career in business administration is ideal if you want to work in a fast-paced and exciting environment. It has everything you need to work in several industries, from transferable skills to leadership abilities.

Studying business administration at an accredited institution helps you secure a successful future and opens doors to various career opportunities.

Companies and organizations need professionals who can lead teams, solve complex problems, and perform in-depth research on different subjects. So, if you have all these and more, why not explore a career in business administration?

How to Start your Business Administration Journey

To begin your business administration journey, you need a degree from an accredited institution. You could start with an associate program and work towards earning a bachelor's or postgraduate degree.

Here are a few educational paths you can explore.

Education Requirements

Associate Degree

An associate degree in business administration is perfect for students who want to start a career in this field but lack a bachelor's degree. This two-year program focuses on business strategies and operations and lays the foundation for further studies and advanced courses.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree gives you the necessary skills to specialize in different industries. It qualifies you for lucrative jobs like human resource specialist, logistician, business analyst, and more.

Some bachelor's programs in business administration include:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA)

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)

Master's Degree

A master's degree gives you a deeper understanding of business operations and prepares you for upper management and specialist roles.

Completing an MBA program demonstrates your commitment to learning and improving your skills for hiring managers. It also qualifies you for higher-paying jobs like industrial production manager and management analyst.

Doctorate in Business Administration

This terminal degree in business administration prepares you for academia and research-heavy roles.

Becoming a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) allows you to work in upper-management positions, while a Ph.D. qualifies you for roles in research, post-secondary school teaching, or economics.

Employment Prospects

Business administrators enjoy lucrative careers in multiple sectors, including advertising, financial services, IT, healthcare, management of companies, and nonprofits.

Graduates enter the workforce with many career options and transferable skills, which increase with experience and continued education.

Business administration careers have high employment prospects since organizations need professionals to help manage their businesses. Roles and core responsibilities may vary depending on the job title, but the demand remains the same.

Business Administration Career Forecast

The Department of Labor (BLS) projects a 7% employment growth in business and financial occupations from 2021 to 2031. In addition, the site reveals high demands in business administration careers, with an average of over 900,000 new job openings yearly.

The rise of global businesses and technological innovations means the demand for professionals to handle complex compliance rules is increasing.

These business administrators help companies and organizations meet financial goals.

How to Boost your Business Administration Career

An undergraduate degree in business administration gives you the necessary skills to apply for lucrative jobs in several industries. However, postgraduate degrees and certifications give you a competitive edge over other professionals in the field.

The Project Management Institute offers several industry credentials that can help you advance your career, including the project management professional certification. However, you need a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience before taking the exam.

You can also explore free online education programs from top universities and platforms like Coursera and edX. These online lessons feature business administration courses designed by high-ranking professors.

Lucrative Business Administration Career Paths

Business administration jobs are in high demand since their services extend across several fields, from companies and organizations to financial institutions.

These are some of the lucrative and rewarding career paths in this field.

Human Resource Specialist

HR specialists work in multiple fields, from government sectors to private companies and nonprofits. They enforce workplace rules and manage personnel-related tasks, and more.

Human resources specialists are excellent communicators and deal with various issues in the organization. As a result, you'll need the right skill sets to qualify for this role.

Most hiring managers employ candidates with a bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, or similar disciplines.

Average Salary

HR specialists earn median annual salaries of around $62,000, with the highest 10% making over $100,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Direct the organization's administrative functions

• Enforce company policies

• Consult with company managers to identify hiring needs

• Run background checks on candidates

• Handle employment records and process paperwork

Industries Employing Human Resource Specialists

HR specialists hold over 700,000 jobs in the US. Some of the largest employers of these professionals include:

• Office administrative services

• Monetary authorities-central bank

• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services

• Information technology services

Business Analyst

Business analysts bridge the gaps between information technology and businesses by using data analytics to deliver data-driven solutions. They engage with company stakeholders, assess the organization's performance, and help improve their processes.

If you enjoy solving complex problems and analyzing data, a career as a business analyst would be a good fit.

Average Salary

According to PayScale, Indeed, and Salary.com, business analysts earn over $70,000 in median annual wages. However, some entry-level positions make around $50,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Uncover problem areas in the organization and create solutions

• Analyze large datasets with Excel or SQL

• Create financial reports

• Use data to improve business operations

• Manage the installation and running of new IT systems

Industries Employing Business Analysts

Business analysts work in multiple sectors, including:

• Finance and insurance

• Healthcare and clinical research

• Logistics and supply chain

• Retail and eCommerce

Sales Manager

Sales managers oversee daily operations in the sales department and relay information to upper management. They possess strong analytical skills and use them to identify sales patterns and trends.

These professionals plan and execute marketing activities and sales across various industries and sectors. You can qualify for this role with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Average Salary

According to PayScale, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and other salary comparison sites, sales managers earn over $70,000 in median annual wages. The best-paid 25% in lucrative industries earn over $180,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Set sales targets and quotas for the department

• Prepare budgets and approve expenditures

• Track and analyze sales metrics

• Oversee marketing campaigns and promotions

• Identify new sales opportunities for the company

Industries Employing Sales Managers

High-paying industries employing sales managers include:

• eCommerce and retail

• Information technology services

• General merchandise and superstores

• Telecommunications services

Business Consultant

Business consultants render professional advice and services to different companies and organizations. These professionals help businesses streamline their operations and achieve goals.

To become a business consultant, you need a bachelor's degree in business administration and relevant experience in specific areas.

Average Salary

According to PayScale, business analysts earn average salaries of over $77,000. However, the pay range increases with experience levels.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Improve the organization's efficiency and productivity

• Conduct audits and performance assessments

• Design business plans and propositions

• Develop organizational budgets

Industries Employing Business Consultants

Some top-paying sectors for business consultants include:

• Information technology support services

• Advertising, public relations, and related services

• Retail and eCommerce

• Finance and insurance

• Telecommunications services

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help companies and organizations stay on track financially by balancing their budgets. In addition, these professionals analyze financial problem areas and plan alternate funding methods.

While budget analysts don't make the final spending decisions, stakeholders and company managers value and utilize their recommendations. The minimum requirement for this role is a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Average Salary

Budget analysts earn median wages of around $79,000 yearly, with the highest 10% earning more than $120,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Review budgets for compliance and accuracy

• Analyze company data and prepare financial reports

• Oversee company expenditure to ensure it stays within budget

• Develop alternate solutions and funding if the company exceeds its budget

Industries Employing Budget Analysts

High-paying industries employing budget analysts include:

• Monetary authorities

• Educational sectors

• Government organizations

• Data processing, hosting, and related services

• Natural gas distribution

Logistician

These professionals handle supply chain activities and manage product lifecycles of different organizations. In addition, logisticians analyze a business's supply chain needs and coordinate product deliveries and acquisitions.

Most hiring managers employ candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in business administration and similar disciplines.

Average Salary

Logisticians earn median annual salaries of over $77,000, with the highest 10% making over $120,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage acquisition and delivery of products

• Cultivate business relationships with suppliers and clients

• Propose strategies to minimize costs

• Review logistics information and identify areas that need improving

Industries Employing Logisticians

Top-paying sectors for logisticians include:

• Supply chain and transportation

• Oil and gas extraction

• Education support services

• Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing

• Petroleum and coal products manufacturing

Industrial Production Manager

Industrial production managers, also known as plant managers, oversee manufacturing processes in different companies and industries.

These professionals ensure products meet the required quality standards and help identify defects before distribution. You can qualify for this role with a postgraduate degree in business administration or certifications in industrial management.

Average Salary

Industrial earn median annual salaries of over $103,000, with the highest 10% making over $170,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and plan production processes

• Hire and train new workers

• Handle employee performance reviews

• Ensure safety compliance and quality assurance

• Analyze production reports and data

Industries Employing Industrial Production Managers

High-paying industries with a large concentration of industrial production managers include:

• Scientific research and development services

• Chemical manufacturing plants

• Oil and gas extraction

• Health and personal care stores

• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Market Research Analyst

These professionals study business conditions and consumer preferences and use the data to assess the potential sales of products.

Market research analysts help companies and businesses understand what their customers want and how to make a profit in the process.

You can qualify for entry-level roles with a bachelor's degree in business administration. However, some hiring managers prefer candidates with an MBA or other advanced degrees for more technical research positions.

Average Salary

Market research analysts earn median annual salaries of around $63,000, with the highest 10% making over $120,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze market trends and patterns

• Gather consumer data and analyze it with statistical software

• Convert data into graphs and written reports for stakeholders and managers

• Calculate the effectiveness of marketing campaign strategies

Industries Employing Market Research Analysts

Some top-paying sectors for market research analysts include:

• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

• Information technology and communications services

• Monetary authorities-central bank

• Advertising, public relations, and related services

Financial Manager

Financial managers direct investment activities and monitor the financial health of their companies. They work in different industries, from banks and insurance firms to nonprofits.

Most organizations prefer financial managers with a master's degree in business administration, accounting, or finance for this role.

Average Salary

Financial managers earn lucrative salaries, with the average manager earning over $131,000 in median annual wages. The highest 10% of professionals make over $200,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide financial advice and make financial decisions with management

• Analyze market trends

• Monitor cash flow and manage company budgets

• Prepare business activity reports and statements

• Review financial accounts and discover ways to reduce expenses

Industries Employing Financial Managers

These are some of the highest-paying industries for financial managers:

• Information services

• Security firms

• Financial investments and related sectors

• Management of companies and enterprises

• Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing

Management Analyst

Management analysts gather data about an organization and recommend areas of improvement to increase profits and revenues. These professionals usually act as consultants for companies and work on a contract basis.

Most hiring managers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience. Specific certifications also give you a competitive advantage over other management analysts.

Average Salary

Management analysts earn over $90,000 in median annual wages. The lowest 10% make around $50,000, while the highest 10% earn over $160,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Conduct measurement studies

• Analyze financial data and employment reports

• Recommend alternative practices and solutions to managers and company stakeholders

• Develop competitive marketing strategies

Industries Employing Management Analysts

Lucrative industries with a large concentration of management analysts include:

• Metal ore mining

• Finance and insurance

• Oil and gas extraction

• Securities, commodity contracts, and other sectors

Pros and Cons of Business Administration Careers

Business administrators work across several industries and sectors to ensure smooth business operations. Exploring this career offers numerous benefits and perks, but it also has a few downsides.

Let's explore them.

Pros

• Business administration is a versatile career path

• You can work in multiple industries

• Room for career growth and advancements

• You develop valuable business connections

• Competitive salary and benefits

Cons

• The field is too broad

• Stiff competition for management positions

• Advanced careers require postgraduate degrees

• Long work hours during busy seasons

Skills You'll Develop With Your Business Administration Degree

A business administration degree gives you valuable skills to enjoy a lucrative career. Some of them include:

Administrative and Organizational Skills

In business administration careers, professionals use their organizational skills to assign tasks or set business goals. These skills are essential to keep businesses operating smoothly.

Effective Communication

Communication is an effective part of business administration careers. You should know how to communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders and relay messages.

Problem-Solving and Analysis

For most management and administrative roles, problem-solving and analytical skills go hand in hand. You need these skills to analyze issues at work and develop solutions that save the company time and money.

Attention to Details

Little mistakes can negatively impact an organization and, as a result, your career. Honing this skill allows you to pay attention to fine details and increase your accuracy when completing tasks.

Database Management

Your work life becomes easier once you master different database systems. You should be able to extract information from databases and analyze the results before making business decisions.

How to Prepare for a Business Administration Career

1. Get a Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree gives you the necessary skills to start your business administration career. In addition, you gain practical experience that you can apply to finance, healthcare, technology, and other sectors.

2. Gain Experience with Internships

Internships offer hands-on training in your specific field and provide the necessary skills you need to thrive in the business industry. They also look good on your resume when you start applying for jobs after graduation.

3. Learn Digital Skills

Digital skills are crucial in most administrative roles, thanks to modern technologies. As a result, you should stay updated on new software and database management tools.

4. Earn Certifications

Not every role requires certifications. However, getting certified gives you a competitive advantage and qualifies you for higher-paying jobs.

5. Join a Professional Organization

These organizations allow you to network with other professionals in your field and exchange ideas and connections. You also access exclusive resources that improve your professional growth and development.

Business Administration Resources to Help Your Career

The field offers numerous helpful resources to advance your career, from online publications and journals to professional organizations to hone your networking skills.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Harvard Business Review cover helpful topics and advice on financial trends from business leaders.

Some editions of the WSJ feature information on new career opportunities in different sectors.

Professional organizations like the American Management Association (AMA) and the Association for Financial Professionals provide tools and support for new graduates.

How to Switch to a Business Administration Career

You can transition into a business administration career from related disciplines with a postgraduate degree or other certifications.

However, if you're transferring from an unrelated discipline, you can take foundational business courses to understand the field and gain the necessary skills.

Earning an MBA is also an excellent way to start. Many accredited institutions offer MBA programs for business and non-business professionals. They involve around 24 months of intensive coursework and practice exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Business Administration?

Business administration is a discipline that focuses on business theories and management practices. It covers fields like accounting, finance, office administration, data analysis, quality assurance, project management, marketing, and more.

Professionals in this field oversee and manage the business operations of companies and organizations.

What certification do I need for a business administration career?

A college degree qualifies you for numerous business administration positions. However, professional certifications equip you with the necessary skills to apply for higher-paying roles such as financial manager or management analyst.

Here are some of the best business certifications to advance your career:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

• SAP Certified Application Associate

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

• Salesforce Certified Administrator

Can I get a business administration degree online?

Yes, you can.

Most accredited colleges offer online business administration programs for students and working professionals. These schools teach business courses, including accounting and management.

Some online programs support accelerated learning and allow you to complete your courses faster and graduate early.

What fields can business administrators work in?

Business administrators can work in multiple industries and sectors, depending on their education level and experience. For example, they handle administrative and managerial roles in banking and finance, advertising, manufacturing, IT, and more.

Is there a high demand for business administration majors?

According to the Department of Labor (BLS), business and financial occupations have high demands, with over 900,000 new job openings yearly. The site projects a 7% growth from 2021 to 2031.

Final Thoughts

Business administration careers are broad and offer a range of lucrative job openings for students across multiple industries. You can qualify for high-paying roles like industrial production manager, budget analyst, human resource specialist, financial manager, and more.

The career prospects are promising, with thousands of openings in numerous fields and room for advancement. And you can easily switch from a different discipline to this career path.

So, are you ready to earn a degree in business administration? This guide will set you on the right path with everything you need to succeed on this journey.