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A business administration degree has become one of the most preferred degree choices because of how seamlessly it can be utilized in any career choice. It is a degree that offers students more options and flexibility rather than being siloed to one interest and one career path for years to come. The business world provides diversity in job roles and career growth, and a business administration degree teaches the foundational knowledge that prepares students for whichever path they choose. 

Choosing Your Path

While some undergraduates know precisely what they want to do post-graduation, many start working towards a degree without knowing all their options. Many students are taking the first step and looking for business administration associate degree jobs, while others are ready to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Every student’s path is unique, and the staff and faculty at Lackawanna College are here to support and guide you throughout the journey. 

First, let’s explore the top careers with a business administration degree. 

Business Operations

Business operations careers deal with the day-to-day activities of managing a business. Here are the top two jobs dealing with business operations:

1. Management Analysts

Management analysts are responsible for recommending ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. They work with managers and offer solutions for how to increase profit with reduced costs and increased revenue. Some management analysts can work for the organization they are advising—however, many works as consultants on a project-by-project basis. The average annual wage for management analysts was around $93,000 as of May 2021.

2. Market Research Analysts

Market Research Analysts study consumers relating to a specific product or service.

These analysts look at consumer behavior and preferences, business conditions, and other factors that may impact sales. Market Research Analysts work through data to understand a company’s target audience: who will buy a product, what product they want and at what price they want it. They are critical to every type of company, and this role is projected to grow by 19 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Management

A career in management doesn’t necessarily mean you need to earn a different business administration management degree. Many students build careers in management with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business administration. Stepping into a management position often comes with time and experience within a specific role. Computer and Information Systems manager and Human Resources manager jobs are two top career paths for management roles.

3. Human Resources Manager

One of the main goals of any organization is to attract, motivate and retain qualified employees. Human Resources managers play a crucial role in accomplishing this goal by directing the administrative functions of the Human Resource department. This can look like overseeing compliance and employee training and supervising employees within their department to ensure the accuracy and quality of work being done. Typically, five years of related experience is required before reaching the Human Resources manager role.

4. Computer and Information Systems Manager

This management role can look unique from organization to organization. Still, in general, computer and information systems managers lead a team that analyzes needs, recommends new products or technologies, and works to ensure the overall security of an organization’s network. An average of 48,500 computer and information systems manager job openings are projected for each year over the next decade.

Finance

Business administration with a concentration in finance jobs primarily focuses on recording and tracking an organization’s flow of money. Earning a degree in business administration allows students to get a foothold for entry-level finance positions and grow their careers as they continue to study finance concentration. Here are two of the top career paths in the finance industry:

5. Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts analyze the performance of a stock, bonds and other investments to advise businesses and individuals in their financial decisions and well-being. Their main goal is to evaluate opportunities to commit money to generate a profit. The median annual salary for the management analysts was $95,570 as of May 2021.

6. Personal Financial Advisor

Many individuals look to personal financial advisors to help them manage money and plan for their financial future. Personal financial advisors work with clients to help them establish financial goals, explore investment opportunities, navigate retirement, monitor their accounts to advise on potential changes that need to be implemented, and so much more. Personal financial advising roles are projected to grow 15 percent between 2021 and 2031.  

Lackawanna College is committed to helping you reach your career goals, whatever they may be. Discover more career pathways with a business administration degree. Apply here!