Online business degree career options include jobs in the public and private sectors working for small businesses and also large corporations. Some may disagree, but in most regards, a college degree is more important today than it was in the past. Educated people must be trained to understand and use new technologies. As things like artificial intelligence become more commonplace, skilled developers and researchers will be needed across many fields.
As always, a college degree is also imperative for those wishing to advance their careers. In many cases, an advanced degree is required to move into leadership positions in large companies and earn higher wages. According to research from Georgetown University, those with bachelor’s degrees earn 84% more annually than do those who only hold high school diplomas.
There is nothing like a degree that will allow graduates to work in any number of industries. Consider the many facets of an online Business Degree, which can be easily earned online today.
What Is a Business Degree?
A business degree focuses on everything needed to run a company successfully, including managing employees, working with finances, directing marketing campaigns, and leading companies in new directions. Because of this, a business degree will focus on finance, economics, advertising, marketing, entrepreneurial skills, and communications.
Online students will take numerous courses that cover each of these skills and may choose to specialize in a particular area of business. These focus areas include:
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Human resources
- Operations management
- Project management
- International Business
- Entrepreneurship
Benefits of Earning an Online Business Degree
A business degree provides students with numerous benefits in an ever-changing world. Because this degree is so versatile, graduates typically have no problem finding jobs. Besides job versatility, those with online business degrees can also expect job security in the following ways:
- Market demand
- Career Advancement
- Career flexibility
- Great earning potential
Of course, the benefits of earning this career online are also significant. Similar to a business degree itself, Online Business school options also offer class flexibility, meaning you can take a class when it works for you, not when it is offered. You have location flexibility, can often log on, and can work anywhere you have the internet.
Most mid-life returns to higher education leave almost no work/life balance. With travel and time-consuming social interactions eliminated, online business school leaves time for the things you need. Your social reach is farther with online education, you meet people from all over the world.
Networking, in this way, becomes a global concept. If high-speed degree-seeking is not for you, many online business schools offer multiple pacing options. This allows for part-time enrollment and other solutions.
Skills for Business Majors
Graduates with business degrees typically have certain skills that help them succeed in this fast-paced world. For example, they must be self-starters who are able to follow a schedule and organize their daily work appropriately. Additionally, they should be leaders, especially if they plan to advance their careers into upper management.
Business majors typically have great analytical skills along with the ability to think critically and quickly even under high pressure. Of course, they should have good interpersonal skills for working with their employees and for dealing with customers and clients. Finally, those with business degrees should understand business law, have great presentation skills, and be excellent communicators.
Top Careers Requiring a Business Degree
Because an online business degree can include one of many specializations, the things that you can do with this degree are endless. From managing a small storefront to becoming the CEO of a major corporation, the sky is the limit. Here are just a few of the top career options you could consider.
1. Financial Analyst
A financial analyst looks at company financial statements to determine the best decisions for a company. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals make $85,000 per year on average and typically work for large financial institutions in major metropolitan areas.
2. Business Analyst
A business analyst’s work is similar to a financial analyst’s. However, instead of looking at the monetary side of the company, these professionals look at how to improve and grow the business based on consumer trends. This job is perfect for those who love to solve problems.
3. Information Systems Manager
If you prefer to be behind a computer and love technology, a job as an information systems manager may be right for you. These professionals are the directors of the information technology side of a business, and this job is expected to grow significantly as increasing numbers of businesses improve their IT systems. These individuals make an average of over $140,000 yearly.
4. Marketing Manager
A marketing manager specializes in advertising and promotions. Often seen as the face of the company, this individual must have excellent people skills and be able to negotiate contracts while coordinating marketing plans. This is a high-paying job with top earners pulling in over $200,000 per year and the average marketing manager making over $134,000 annually.
5. Sales Manager
Sales managers frequently work for retail companies and oversee sales staff. These professionals must be able to create long-term sales goals and determine ways to meet them. They may also work with customers, analyze sales statistics and provide staff training. While those working in retail management make approximately $90,000 as an annual wage, those in manufacturing, technical services and insurance make far more.
6. Training and Development Manager
Training and development managers are responsible for ensuring that employees under them are ready to do their jobs well. They also work to improve employee skills by providing continuing education. Because training managers are vital for business growth, the job outlook in this profession is slightly better than average with median annual pay coming in at over $111,000 per year as of 2018.
7. Human Resources Manager
Another job that significantly impacts business growth is human resources management. These individuals are responsible for working directly with employees to create a positive work environment and healthy compensation and benefits packages. They are also frequently called in to resolve disputes between employees. These managers make over $113,000 per year on average.
Other jobs you might consider include the following:
- Actuary
- Accountant
- Insurance underwriter
- Loan Officer
- Logistician
- Market research analyst
Your degree will allow you to work in a wide variety of business settings, including the following:
- Non-profit organizations
- Retail businesses
- Government agencies
- Research analytic companies
- Online businesses
An online business degree gives you the opportunity to work in a variety of fields where you can make a difference in the world around you.
Whether you choose a behind-the-scenes job in risk management or want to work hands-on with the people around you in human resources, your business classes and leadership skills will quickly get you where you want to go. Plus, you can use this degree as a jumping-off point to a higher degree, such as an MBA.
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