MBA and Business Degree Careers

A business degree can prepare you to enter virtually any industry. Universally applicable, business principles are the backbone of the economy. Those with undergraduate business degrees often go on to earn an MBA, which qualifies them for some of the highest-paying jobs in corporate America. A business program is also a wise choice for entrepreneurs who wish to start their own businesses or consulting firms. Business graduates have tremendous flexibility and can basically write their own ticket professionally. A summary of business-related careers follows.

About the Field

Business is a rapidly growing and dynamic career field. Graduates with a business degree or an MBA have consistently earned some of the best opportunities and largest salaries because business-savvy workers are always in demand. Generally speaking, a business education is the study of the elements critical to making an organization function at its peak performance. Business students will learn how elements like management, supply chains, marketing, economics, and finance interact to sustain an enterprise. A business education can prepare you for work in the corporate world as well as government agencies, healthcare, non-profit organizations, and international commerce, to name a few.

Career Possibilities

The types of careers available to someone with a business degree or MBA will depend on the chosen specialty. Although it is possible to earn a generic bachelor's in business administration, most students opt for more specialized degrees. For instance, graduates of marketing programs may accept jobs as public relations specialists, product developers, market analysts, or marketing strategists. Likewise, supply chain management or operations management graduates may accept positions as purchasing agents, buyers, procurements managers, and more. The career possibilities are innumerable for every possible specialty within the business field. Regardless of specialty, many MBA-program graduates go on to do private consulting work, which is very lucrative.

Education and Credentialing

Although many programs offer associate's degrees in business, most employers require a bachelor's business degree and prefer an MBA. The highest-paying business careers will require a master's degree and a significant amount of work experience. Students who wish to earn their master's in business may do so in a full-time, evening, executive, or online program at most institutions.

Certifications and licensures are not common in the business field. Certain business professionals, such as purchasing managers, may pursue a credential voluntarily in order to increase their value to employers. The only exceptions are the fields of finance, accounting, and real estate. All of these business-related fields require certifications and licenses that will vary according to state law.

Additional Info

Obtaining a business degree or an MBA can open up a dizzying array of career opportunities for you. However, if a business-related career doesn't appeal to you, there are thousands of other options available. Check out our other career field articles to research other educational and professional possibilities.

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