By Charlene Lattea, WVU Online | Wednesday, June 21, 2023
If you’re a recent business administration graduate or considering studying business, here are 10 entry-level jobs you can pursue out of college.
Looking for your first entry-level job in business?
Whether you are just graduating or looking at studying business so that you can find a new career, there are some fantastic opportunities out there for you.
Many of the entry-level jobs you will find have great growth potential for the future and some of them are high-paying as well.
They are perfect for graduates who do not yet have the experience for a mid-level or management role, but who would like to find a great job and gain some valuable hands-on training.
The type of entry-level job you will get after graduating will depend on the type of degree you have and the skills you have gained along the way.
When looking at Business Administration degrees, you naturally want to know how long it will take you to complete the degree, so you can weigh that information along with other details of the program while making your decision.
The four types of degrees include: associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate.
The more advanced the degree, the more likely it will be that you will get a better job when you graduate.
To get an entry-level job, you will more than likely need at least an associate degree, but a bachelor’s degree would help put you ahead of the competition. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, going on and getting your master’s and then a doctorate, would be of even greater benefit.
Before you decide what kind of business degree to get, you should consider many different factors, including your goals for the future, as well as your abilities and interests.
Ask yourself these basic questions:
An associate degree in business is a two-year program that allows you to gain a foundation in basic coursework, including accounting, economics, management, statistics, computer applications, and more.
Elective courses within the degree program can be tailored to match your personal and professional interests. Often, associate degrees are designed for students who expect to go on and complete a bachelor’s degree, but many people go straight into a career with this degree.
A bachelor’s degree in business administration takes four years to complete and teaches theory, but also emphasizes a wide range of practical skills, including leadership, analytical thinking, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, accounting, finance, human resources, and marketing.
This degree is a great fit for people who are looking for an entry-level business career, or who would like to pursue careers in a variety of different settings.
You must have a bachelor’s to go on to the master’s degree, which generally takes two years to complete.
One of the main attractions of a master’s degree is that it is a very flexible degree that provides a lot of opportunities. Your earning potential with a master’s degree depends on your area of specialization, the industry you enter, its location, and your own personal experience.
The highest degree is the doctoral degree, which may take as long as 4 or 5 years to complete. In this program, you'll learn research methods and statistics, as well as philosophy, leadership, organizational behaviors, strategic management theory, and structural equation modeling.
Now that you know the degree requirements, you should also know that your chances of getting a good entry-level job also increase if you have additional training and certifications.
License and certification are required in some business fields and prove that you have the qualifications to meet your professional obligations. Some of these include certified supply chain professional (CSCP); certified public accountant (CPA); salesforce administrator certification (SAC); certified financial planner (CFP); and certified financial analyst (CFA).
Your education level, along with any licensure or certification, are among the most important factors guaranteeing a good entry-level job or higher.
Earning a certificate also gives you an advantage over the competition. Certificates give you a broad overview of a particular program while focusing on the most important aspects that you will need to apply to your current career.
Certificates are much faster to complete than traditional programs. They typically require 12-15 credits of coursework, taken in one academic year, or sometimes even in a matter of weeks. All are rigorous programs that will greatly help you grow in your career and give you an advantage when applying for entry-level jobs.
A degree in business administration gives you a well-rounded education with skills that are in demand in today’s fast-paced business world. Employers in the business sector typically value strong technical skills.
Some valuable technical skills include:
Data Analysis – It is important for business professionals to be able to gather, organize and analyze information to make strategic, data-driven decisions.
Information Technology – From becoming an expert in Excel to navigating databases, a business administration degree will teach you how to maximize technology to solve business challenges.
Statistics – The ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret numerical data.
Project Management – Being able to apply the knowledge, tools, and techniques necessary to effectively manage projects, large or small.
Accounting and Finance – Being proficient in reading and understanding financial documents, including balance sheets.
Market Research – Determining which marketing strategies would work best for a company and being able to interpret information.
Analytical Skills – You should be able to analyze the health of a business, diagnose problems, and offer informed solutions.
You want your resume to stand out, even at the entry-level, so don’t neglect your people skills. Employers in the business sector also value what are called “soft skills,” which often have to do with social and communication skills.
These are some of the soft skills you will learn in a business degree program that will serve you well in the workplace and during your search for that entry-level position:
Leadership Skills – The ability to delegate, inspire and communicate effectively.
Communication Skills – Effectively exchange information and understand others through verbal and non-verbal messages.
Creative Thinking – Innovative problem-solving, including analyzing facts, brainstorming, and working with others.
Self-discipline – The ability to push yourself forward, stay motivated, and take action.
Teamwork – You must also be a team member your colleagues and superiors can rely on.
Let’s see how you can put your hard and soft skills to work in the real world!
Now that you know what employers are looking for when they hire entry-level job candidates, you may be wondering what you can do with a business degree.
We’ve identified 10 promising entry-level jobs you can potentially get with a business degree. Here we will discuss each one, including what kind of salary you can make, the job outlook, and how each position can set you up for a successful career in business.
Human resources specialists recruit, screen, interview and place new employees to fill job openings in a company. They may work for one company or independently with many companies as clients. This job also involves making suggestions on how to improve a company's recruiting or onboarding policies and explaining regulations and procedures.
Skills required include analyzing data, using computers and computer systems, critical thinking, negotiation, decision-making, time management, and complex problem-solving.
The median salary is $64,240 per year and these jobs have a bright outlook, with growth predicted to be faster than average at 8-10%.
Financial and investment analysts help companies and clients make wise investment decisions. They analyze investments and financial data of institutions and generate reports. They must know about market trends to be able to help develop a company’s business and investment strategy. They advise clients on aspects of capitalization, such as amounts, sources, or timing.
Skills required include strong analytical skills, as well as technology skills, including the use of many different kinds of computer systems and software. They must be able to work with clients, collaborate on projects, analyzing data, and prepare reports.
The median salary is $95,080 per year and the career outlook is bright, with jobs in this field growing faster than average at 8-10%.
Sales managers find and recommend ways to improve sales procedures. They coordinate the distribution, train salespeople, and analyze sales statistics and market trends to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and to predict the needs and desires of customers and recommend the best new markets.
Skills include selling, persuasion, communication with co-workers and clients, systems analysis and evaluation, critical thinking, negotiation, problem solving, decision making, time management, and financial management. This position can be highly lucrative and requires strong leadership skills.
The median salary is $130,600 per year, with job growth predicted to be average at 4-7%.
A management analyst or management consultant helps organizations become more profitable by finding ways to reduce cost and boost revenue. They conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, and prepare procedures to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.
Skills needed include solving complex problems, critical thinking, judgement and decision making, systems analysis, time management, negotiation, operation analysis, and personnel management.
The median salary is $95,290 and the career outlook is bright with job growth projected at 11% or higher, which is much faster than average.
Search Marketing Strategists employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. They examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content and analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and to measure outcomes.
Skills required include complex problem solving, critical thinking, decision making, speaking, writing, systems analysis, time management, negotiation, sales and marketing, computers and electronics, and communication skills.
The median salary is $68,230, but this can vary significantly, depending on the skills you have. Those with Google Analytics knowledge or web design skills could make higher salaries. The career outlook is bright, with job growth at 11%, which is much faster than average.
Marketing research analysts collect and analyze data on markets, trends, and consumer demographics to determine potential sales of a product or service, or to plan a marketing or advertising campaign. They determine their company’s position versus competitors, gather consumer data, look for new ways to engage customers, and increase search engine ranking and visibility.
Skills needed include technology skills, working with computers, analyzing data, making decisions and solving problems, organization skills, communication skills, working with clients, thinking creatively, team building, preparing reports, and critical thinking.
The median salary is $68,230 and the job outlook is bright, with growth predicted at 11% or higher, which is much greater than average.
Marketing managers plan, direct or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors and identifying potential customers. They evaluate research to determine customer demand and pricing strategies and plan marketing programs that encourage new purchases.
Skills include working with computers, making decisions and solving problems, organization skills, teamwork, sales, thinking creatively, working with clients, analyzing data, negotiation, marketing, or customer service activities.
The median salary for this position is $140,040 and the job outlook is bright at 8-10%.
Fundraisers organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. They analyze what is important to potential donors and create compelling messages to raise awareness about their organization, maintain donor information, and train volunteers.
Skills include time management, financial management, knowledge of computer systems, complex problem solving, judgement and decision making, negotiation, critical thinking, writing, speaking, team building, and administration and management.
The median salary is $61,190 and the career outlook is bright, with job growth predicted at 11% or higher, which is much greater than average.
Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and group medical practices. Most have at least a bachelor’s degree before entering the field. They oversee non-clinical functions, manage staff, create long-term plans, and coordinate services.
Skills needed include communication, evaluating information, working with computers, coaching and developing others, decision making and problem solving, analyzing data, organization, team building, financial management, thinking creatively, and working with the public.
The median salary is $104,830 and career outlook is bright, with job growth predicted at 11% or higher, which is greater than average.
Operations research analysts formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to help organizations operate efficiently and effectively. They transform raw data using data mining, statistical analysis, and mathematical modeling to solve problems and advise leadership about business solutions.
Skills are highly technical and include working with computer systems, knowledge of mathematics, analytical thinking, decision making, problem solving, analyzing data, communication, creative thinking, consulting with clients, determining costs and materials, team building, and organization.
The median salary is $85,720 and job seekers can further elevate their resume by gaining experience with SQL (structured query language) or machine learning. The career outlook is bright, with job growth at 11% or higher, which is much greater than average.
The future for Business Administration graduates is very promising. If you would like to advance in your current career or prepare for a future career, here’s how you can get started right now on the path to learning new skills that will help you achieve your goals:
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