Best Business Major Jobs
Exploring college majors is an exciting part of the college experience. While some students know exactly what they want to study before receiving their acceptance letters, others enter university undecided. Of all the degrees, the business major is the most popular. This could be because of the many business degree jobs available upon graduation. Since business major jobs are so varied, there’s truly something for everyone.
In this article, we’re going to explore potential careers for business majors and the best business major jobs. We’ll cover:
- Business major topics and coursework
- Types of business majors and business major requirements
- Business major internships
- The highest paying business degree jobs
- Best undergraduate business schools
- MBA programs and further education pathways
With all the business major jobs out there, you’ll no doubt find endless interesting pathways to explore. Plus, learning more about types of business careers can help you decide on a particular concentration or specialization. So, let’s get started!
What Can You Do with a Business Degree?
There is a reason that the business major consistently ranks among the most popular college majors. Graduating with a business degree opens the door to countless business major jobs. In fact, the degree itself emphasizes broadly useful skills such as leadership and communication. The best business schools provide students with a myriad of skills that make them more qualified candidates for business major jobs.
Of course, what exactly you do with a business major will depend on your interest, background, and area of expertise. However, a business degree from the best undergraduate business schools can take you almost anywhere. For example, a more general business degree from one of the best colleges for business prepares you for sales, marketing, or project management. However, a more specialized business degree in accounting could lead you to specific roles such as accountant or financial advisor.
Additionally, a business degree from the best undergraduate business schools can lead to places large and small. Business degree jobs may be at an individual company, an organization that advises others such as a consulting firm, or even in government. You might even use your specialized business degree in entrepreneurship to one day start your own business. The broad range of opportunities for business major graduates is undoubtedly part of its wide appeal.
What does a Business Major study?
Since there are so many different business degree jobs, business major coursework is also quite varied. As a business major, you’ll study business, management, economics, finance, accounting, analytics, and more. Additionally, business schools often focus on developing interpersonal skills, since many types of business careers value cooperation and leadership.
Like with most college majors, business major requirements will include foundational required coursework with a broad base. From there, students have more flexibility in the curriculum to choose specializations according to their interests and future goals. Students can expect to take a combination of business, leadership courses, and electives.
The best undergraduate business schools also help you find high-quality internships to explore different types of business careers. While you may enjoy your accounting coursework, an internship may show you that it’s not the right career for you. On the other hand, internships may lead to valuable interpersonal relationships and even your first job out of college. For this reason, business major requirements at some schools may include an internship opportunity.
When searching for the best colleges for business for you, you may be overwhelmed by all the options. One of the first steps should be exploring the question: what business majors are out there?
Types of Business Majors
Just as there are plenty of different business degree jobs, there are also plenty of business majors to choose from. Of course, your opportunities may vary depending on what school you attend. For example, some business schools offer separate, specific business degrees. However, others may offer different concentrations within one general business major. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of business majors.
Accounting
If you get excited about numbers and organization, then accounting could be for you. As an accounting major you’ll learn how to calculate and report on finances for a business or individual. Accountants offer a wealth of knowledge to clients and are often in high demand. You won’t need to get a doctorate to find work—there are plenty of entry level jobs for business majors in accounting. However, you will need to pass an exam to become certified and work as a public accountant.
Business Administration
A degree in business administration is for students who are interested in learning how to operate a business efficiently. You’ll use a range of practical skills such as leadership, analytical thinking, interpersonal communication and more. Those who study administration at the best undergraduate business schools might work in healthcare, hospitality and tourism, or human resources. It’s also a great degree for those hoping to be business owners.
International Business
Do you like travel, business, and different cultures? Then studying international business at one of the best colleges for business might be for you. Not only will you learn about business in general, but you’ll learn about how to conduct business in different countries. International business major jobs could have you living anywhere in the world.
Finance
Most people interested in finance like data, numbers, and money. Business major jobs in finance could allow students to work in companies, nonprofits, or with individual clients. However, you should like and be good at math if you plan to pursue this business major. Some finance business major jobs require further certification or taking certain tests, so research jobs to chart your course. Among business majors, salary figures for finance majors tend to be very high.
Marketing
A classic complement to business is marketing. As a marketing major, you’ll focus on things like how to price, place, and promote products. Marketing business major jobs are focused on attracting clients and sales so that businesses thrive. Business major requirements in marketing will include plenty of communications classes.
Entrepreneurship
Interested in starting and running your own business? Well, it’s likely that the entrepreneurship business major has caught your eye. Rather than searching for business major jobs, an entrepreneur will find a way to design their dream job. No matter what type of business you want to start, the skills of an entrepreneurship major will translate to any industry. Indeed, entrepreneurs will go on to varied types of business careers according to their interests, passions, and goals.
Management
Administration and management often go hand in hand; however, they have their differences. A management major at the best business schools will focus on organizing a company’s staff, revenue, and resources. Whereas administration focuses on the day-to-day details, management looks at the big picture. Those who take on business degree jobs in management will make important decisions pertaining to strategy and infrastructure.
Economics
When you study economics, you’ll learn more than just numbers. Rather, you’ll understand the “why” behind business and money by considering historical and social contexts. For example, you’ll look at individual and societal effects of employment, recessions, income disparities, and more. In regards to business, economists are useful in being able to make financial predictions based on their understanding of economics. This is a highly valuable skill to many different industries.
Business Analytics
In business analytics, you’ll develop skills for business major jobs that focus on data management. You’ll learn how to analyze data in order to give useful business insights across varying industries. Communication and analytical thinking are critical skills for business degree jobs in analytics.
With so many specializations within the business major, graduates have many different job opportunities after graduation. Moreover, many business jobs don’t require a higher degree, which attracts many students. A bachelor’s degree will provide plenty of opportunities within the world of business. Of course, many business majors’ salaries increase with a further degree like an MBA.
Business Major Requirements
Business major requirements vary among business schools and among specializations. If you’re aspiring to business major jobs, you’ll likely want to plan out your college activities early—even while applying. Therefore, knowing the business degree jobs you might be interested in can help you choose the best business program for you.
For example, UPenn’s Wharton School of Business requires 37 course units, the majority of which are in business classes. However, the rest are in liberal arts, electives, and other courses, and the curriculum is considered flexible. Additionally, Wharton classes focus on problem-solving methods in the classroom. That is to say, don’t expect to just sit in lectures. Wharton classes aim to prepare you for real situations that you might face in your future business major jobs.
Keep in mind that admissions at the best business schools are extremely competitive. With so many students interested in business major jobs, you’ll want to stand out in the college admissions process. Give yourself time to craft a compelling application that highlights your strengths and interests. The college admissions process can be tedious, so be sure to plan ahead so you can meet all the requirements.
Is Business a popular major?
In short, yes! Business consistently ranks amongst the most popular college majors. In fact, it is often the #1 most popular major. Nearly 20% of people earning bachelor’s degrees choose to study business, making it the most common degree. But why are business majors and business schools the top choice for many high school students?
Well, there are plenty of reasons why business attracts so many students. The major itself is quite versatile and offers graduates a myriad of potential business degree jobs to explore. Moreover, there are plenty of business major jobs available. While you might have a more difficult time securing a job as a dance major, business major jobs are bountiful.
Additionally, a business major’s salary is usually quite good. The median annual business majors salary is slightly higher than the median wage for other degrees. Business majors also develop marketable skills that are applicable to many different types of business degree jobs.
If you know business is for you and you want to start investigating the best programs, read our article on the best business universities. Additionally, since business is such a common major, you’ll need to stand out when applying not only to schools, but also to jobs. Consider summer programs and internships to gain more hands-on experience in the business world. The practical experience will help you to impress potential employers and can give you useful experience, skills, and knowledge.
Is Business a lucrative major?
Certainly, many business major jobs can be quite lucrative. However, this depends on each individual student, the nuances of their particular field, and ultimately, their future career goals. Obviously, a financial advisor for nonprofits wouldn’t earn as much as one for large companies. Additionally, other factors will affect every student’s earning potential, including their specialization, years of experience, location, and so on.
That being said, the average annual salary for business major jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $69,000. With some fields, like certain engineering majors, starting closer to $100,000 a year, business major jobs may not appear the most lucrative. However, if you pursue an upward trajectory into more senior roles and leadership positions, your earning potential will grow significantly.
When considering types of careers, you should also think about salaries in conjunction with your passion and interests. For example, international business major jobs can provide more than just a decent salary—they can send you across the world! Therefore, international business major jobs may provide you with a lower salary than finance, but you’ll be happier doing something you love.
Still wondering about salaries for different business major jobs? Take a look at this list that provides the starting salary and median salary for different types of business jobs.
Highest Paying Business Majors
Just like with all college majors, certain business major jobs will pay more. The highest paying business majors will require more skills, experience, and leadership qualities. However, they’re certainly attainable.
We’re going to look at some of the highest paying business majors. Keep in mind that many of these careers start out as entry level jobs for business majors. However, in time, they might progress into a highly lucrative career.
Here are four of the highest paying business majors.
Marketing
While entry-level jobs for business majors in marketing may not pay much, there is certainly room for growth. In fact, a marketing manager will earn a median salary of about $135,030. Marketing managers are in charge of planning and executing marketing campaigns for a brand, product, or service. Basically, they decide and enact marketing strategies.
Finance
It makes sense that those who speak the language of money are among those who make the most of it. There are plenty of lucrative routes when considering business degree jobs in finance. Financial managers make a median annual salary of $131,710. They’re basically in charge of an organization’s financial health.
Accounting
If you’re detail- and number-oriented, then you might consider being an accountant. Accounting jobs are relatively well-paying even for new graduates. Their median annual salary is higher than most entry level jobs for business majors at $77,250.
Management Information Systems
This is a more specialized business degree that focuses on technology. However, if you like technology, solving problems, and working with people, then this could be among your top business major jobs. A management information systems manager will make an average salary of $93,113 a year. This field is likely to grow in the near future, as data systems become more complex.
Even if you’re not aiming for any of these jobs, don’t sweat your salary. There are well-paying business degree jobs in every field. You’ll likely find attractive international business major jobs in your field, as well. It just may take more time to climb the ladder and earn more. However, you should consider more than just money when thinking about potential types of business careers.
What is the Best Business Major?
There is no one “best” business major. That being said, there is probably a specialization within business that’s a good fit for you. Choosing the right one will depend on the types of business major jobs that interest you. In the long run, the best business majors are the ones that spark your interest.
Remember that exploring different specializations in college can help prepare you for more specialized careers down the line. Therefore, consider choosing a concentration, or even combining your major with another major or minor degree program. Doing so can help you stand out when it comes time to start applying to business major jobs.
Additionally, consider majors, specializations, and programs when starting the college admissions process. This will help you create the best college list for you. For example, if you’re interested in international business major jobs, then look for the best programs in that area during the college admissions process.
Before deciding the best business major for you, check out some of the best business degree jobs. The jobs that most interest you will determine the area of business that you’ll focus on while completing your major.
Double-majoring with Business
When considering the highest paying business majors, you might also consider ways to make yourself a more valuable job candidate. One way to do so is by double-majoring—that is, pursuing two majors in college. In fact, one in five students decide to double major in college.
However, if you decide to combine one of the best business majors for you with another discipline, keep in mind what that entails. A double major is time-consuming, especially as you approach senior year and thesis work. Some students experience burnout, which might even lead to lower grades. Additionally, it may take you longer than four years to complete all the requirements for both college majors.
That being said, there are ample benefits of choosing to double major with business. You’ll have more expertise and varied skills. This can lead to better paying business degree jobs upon graduation. However, you must successfully graduate. You should only double major if you are excited about both fields and are prepared to sacrifice other aspects of the college experience.
Best Business Majors for the Future
There are plenty of business major jobs that aren’t going anywhere. Areas such as finance or management will always be in demand, and therefore have higher earning potential. However, there are also certain specializations which might be considered the best business majors for the future.
Just like in most industries, AI is affecting the business world. There are now many more business major jobs that focus on technology and AI. In fact, you can even pursue a BS in Artificial Intelligence for Business at USC, one of the best undergraduate business schools.
Indeed, when considering the best colleges for business and the best business major jobs for you, you should think about the fastest growing areas. There are plenty of business degree jobs in business management & administration that will be in demand in the future. For example, investment fund managers, management analysts, and computer and information systems managers are business major jobs with high projected job growth.
While future prospects may heavily influence your specialization within the business major, don’t forget about your passions and interests. While practicality and future earnings potential are important, they are not everything. If you don’t like technology, then an AI-centered business degree probably isn’t for you. If you want to be your own boss, majors such as entrepreneurship can empower you to chart your own course. However, this route can be more difficult when getting started.
You should consider your financial goals and needs as well as interests and skills when choosing the best business career path for you. There are limitless business major jobs out there, but only one you. At the same time, don’t feel like you’re locked into your choice; you might be inspired to make a change down the line.
25 Best Business Major Jobs
Indeed, there are many intellectually fulfilling and financially rewarding business major jobs. Here’s a list of the 25 best jobs you can get after you graduate with a business degree.
Best Business Major Jobs
Management Consultant
The first on our list of business major jobs is a management consultant, often colloquially referred to as simply a “consultant.” Management consultants are problem solvers. They use their expertise to advise organizations on improving their operations, strategies, and overall efficiency.
Project Management Specialist
The next of our business major jobs involves coordinating and overseeing projects from inception to completion. This includes ensuring that goals are met on time and within the set budget. You can work in many industries as a project manager and hold varying levels of authority.
Financial Analyst
Next on our list of business major jobs is a financial analyst. Financial analysts evaluate financial data and trends to assist businesses in making informed investment decisions and developing strategies. Many financial analysts pursue an accounting concentration within their business major.
Accountant
If you’ve ever hired someone to help with your taxes, odds are they’re an accountant. Accountants handle financial records, ensuring accuracy in financial statements and compliance with regulations.
Personal Financial Advisor
Personal financial advisors specialize in providing financial and investment advice to individuals. Many work for larger wealth management firms like Charles Schwab or Fidelity.
Actuary
Next on our list of business major jobs is an actuary. Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess financial risks and uncertainties, and often work in insurance or finance.
Financial Examiner
Also one of our business major jobs that likely requires accounting courses, financial examiners make sure that financial institutions follow the rules. Where financial analysts work to increase profit, financial examiners project the integrity of the financial system by acting as safeguards to potential corruption.
Budget Analyst
Next on our list of business major jobs is pretty self explanatory. A budget analyst reviews and monitors budgets, helping organizations allocate resources efficiently and effectively.
Logistician
A logistician is involved in every step of the supply chain. They “coordinate the life cycle of a product,” and ensure the smooth flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers.
Human Resources Specialist
Are you a people person? If so, this business major job is often on the “people” side of an organization. An HR specialist handles a variety of tasks relating to managing a firm’s employees, like recruitment, employee relations, and benefits.
Insurance Underwriter
Insurance underwriters evaluate risks and determine policy terms for insurance applications, using data to assess potential liabilities.
Purchasing Manager/Agent
The next role on our list of business major jobs involves overseeing the acquisition of goods and services, negotiating contracts, and ensuring cost-effective purchasing practices.
Marketing Manager
Next on our business major jobs is one that combines soft skills and hard skills. A marketing manager develops and implements strategies to promote products or services, driving brand awareness and sales growth. If you’re a creative person with a knack for numbers, this one could be for you.
Operations Research Analyst
An operations research analyst uses critical thinking skills to help organizations operate effectively. This often involves using analytical and mathematical methods to solve complex operational problems.
Social Media Manager
Did you know that business majors can become social media managers? Social media managers create and manage content across various platforms to engage audiences and enhance the brand’s online presence. Traditional advertising is largely being overthrown by social media, so make like the Duolingo Owl and take advantage of our new virtual world.
Cost Estimator
Another specialized role on our list of business major jobs is cost estimator. Cost estimators analyze project requirements and predict costs to help businesses budget accurately and manage expenses effectively.
Sales Manager
Sales managers lead sales teams, develop strategies to increase revenue, and manage client relationships to drive business growth. This is another largely people-facing business major job!
Training and Development Manager
Constantly thinking that your coworkers have some room to improve? This next one of our business major jobs involves creating and implementing training programs to enhance employees’ skills and performance.
Financial Manager
As you can probably guess, financial managers oversee businesses’ financial activities. Responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, and investing. Essentially, financial managers work to keep organizations financially healthy.
Supply Chain Manager
Been hearing there are problems with the supply chain? Not with you in charge! Supply chain managers coordinate and optimize the flow of goods and services, from production to distribution, to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Labor Relations Specialist
Next on our list of business major jobs is a labor relations specialist. Labor relations specialists handle negotiations and resolve disputes between employers and employees, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.
Real Estate Manager
Up next on our list of business major jobs is a role that deals with the business of buildings. Real estate managers oversee property operations, including leasing and maintenance, and ensure properties are managed efficiently to maximize profitability.
Public Relations Manager
PR is also on the more marketing and communications end of the spectrum of business major jobs. PR managers create and maintain a positive public image for their organization, managing media relations and crafting communication strategies.
Risk Manager
While many business major jobs deal with risk, some roles focus on it more than others. Risk managers identify and mitigate potential risks to an organization, developing strategies to minimize financial losses and protect assets.
Healthcare Administrator
If your parents always wanted you to be a doctor, this next one of our business major jobs can help you meet them halfway. A healthcare administrator manages the operations of healthcare facilities like hospitals, ensuring efficient delivery of services and compliance with regulations.
If you’re interested in pursuing one of these business major jobs, that’s great! However, you’ll likely need to build up to one of these roles. So, let’s talk about where you might start.
Entry Level Jobs for Business Majors
As we mentioned, not all of our top business major jobs are entry level jobs for business majors. But don’t worry–everyone has to start somewhere.
Here are three entry level jobs for business majors.
Assistant Account Executive
The first of our entry level jobs for business majors is an assistant account executive. In this role, you’ll likely work for a marketing or advertising agency, managing client relations. This involves things like scheduling meetings, coordinating campaigns, and liaising with clients.
Sales Representative
If you want to be in sales, this next one of our entry level jobs for business majors is potentially where you’ll start. Unlike some other business major jobs, you’ll likely do more client-facing direct sales, executing sales strategies that your manager might create.
Junior Analyst
There are a lot of junior analyst entry level jobs for business majors. You can be a junior analyst in operations, finance, logistics, and consulting.
If you’re still curious about earning potential, check out the next section on highest paying business major jobs.
High Paying Jobs for Business Majors
Now, you may be wondering: how much money can I make doing one of these business major jobs? And it’s a fair question.
Below are a few of the highest paying business majors.
Investment banker
There’s a reason they call it “making bank:” the average salary for an investment banker in NYC is over $400,000 per year. If you major in one of the highest paying business majors like finance or economics, you can have a shot at achieving a stratospheric business majors salary. But just be prepared: entry level workers at investment banks work very long hours, and you’ll need to be willing to sacrifice a lot to one day make this kind of business majors salary.
Financial Advisor
Financial adviser is one of the highest paying business majors jobs available. If you want to be a financial advisor, you’ll need to be skilled in business, finance, and accounting. Additional quantitative skills like mathematics or computer science can’t hurt.
Any type of manager role (financial, marketing, sales, operations, etc.)
Like in most industries, the highest paying business majors jobs are likely the type you’ll have to work your way up to. If you work as a manager, you have a higher tier role in the company, and you may have worked some other business major jobs for the last few years in order to gain the necessary experience to earn a higher wage.
In general, if you want to concentrate in one of the highest paying business majors, steer towards accounting, finance, economics, and business management.
International Business Major Jobs
Some business major jobs are more specialized, and can be achieved with an international business degree. International business major jobs will allow you to work at multinational corporations, or manage operations across multiple different countries. International business major jobs also require a deeper understanding of global economics and trade.
Here are a few international business major jobs:
Global Supply Chain Manager
The first of our international business major jobs involves looking at supply chains on a global scale. You’ll oversee the international logistics and coordination of products. Overall, you’ll make sure that your company’s products are moving efficiently on a multinational scale.
International Trade Specialist
The next of our international business major jobs is an international trade specialist. International trade specialists analyze and facilitate trade policies, agreements, and market strategies to manage commerce across borders. For this job, you’ll likely want to add on some economics and international relations courses.
Foreign Service Officer
This job is a little less business-focused than some others. Foreign Service Officers work for the state and represent their home country abroad. They manage diplomatic relations, support citizens, and advance their countries’ interests. You’d definitely want to add in some government and international relations courses if you were considering a role in the foreign service.
If you want to major in international business, consider these schools for your undergraduate degree.
Internships for Business Majors
One of the best ways for students to prepare themselves for future business degree jobs is to pursue internships in industries they’re interested in. Internships and other pre-professional summer opportunities are valuable for many reasons. For one, they let you gain real world experience in your field! Many business degree jobs are less well-known than your classic Banker or Consultant, so interning in a more niche field can help you figure out which business degree jobs you may want to pursue postgrad.
While doing an internship, you’ll also build valuable networks and connections that will help you as you further your career. In many cases, getting the best business degree jobs comes down to networking. So it’s best to make as many genuine connections as possible before you graduate. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean seeing relationships as transactional. Rather, it means building trust and camaraderie with both peers and mentors in the industry.
Many schools help their students search for and find great business degree jobs. You should also do your own research to see what business degree jobs might potentially interest you. If you’re already sure that a business major is right for you, you can even start looking for internships in high school before you begin college.
Best Undergraduate Business Schools
So, you’re dreaming of a future working one of the best business degree jobs. You’re doing work that interests you–and you’re getting paid to do it. Where should you go to school to maximize your chances of earning that business majors salary?
The short answer is: it depends. The best undergraduate business schools will vary based on your particular circumstances and goals. Here’s a table of the best undergraduate business schools in a number of different fields:
| Overall best undergraduate business schools | • University of Pennsylvania • MIT • University of California-Berkeley |
| Accounting | • UT Austin • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign • Brigham Young University |
| Analytics | • MIT • Carnegie Mellon • Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Entrepreneurship | • Babson College • UC Berkeley • MIT |
| Finance | • University of Pennsylvania • NYU • University of Michigan |
| Insurance | • University of Georgia • University of Wisconsin-Madison • Georgia State University |
| International Business | • University of South Carolina • Florida International University • Georgetown University |
| Management | • University of Michigan • University of Pennsylvania • UC Berkeley |
| Management Information Systems | • Carnegie Mellon • Georgia Tech • University of Arizona |
| Marketing | • University of Michigan • University of Pennsylvania • Indiana University-Bloomington |
| Production/Operation Management | • MIT • University of Michigan–Ann Arbor • Michigan State University |
| Quantitative Analysis | • MIT • Carnegie Mellon • University of Pennsylvania |
| Real Estate | • University of Wisconsin-Madison • University of Pennsylvania • NYU |
| Supply Chain Management / Logistics | • Michigan State University • Arizona State University • MIT |
With so many great business schools to choose from, let’s talk about how to narrow down your list.
Crafting a Business Major School List
As part of the college admissions process, you’ll need to create a college list. For those who are looking to eventually work business degree jobs, you will likely be applying to schools that have strong undergraduate business programs.
To find the best colleges for business, consider these important factors.
Location
Location factors into all college searches in the college admissions process. When looking at the best colleges for business, you may also want to think about proximity to industry.
What kind of business degree jobs are available in your city, and which would you want to pursue? For example, if you’re set on finance, you might want to think about going to business schools close to New York City.
Academics
Next, think about the academic offerings and business major requirements at specific business schools. (You can ask yourself these types of questions when considering all college majors!):
- Are there opportunities to specialize in specific fields, like finance, accounting, marketing, or international business?
- Do the business major requirements mandate that you study a wide variety of subjects, or do you specialize early?
- Are there professors that have the type of experience you’re looking for?
- Does the school have any partnerships with MBA programs or graduate business schools where you could cross-register?
When looking at the best colleges for business, do your research and think through every aspect of your academic experience.
Pre-professional opportunities and resources
You’ll also want to think about the professional paths and types of business careers available to you after you graduate. Does the school provide any internship support? Are there mentorship opportunities?
Additionally, be sure to consider your specific goals and what might help you achieve them. Is there infrastructure to encourage and facilitate entrepreneurship? The best business schools should have ample resources to support you professionally.
In general, think of finding the best colleges for business as an offshoot of finding the best college for you, period. Even if Wharton offers one of the strongest college majors in business, if you hate cities and winter, you might not want to study in Philadelphia. It’s also important when thinking about college majors to allow yourself to not be totally sure what you want to do yet. If you end up being one of the many students that switch college majors—whether to business or out of business—you’ll still want to be at a college that you love.
Considering MBA Programs after Undergrad
When thinking about business degree jobs, a lot of students think about MBAs. An MBA is a Masters in Business Administration, and is often seen as a stepping stone to more elite business degree jobs and higher earnings. You also don’t have to have been a business major to get an MBA!
If you’re thinking about MBAs, there are different types of programs to pursue. There are part-time programs for graduates who are already working full-time business degree jobs, and programs that span 1 and 2 years. You can also do an Executive MBA, which is for people who already have worked business degree jobs and are looking to transition into a more managerial role. There are even some online MBAs.
If you already know during the college admissions process that you’re set on pursuing business, you can consider a 4+1 BA and MBA joint program. These programs allow students to accelerate their path to business degree jobs and maximize their earning potential by graduating with both a BA and an MBA in just five years, from the same college. Many elite business schools offer these programs.
Additional Paths for Business Majors
If you major in business, does that mean you have to have one of the business degree jobs we talked about? Absolutely not! A business degree is very versatile, and can prepare you for many different paths post-grad.
You could pursue a specialized masters program, either in a business field or otherwise. Almost every single field involves business to some degree. Maybe you want to pursue a Masters in Public Health and apply your knowledge of economics, or get a Masters in Journalism to report on Wall Street.
If you want to double down in business, but pursue an academic route rather than a commercial one, you could get a PhD and become a business professor.
Plus, there’s always law school! You could be an employment lawyer, a tax lawyer, work on mergers and acquisitions, or even become a politician and make laws to protect workers. The best business majors will prepare you for all types of professions and paths.
Is Business a Good Fit for you?
We’ve gone over some of the best business majors and the potential jobs you can have as a business major. But how do you know whether majoring in business is right for you?
Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Do you like business?
This might be hard to answer as a high school student, since you’ve never worked in business, but think about applicable skills. Do you enjoy leading, and working on a team? Do you have a knack for balancing the budgets in your clubs and extracurriculars? Or, conversely, do spreadsheets fill you with dread and the idea of sitting at a desk every day sounds like your nightmare? It’s important to think about what the actual day-to-day of working a business degree job will look like, and whether that’s something you’ll enjoy.
Why do you want to major in business?
If you’re just looking for the fastest route to big bucks, business could be one of them. But remember, the median wage for people with a business degree is $71,000—so you might not be a billionaire right off the bat. Remember, there are many different types of business careers. At least during the college admissions process, try to focus more on a potential career path you’re interested in than a paycheck.
Have you researched business major requirements for your school?
Some business majors are more focused, like finance, and some are more broad, like business administration. If you want to eventually work in one of the types of business careers that skews more creative or writing-based, like marketing or public relations, you might not want to major in business at all. The business major requirements might be more tailored to people who want to be financial analysts or accountants, and there could be a better option for you.
You could even minor in business for the career prospects and major in something that sounds more fun to you. (Not that business isn’t fun, but college doesn’t have to be all about career preparation—enjoy it!)
Additionally, some programs with the best business majors are harder to transfer out of—or into—than others. Always do your research on individual schools’ requirements, not just potential types of business careers that you can have. If you’re not sure about studying business, look for schools that give you more flexibility in choosing your major and have great business offerings that aren’t affiliated with a particular school or program.
Business Major Jobs- Takeaways
We hope that after reading this article you know that there are truly so many things you can do with a business degree. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind as you explore potential business major jobs:
5 Key Takeaways
- Business degrees are very broad, and offer a lot of opportunities for customization. Something like business administration might offer a more general education, whereas a focus like accounting might prepare you for a more specific career path. The best business majors are the ones that are best suited to your skill set, your goals, and your passions.
- There are so many jobs you can do with a business degree, and they aren’t limited to things you’d think of as classically business-related! From law to consulting to marketing, business roles are everywhere.
- Some business jobs can be very high-paying, but it will depend on your specialization. If you’re not excited about business, don’t major in it just because of the earning potential.
- There are many incredible colleges for business—make sure to do your research to see which schools have a better general offering, like Wharton at UPenn, and which have better specialized programs, like Babson.
- Studying business in undergrad might lead to an MBA, but it doesn’t have to! There are plenty of business jobs you can get with just a BA. Alternatively, you don’t need to have majored in business to get an MBA.
If you’re looking for more guidance on applying to undergraduate business programs, remember College Advisor is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you on your business journey, starting with your undergraduate education and beyond.
This article was written by Sarah Kaminski and Rachel Kahn. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
