7 best jobs for business majors in 2017

If you are a prospective student evaluating your career options and looking for something that is dynamic, chances are that a degree in business will be the best choice for you.

Business is probably the degree that gives you more career opportunities upon your graduation. You can become an accountant or work in marketing, and even though those sound very different, it’s completely possible to do either with a business degree. As a business student, you will have a broad training covering economics, ethics and communications, and you will be prepared with skills that employers expect to find in pretty much every professional they hire. Once you have a business degree, you will be equipped with knowledge that is highly valued in every field, everywhere. And that gives you options.

To make things even better, investing in an education in business can give you a rewarding career. A great number of employers that hire business administration graduates offer good compensation packages, especially when you acquire some experience in a particular field.

And don’t be mistaken; studying business is not only about using your analytical skills. You must be creative and have critical thinking abilities that will make finding solutions faster and easier. As a business professional, you can blend your inventive mind with your analytic side and become a valuable asset for the company you work for.

According to PayScale, one third of all bachelor’s degrees granted in the United States are for business. That data probably would make you think that the job market is full of and saturated with business graduates, making the job opportunities disappear. But don’t be mislead. Career opportunities in a variety of niches are abundant for business professionals.

If you are passionate about the inner workings of any business setting, curious about how the business world works and intrigued by its challenges, studying business will be interesting from day one. A business administration program will open the doors to a world of opportunities and innovation. You will be able to study macroeconomics, management, law, human resources and marketing. And you’ll get a well-rounded education that will make you more prepared for today’s fast-paced business world.

If you have already decided that a career in business is the right one for you, now comes the hardest part. Between all those amazing opportunities, you must find the one that fits your needs and likes.

To help you with that decision, we organized a list of the 7 best jobs for business majors. The list considers how the job outlook is going to be for the next several years, career advancement opportunities and information provided by the U.S. News list for the best business jobs for 2016.

1. Statistician

These professionals are responsible for collecting data to make informed decisions and solve problems. They must understand what data they need to analyze, how to collect that data, make design experiments, analyze the results and report data. Statisticians can work in different fields, like healthcare, public safety and media.

Being a statistician can be good for those who are curious and would like to make a difference in the world, since statisticians can contribute to society in many ways, such as collecting data to help manage climate change.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for statisticians is growing much faster the average, with predicted growth of 34% from 2014 to 2024. Most statisticians need a master’s degree to find job placement, but an associate’s degree in business can be the first step to getting there.

2. Accountant

Accountants are experts in financial reporting, taxes and crucial for every business, big or small. They can also perform audits and work as consultants. These professionals make sure that companies’ financial records are accurate.

The job requires problem-solving skills, organization and a passion for numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an 11% increase in jobs for accountants from 2014 to 2024.

3. Financial Advisor

As you might imagine, these professionals counsel clients on their finances. For that, they must have a deep understanding of financial investments, retirement plans and market trends. People who are good listeners and can simplify concepts to easily explain ideas are usually successful advisors.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate of 30% for financial advisors from 2014 to 2024.

4. Management Analyst

Management analysts advise companies on ways to increase profits and give ideas to improve productivity. They collect and analyze data to come up with proposals to make organizations more profitable. People who thrive in this career are usually creative and highly analytical.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for management analysts are expected to grow by 14% from 2014 to through 2024.

5. Business Operations Manager

Business operations manager tasks usually involve understanding business operations, hiring new employees and addressing budget matters. The ideal professionals in this field have great organization and communication skills.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the job outlook for administrative services manager or business operations is projected to grow 8% by 2024.

6. Financial Manager

Financial managers advise companies on financial matters, such as strategies for financial goals and investment activities. They also craft financial reports and implement cash management policies. People in this position must like to analyze data, and define strategies, and be detail-oriented and good communicators.

Job opportunities for this position are expected to grow by 7% from 2014 to 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Candidates with knowledge and experience with international finance have better job prospects since the world is becoming more and more globalized.

7. Fundraiser

A fundraiser is an important asset for any charity. These professionals organize events and campaigns in order to raise money for organizations. They must be innovative since they will be coming up with new ideas for events that will have to engage people with a cause. They must also have good communication skills, in order to build strong relationships with donation targets. This career is excellent for someone who engages with causes and would like to help build a better world.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% growth for fundraisers by 2024.

After checking the list of the 7 best jobs for business majors, you might be wondering what expectations someone who is just starting his or her career should have when entering the job market fresh out of business school. Take a deep breath and know that the business world also has great opportunities for those looking for entry-level jobs. Some of the prospects for graduates who are looking for their first job include:

Sales Manager

A position as a sales manager can be perfect for someone with great communication skills and deep knowledge about marketing and economics. These professionals manage employees, coordinate training for the team, build relationships with customers and are responsible for sales.

Financial Analyst

If being in charge of what a company buys and sells sounds appealing to you, maybe you were born to be a financial analyst. Financial analysts also advise individuals on smart financial decisions and investments.

The job outlook for financial analysts is promising. It’s expected to grow by 12% from 2014 to 2024, which is much higher than average.

It’s critical to understand your points of interest and what niche you would like to get into once you start your career. Knowing what you want and like can help you train for the skills that are necessary for that particular occupation while you are still attending college.

It’s safe to say that every company needs the work of a good business professional – one that can help the day-to-day operation run smoothly and avoid errors that can compromise revenue and the company’s image. Keep in mind that a quality education is the key to get a good job and start a successful career in the business world. Look for business program options that can give you quality and can also get you ready to start soon. At Northwestern College you can find three options for programs in business: Business Administration Degree, Business Administration Certificate and the Executive Accounting Degree.

The skills business students learn during college can be applied to the majority of business settings. You will learn accounting, marketing, communication, computer applications, human resources, management strategies and ethics. And for a student who just recently graduated, this degree is easily marketable, generating good opportunities to find entry-level jobs.

Devote some time to learn more about each position that catches your attention. The daily activities, biggest challenges and how the job market is looking for the next several years. And, even though we presented a list of some of the best jobs for business majors, remember to always consider your likes and dislikes when choosing a career to pursue. If you work doing something you enjoy, you will probably thrive and find better opportunities in the job market.