Business

Business careers include all those professions involved in the day-to-day operations vital to any company, such as accountants, tax preparers, data analysts, or external auditors, but also careers specific to certain industries, like hotel managers, investment fund managers, or funeral directors.

If you want a business career, we invite you to read further and find out more about what to expect.

This section will include several different types of workers:

• Professions that specialize in helping with day-to-day business operations, such as logisticians and market research analysts
• Financial specialists that do tasks such as balancing business accounts and helping decision-makers
• Management positions that oversee business activities, such as finances, human resources, marketing, and more.

How to Become an Accountant

While many people think the role of an accountant is a dull one, the reality is quite different. Accountants work…

How to Become an Actuary

Actuaries work with numbers and statistics in order to determine risks for a variety of industries. Although Actuaries mainly work…

How to Become an Administrative Assistant

An administrative assistant is the driving force of a business. They make sure things stay on the right track, and…

How to Become an Archivist

Archivists can work in various industries using their skills and educational knowledge in order to preserve important documentation. Their work…

How to Become a Bank Teller

Bank Tellers are professionals who work in the financial and banking industry to provide customer service to clients. Services can…

How to Become a Bank Underwriter

Your fate in getting approved for a personal, home or auto bank loan lies in the hands of a Bank…

How to Become a Banker

Do you have a good head for figures, fine attention to detail, and great interpersonal skills? If so, you should…

How to Become a Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialists are in charge of handling all the paperwork in order for employees to receive compensation as well as…

How to Become a Bookkeeper

If you enjoy accounting, and get a good sense of satisfaction when you solve a problem, then you might like…

How to Become a Business Analyst

Business Analysts, who can also be referred to as Management Consultant or Management Analysts are professionals who are experienced in…

How to Become a Business Intelligence Manager

A qualified Business Intelligence Manager can procure a job in a range of industries including: Aerospace and Defense, warehouse or…

How to Become a Car Salesman

A Car Salesman is the point of contact for consumers who are in the market to purchase a new or…

How to Become a Charity Director

Someone who is passionate about charities and nonprofits should consider a career as a Charity Director helping organizations raise money…

How to Become a Corporate Recruiter

If you’re interested in human resources, have great interpersonal skills, and good salesmanship, you might like to become a corporate…

How to Become a CPA

The person that decides to become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is someone who has organizational skills, can interpret large…

How to Become a Credit Analyst

Credit Analysts use their depth of knowledge to assist financial institutions determine whether a potential client has a credit worthy…

How to Become a Data Analyst

Data Analyst professionals work in a variety of industries and focus on the analysis, importation, transformation or development of data….

How to Become a Desktop Publisher

Desktop Publishers use their creativity and skills in order to design and develop a variety of print materials and publications….

How to Become An Economist

An economist is a financial researcher, analyst, and also forecaster. With a keen understanding of financial markets, they gather information,…

How to Become an Entrepreneur

An entrepreneur is a person who recognizes the need for new and different products and services and finds ways to…

How to Become an Escrow Officer

The home buying process can be an exciting but time consuming process for anyone who is in the market hoping…

How to Become an Event Planner

An event planner works to coordinate and organize meetings, functions, weddings, parties, and many other types of events. Working as…

How to Become an Executive Coach

An Executive Coach is an individual who works with high level professionals looking to improve their individual growth and enhance…

How to Become an External Auditor

If you’ve got an eye for detail, and a head for figures, you might like to become an external auditor….

How to Become a Financial Analyst

The role of a financial analyst is to determine the risk of various financial ventures, and to advise based on…

How to Become a Financial Controller

Financial Controllers are mid-level managers who are responsible for overseeing a financial team in order to accomplish the task of…

How to Become a Financial Planner

A financial planner gives advice to people on their financial situation. This might include advice on how to invest money,…

How to Become a Foreign Exchange Trader

Foreign Exchange Traders, or Forex Trader, are professionals who work in the finance industry who invest their client’s money in…

How to Become a Forensic Accountant

If you have an interest in the law, criminal justice, and a good head for finance and accounting, you might…

How to Become a Funeral Director

There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding what a Funeral Director is like as a person and what they do…

How to Become a Hotel Manager

Hotel Managers are individuals who work in the hospitality industry and are responsible for managing the overall service provided by…

How to Become a Human Resources Generalist

When you become a human resources generalist, you can expect a varied career that will see you attending to many…

How to Become a Human Resources Manager

A human resources manager works to find the best and most suitable employees for a company, and also to ensure…

How to Become an Insurance Agent

An insurance agent finds the best insurance product for their client, based on their needs. They work one on one…

How to Become an Insurance Claim Adjuster

Insurance Claim Adjusters are responsible for working on insurance claims made by a client who has suffered a loss. These…

How to Become an Insurance Underwriter

Insurance Underwriters are professionals who are experienced in deciding whether an individual is insurable. Some common types of insurance applications…

How to Become an Internal Auditor

When you become an internal auditor, your role will be to make sure a company is performing to its best….

How to Become an Interpreter

Interpreters are professionals that make a living off of communicating. Communication has become an extremely important skill to have no…

How to Become an Investment Banker

Excellent academic skills, financial knowledge, and a strong work ethic are all required to become an investment banker. A job…

How to Become an Investment Fund Manager

Investment Fund Managers are responsible for overseeing a wide range of investment portfolios. These professionals lend their services to individuals…

How to Become a Jeweler

Jewelers are experienced professionals who use their skills in order to create a variety of decorative jewelry. These professionals use…

How to Become a Language Translator

If you enjoy learning new languages and communication then you might like to become a language translator. A language translator…

How to Become a Leasing Agent

Finding a new place to live can become quite a hassle for the majority of people. So much time is…

How to Become a Life Coach

A life coach helps their clients to work towards a better future. They do this by focusing on their needs…

How to Become a Linguist

Linguists are professionals who are experienced with languages. These individuals can work in several different industries and agencies to help…

How to Become a Loan Officer

If you’re interested in finance and figures, and have excellent interpersonal skills then you might like to become a loan…

How to Become a Logistics Analyst

Logistics Analysts are responsible for analyzing and studying a company’s sales information in order to optimize the storage and distribution…

How to Become a Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts are individuals who use a variety of data and information in order to study market conditions for…

How to Become a Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are business professionals who have an extensive background in planning and implementing a marketing, advertising or promotional plan…

How to Become a Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Brokers are licensed professionals who help their clients search for and secure a loan that helps pay for any…

How to Become a Motivational Speaker

Some people may believe that Motivational Speakers are already well known individuals such as celebrities or famous politicians that happen…

How to Become a Notary

A notary, sometimes known as a notary public, is a public officer who is verified as being able to witness…

How to Become an Operations Manager

An operations manager oversees many of the practical, everyday functions of a business or organization. This may include things like…

How to Become a Payroll Supervisor

A Payroll Supervisor is responsible for what might be considered the most important part of someone’s job – the paycheck….

How to Become a Project Manager

Project Managers use several of their skills in order to oversee the completion of a project from beginning to end….

How to Become a Property Manager

A property manager attends to the management of a property on behalf of an owner. They complete a wide range…

How to Become a Public Relations Manager

Public relations managers work to promote businesses and individuals and to help give them a good reputation. If you’re looking…

How to Become a Publicist

Publicists work in the Public Relations field and are responsible for creating an image that compliments their client and their…

How to Become a Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agents are professionals that typically work in the manufacturing and wholesale trade industries. They are responsible for purchasing a…

How to Become a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent negotiates the sale of land and buildings between a vendor and a purchaser. If you are…

How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser

Are you passionate about property? Good with math and have excellent detective skills? If so, then you might like to…

How to Become a Realtor

A realtor is a person licensed to act on behalf of a vendor to market and sell their home. A…

How to Become a Receptionist

When you become a receptionist, you become the warm and welcoming face that represents an organization. The receptionist is the…

How to Become a Resort Manager

Resort Managers are professionals who are experienced in running resort lodgings and providing a high level of customer service to…

How to Become a Restaurant Inspector

Restaurant Inspectors are professionals who are experienced in reviewing restaurants to see whether they are meeting state requirements for food…

How to Become a Restaurant Manager

When you become a restaurant manager, you are the coordinating force that makes sure that both the front and the…

How to Become a Retail Category Manager

When a consumer enters a store and knows the exact spot to find their favorite item, they may not realize…

How to Become a Retail Store Manager

A retail store manager oversees the day to day operations of a retail store. Their job consists of monitoring stock…

How to Become a Risk Manager

A Risk Manager, also referred to as a Risk Analyst, is a financial professional who is experienced in managing a…

How to Become a Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer uses their technical background and social skills to help sell a variety of products for their employer….

How to Become a Secretary

When you become a secretary, you become the control room of an office. While often underestimated, it’s the secretary who…

How to Become an SEM Manager

SEM Managers are also referred to as Search Engine Marketing Managers or as Search Marketing Strategists and have a vast…

How to Become an SEO Manager

An SEO Manager is a professional who is experienced in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for marketing purposes; SEO is a…

How to Become a Sociologist

Sociologists are experienced professionals who focus their work studying the dynamics of social institutions, groups, cultures and organizations. Their work…

How to Become a Statistician

If you’re good at math and are interested in science then you might like to become a statistician. Statisticians apply…

How to Become a Stock Broker

A stock broker buys and sells shares, or other securities, on behalf of clients, and also provides financial advice. Most…

How to Become a Stock Trader

A Stock Trader is a professional who is experienced in increasing their client’s assets by trading a variety of stocks…

How to Become a Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers are professionals who are responsible for overseeing the supplying and movement of a variety of goods from…

How to Become a Tax Preparer

Tax Preparers are professionals who are experienced in preparing, completing and submitting tax forms to federal and state governments on…

How to Become a Travel Agent

A travel agent helps to plan, book, and manage a vacation for a client. If you love traveling, have great…

How to Become a Wedding Planner

Wedding planners make sure every aspect of a wedding goes off without a hitch. They also help the bride and…

Work Environment

Business careers are quite versatile and job descriptions, as well as daily tasks, vary depending on the position and the type of business.

Some occupations, such as human resources managers or salespersons, involve working directly with people while others, such as accountants or data analysts involve working with numbers.

Some business positions require management skills, while others require attention to detail.

Job descriptions vary widely in the business world, depending on the profession.

Bookkeepers are usually responsible for recording all transactions and separate costs from income.

Accountants and auditors prepare and analyze financial records and provide solutions on how to avoid certain business risks.

Marketing managers analyze the market and estimate the demand for products and services.

Human resources specialists are the ones who recruit new workers by interviewing job applicants.

They may also be responsible for calculating compensation and benefits, organizing training sessions, and handling employee relations.

Career Path

Educational requirements vary depending on the profession and job responsibilities.

Most occupations in the business world require at least a bachelor’s degree, but some employers may accept only a high school diploma for some positions if the applicant has good skills or experience in the field.

For some occupations, it helps if the applicant has a major in accounting, finance, or business administration.

Other positions may require a specific major, so it is best to check the employment requirements before deciding what path to choose.

For management positions, a bachelor’s degree in management or a related field is usually required – a degree which can be obtained in four years.

Two-year associate’s degree programs are also available at some colleges.

If you want to become an accountant or auditor, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.

Earning a certification in specific fields of accounting, such as becoming a Certified Public Accountant, may give you an advantage over your competitors in the job market.

Bookkeepers and accounting clerks typically need some type of post-secondary education and coursework in accounting, but some employers may accept candidates who have only a high school diploma.

You can improve your employment and earning prospects by earning a master’s degree in business, management, or a related field.

Master’s degree programs are usually two years long.

Professional certifications that qualify you for management positions in certain industries. are also available.

For example, the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute is offering a Hospitality and Tourism Management Program that leads to a professional certificate.

In addition to formal education, most business occupations also require a special set of skills, especially for management positions:

Business skills- knowing how to address budget matters and how to coordinate workers is especially important for managers.

Leadership skills are very helpful for those in management positions.

Customer-service skills are essential if you’re targeting a profession in sales, such as a salesperson, event planner, or another occupation that involves working directly with clients.

Organizational skills- being able to keep track of your tasks, different schedules, budgets, and people is very important in any business occupation.

Problem-solving skills- the ability to solve problems fast is a key asset for business careers.

Experience Requirements

Work experience is helpful for any business occupation, but entry-level positions are also open to less experienced candidates.

You can begin preparing for a business career in high school by getting involved in student government or during college through an internship.

For some positions, especially in management, you will need at least five years of experience in a related field.

On the Job Training

Some employees provide on-the-job training to their newly-employed workers.

During this period, trainees work under the supervision of more experienced workers.

For some positions, the training lasts less than a year, while other occupations require several years spent as a trainee.

Some occupations also require a license specific to the field of expertise.

For example, those who sell financial products usually need to be licensed to sell the type of products they commercialize.

Typically, sales workers are sponsored by their employers who help them prepare for the necessary exams.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary in business and financial operations was $72,250 per year as of May 2020.

This wage is higher than the median annual salary across all occupations in the United States, which was $41,950.

As with most fields, business careers don’t pay very well when you first start, but wages increase as you gain experience.

Salaries vary widely depending on the employee’s level of experience, expertise, and position within the company.

One of the highest median annual wages in the business world was reported by personal financial advisors- who were remunerated $89,330 per year.

The median annual wage for management analysts was $87,660 as of May 2020.

Another business profession that is well remunerated is the financial examiner occupation with a median annual salary calculated at $83,660.

Lower salaries were reported by tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents who were remunerated with $55,640 per year on average.

According to the numbers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by marketing managers was $142,170 as of May 2020, while bookkeepers made $42,410 per year as of May 2020.

The median wage tells us that half of all workers in this profession earned less than this amount while half earned more.

Experienced managers who work for large profitable companies can make more than $200,000 per year, while those who have less experience or work for small establishments make less than $75,000.

Entry-level bookkeepers usually make less than $30,000, while experienced workers can make more than $60,000.

Salaries for management positions also vary depending on the industry.

For example, funeral home managers earned $74,200 per year, on average in May 2020, while the median annual wage reported by lodging managers was $56,610.

The median annual wage reported by accountants and auditors was $73,560 as of May 2020, but wages can vary between less than $45,000 and more than $130,000 depending on experience, education, and a variety of other factors.

Some business occupations, especially those that handle sales, are paid on commission or a combination of salary plus commissions.

For these workers, the salary is directly correlated to the number of products they sell.

Those who have good skills receive high earnings, but there is also a risk associated with this type of compensation package because when sales drop the worker’s pay suffers and there is even a risk of losing the job.

Employment Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow 8 percent by 2030.

This estimation translates into $750,800 new jobs.

As the economy grows and the tax and regulatory environment becomes more complex, the demand for accountants and auditors will be strong.

The demand for marketing positions is also projected to grow, and more companies use market research to understand customer behavior and design marketing strategies.

Before choosing a career, it is also important to take into account your job prospects.

Some business professions are projected to show significant growth while others will decline.

Employment for lodging managers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, with many new jobs occurring when the COVID pandemic and the recession caused by this will come to an end.

New job openings will also occur for marketing managers, a profession that is expected to grow 10 percent by 2030.

Those who are experts in social media and marketing campaign management will have the best prospects.

Jobs for bookkeepers, accountants, and auditing clerks, on the other hand, are projected to decline 3 percent from 2020 to 2030, but new job openings will appear from the need to replace workers who retire or switch occupations.

As the routine tasks become more and more automated, bookkeeping roles will change within the company, and bookkeepers who have analytical skills and can take on an advisory role have better chances of finding employment.