What Can I Do With a Business Degree?

If a business degree sounds generic, that’s because it is. Yet, graduates with business degrees open doors to an array of careers and industries they might not have had the opportunity to pursue otherwise. 

You might wonder, “What can I do with a business degree?” From working with people in human resources to managing teams and supply chains, there’s a place for you in this essential part of the workforce. 

Continue reading to learn how a business degree will set you up for success no matter where you land.

Business Degrees are Still Popular

Business degrees remain the most popular program in colleges and universities across the United States, leading to versatile and often high-paying careers. Approximately 387,900 degrees, or 19% of all undergraduate degree conferrals, were business-related in the 2019-2020 academic year — making it the most commonly-pursued program.

According to Data USA, business majors make an average salary of $93,362 annually, with a 1.76% growth. Most graduates end up becoming accountants and auditors, financial managers, or other types of leadership positions. 

Whether your interests lie in the arts, medical field, or politics, there is likely a business angle to which you can leverage your skills and experience.

Best Minors for Business Degrees

Students may choose a minor due to the broad nature of business programs. A minor is a secondary discipline of around 18 credits that you can take to hone in on a specific topic, skill set, or subfield.

Popular minors for business degrees include the following:

• Accounting and finance
• Public relations
• Marketing or advertising
• Communications
• Management information systems (MIS)
• Information technology (IT)
• Management
• Nonprofit Organization Management
• Social media marketing
• Supply chain and logistics management
• Entrepreneurship
• Business analytics

Consider your career objectives and choose your minor based on your interests. Some students come up with unique major-minor combinations that make them stand out in the job market. 

Career Options for Business Majors

Your passions should be the cornerstone of selecting any career and business graduates must choose carefully since they’ll likely spend 40 or more hours a week at work. Of course, the payoff is appealing as business degree holders often see a higher salary than most other fields. Here are four excellent career options with a business degree. 

1. Accountant

Accountants evaluate and prepare financial statements for businesses and individuals, noting opportunities and risks and offering sound advice and solutions to ensure efficiency. Parties can take advantage of accountants’ advice to reduce spending, boost revenue, and streamline profits.

Accountants with a bachelor’s degree earn a median salary of $77,250 annually, while the field sees a 6% employment growth rate as current professionals switch careers or retire. 

2. Logisticians 

Logisticians oversee and coordinate a company’s logistical functions for a given product, from acquisition to distribution to disposal. Compliance management for regulatory requirements is another crucial aspect of this role.

Those in the field have extensive knowledge of various transportation modes, strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, collaboration, customer service and production.

A logistics manager makes an average salary of $114,690 annually in the United States, but it could be lower or higher depending on education level, experience, certification, and aptitude. 

3. Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and information systems (CIS) managers are responsible for recommending technology upgrades to top executives across several industries. CIS managers might coordinate systems installations and optimize businesses’ cybersecurity, resolving issues as they arise.

CIS managers make an average wage of $159,010 yearly as the industry expects to grow by 16% amid increasing cyber attacks and online security threats.

4. Management Analysts

A well-functioning business demands expertise in streamlining operations for optimal efficiency. That’s where management analysts come in, carrying the knowledge to simplify workplace procedures and help corporate ecosystems boost productivity and performance. 

Management analysts gather information about a company and its problems to develop solutions and alternative methods. They’ll then help execute organizational changes for a smoother transition and improved flow of information and communications.

You can earn anywhere from $47,000 to $104,000 annually as a management analyst, depending on your consulting experience and background. 

There Are Plenty of Opportunities With a Business Degree

Students should never ask themselves, “What can I do with a business degree?” The opportunities are endless. Consider a business degree if you’re unsure what you want to do as a career. You’ll likely find a way to use what you learn in any field and move up the career ladder.