9 Career Options for Business Majors

9 Career Options for Business Majors If youll be graduating soon with a degree in business (or are considering getting one), its safe to say you have a lot of job options. But youll also have a lot of competition: Business degrees are by far the most popular bachelors degrees in the United States. That being said, the reason business degrees are so popular is because theyre applicable in a wide variety of industries, and the skills you acquire on the way to earning a business degree likely make you a versatile employee. No matter what job you want, you can probably make the case that your business education gave you the skills you need to succeed. As far as the more traditional business careers go, here are some of the top jobs worked by people who majored in business. 14 Careers for Business Majors 1. Consulting Working for a consulting company can be a great place to start if you know youre interested in business but arent sure what sector youre most interested in. Businesses bring in consulting firms for an outside perspective to help solve a problem, whether thats a problem with finance, management, efficiency, communication or something else. Consulting will let you see all kinds of industries, and you can probably find a position suited to your particular skills. 2. Accounting Working at an accounting firm will help you understand the gritty details of a business. Like any firm, you can pursue more of a management track, or you could get into the bread and butter of the business: number crunching. Youll likely need a concentration in accounting or take the certified public accountant test. 3. Financial Planning Interested in investing? Helping people prepare for retirement? Consider working at a financial planning firm. This career also often requires taking certification tests, as well. 4. Investment Management Working at an investment firm can give you a unique insight into some of the most exciting, up-and-coming companies as well as how they work. Those with a background in economics may be best suited for this career, as it requires interpreting the economic impact of current events, understanding their nuances and having a grasp on investment trends. 5. Non-Profit Management Most people think of business degrees as a great way to make money. But working for a non-profit is a great way to make a salary while also helping out those who are working toward a larger social cause. After all, non-profits need smart managers who can make the most of limited resources. 6. Sales While business degrees often require a firm grasp on numbers, they also focus on developing communication skills. A sales role requires both. You can find a sales role in almost any company, so choose something that interests you. Be prepared for work thats very goal-oriented and requires a self-starter attitude. 7. Marketing and Advertising You cant have a successful business if youre not reaching your customers. Thats where marketing comes in. Marketing is a collection of all activities to promote a product, company or thing. This industry needs both business-focused and creative minds, and you can do this work in a dedicated department of a company or as an outside consultant. 8. Entrepreneurship You know the basics of business- why not start your own? Its certainly not easy, but if you have a passion for something and can develop a sound plan for getting it started, you may have what it takes to build your own company. 9. Fundraising or Development People who are good with money are often good at helping other people donate money. Consider working in fundraising or development and challenging yourself in all kinds of interesting ways. Other Ideas You can make your business degree relevant to careers well beyond this list. Consider your interests and how you might apply your business acumen in such a field. If, for example, you are passionate about writing and the environment, consider blending all of your interests in one job- like working on the business end of an environmental magazine or website.