Career Ideas for a Business Administration Major

ACCOUNTING

• Tax Planning and Compliance
• Auditing
• Information Systems
• Management Advising
• Services
• General Accounting
• Cost Accounting
• Public Accounting
• Corporate Accounting

• Public accounting firms
• Government agencies
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Nonprofit organizations
• Health care industry
• Service and manufacturing companies
• Consulting practices
• Private practice

Plan on a five-year program to meet requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) status. Develop advanced computer skills. Gain related experience through internships. Become familiar with specialized certification programs.
Develop mathematical and problem solving abilities, excellent communication skills, the ability to work well with people, a high energy level, and an attention to detail.

ECONOMICS

• Research and Forecasting
• Economic Advising
• Teaching

• Financial institutions
• Trade and labor organizations
• Government agencies
• Insurance companies
• Educational institutions

Earn a graduate degree for advanced positions. Develop a strong background in math and statistics. Learn to think in theoretical terms and apply knowledge to practical situations. Gain experience through an internship.

FINANCE

• Corporate Financial Management
• Banking
• Personal Financial Planning
• Real Estate
• Insurance
• Money Management
• Investment Banking

• Banks and other financial institutions
• Financial planning agencies
• Insurance companies
• Real estate brokers or agencies
• Government agencies
• Corporations

Take additional courses in math, statistics, and accounting to develop strong quantitative skills. Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Cultivate an eye for detail. Gain experience through internships or summer and part-time positions. Join student professional associations in the field of finance.

GENERAL BUSINESS

• Management
• Sales
• Marketing
• Insurance: Sales, Claims, and Underwriting
• Banking
• Human Resources

• Retail stores
• Hotels and restaurants
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Insurance companies
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Self-employment

Gain leadership experience through participation in student organizations. Get hands-on experience in area of interest through part-time and summer jobs or internships. Develop a career direction and convey area of interest to employers.

MANAGEMENT

• General Management
• Human Resources
• Office Systems
• Operations
• Production Management
• Quality Control

• Retail and other service industries
• Manufacturing firms
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Hotels and restaurants
• Health care industry

Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Obtain leadership roles in student organizations. Get related experience in area of interest through internships or part-time and summer jobs. Build competency in statistics and computer systems for operations management.

MARKETING

• Sales
• Customer Relations
• Purchasing/Procurement
• Retail
• Banking
• Market Research
• Brand/Product Management

• Profit and nonprofit organizations
• Product and service organizations
• Manufacturers
• Financial companies
• Insurance companies
• Print and electronic media
• Retail industry
• Consulting firms

Obtain sales experience through jobs and internships. Develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrate a high energy level. Get leadership experience. Obtain an MBA for most brand management, consulting, and research opportunities.

STATISTICS

• Analysis/Research
• Quality Assurance
• Actuarial Science

• Government agencies
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Health care industry
• Manufacturers
• Nonprofit organizations
• Insurance companies

Acquire advanced knowledge of computers. Take additional courses in accounting, marketing, economics, and finance. Complete a co-op or internship.

TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS

• Scheduling
• Physical Distribution
• Planning and Regulation
• Transportation Carrier Management
• Materials Management
• Customer Service
• Purchasing
• Consulting
• Third Party Logistics

• Motor carrier, railroad, airline, pipeline and water transportation industries
  Manufacturing firms
• Distribution centers
• Warehousers
• Public transit systems
• Government agencies
• Armed forces
• Software and consulting firms

Gain experience through part-time and summer jobs or internships. Develop information technology, analytical, and quantitative skills through courses and work. Participate in leadership of student organizations. Develop decision-making ability. Learn to work well in a team and to work effectively with a wide variety of people.