Most industries go through cycles, and the in-demand skills employers seek change. Employees with diverse skill sets can often weather these ups and downs and are well-positioned to adapt to evolving market dynamics.
Avila University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (B.B.A.) with a concentration in Interdisciplinary Business program equips graduates with general business knowledge and offers an expansive curriculum that develops competencies that translate well across several industries, including human resources, marketing and finance. Plus, students can customize their experience, choosing courses that support their desired career path.
What Jobs Require a Business Degree?
A business administration degree provides tremendous flexibility and presents graduates with opportunities in various career paths. For example, graduates can pursue the following careers:
Human resources coordinator. A human resources coordinator recruits, screens and hires talents. They also develop policies, maintain employee records, ensure compliance with local and federal staffing regulations, and oversee employee benefit programs. They work for companies of all sizes, from small businesses and Fortune 500 corporations to government entities and staffing agencies. In addition, some HR professionals work as independent contractors and consultants.
Skills that contribute to success in this role include:
- Interpersonal skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Time management skills
- Decision-making skills
- Information technology skills
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources jobs are expected to rise 7% through 2031, resulting in about 16,300 job openings annually (as of May 2021). The average annual base salary for HR professionals is $56,338, according to Indeed January 2023), but HR managers earn a median yearly salary of $126,230, again from BLS (as of January 2023).
Marketing specialist. Individuals interested in marketing, whether promoting a product, service or information, can pursue a generalist marketing career and, increasingly, a more specialized focus such as digital content, social media, market analysis or public relations. Marketing specialists may be self-employed or work for advertising agencies and businesses across several industries.
Skills that contribute to success in this role include:
- Creativity
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Information technology skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Project management skills
Marketing specialists earn an average annual base salary of $57,819, according to Indeed (January 2023). However, marketing managers earn a median annual income of $135,030 and have projected job growth of 10% through 2031, with about 35,300 job openings per year, per BLS (May 2021).
Financial analyst. A financial analyst studies market trends, creates budgets, adheres to reporting requirements and gives strategic direction and decision-making advice to individuals and businesses. Someone with general business knowledge and an affinity for numbers will likely excel in this role and can segue into banking, taxation and accounting, and insurance underwriting careers.
Skills that contribute to success in this role include:
- Information technology skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Statistical analysis skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Accounting skills
According to the BLS (May 2021), financial analyst jobs will grow 9% through 2031, faster than the average occupation, with 32K openings annually and a median yearly wage of $91K.
Does a Business Degree Offer Flexibility?
Avila University’s online B.B.A. in Interdisciplinary Business program allows graduates to pursue their interests and customize coursework to meet career goals. The curriculum offers a strong business foundation and builds diverse skill sets — from managerial and accounting to HR and marketing — that apply to many industries.
Students acquire this knowledge through courses such as Writing a Business Plan, Legal Aspects of Business, Marketing, Management, Finance, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, as well as concentration and elective courses in whatever areas they choose.
In an evolving job market, having a well-rounded skill set is invaluable. A business administration degree founded on business fundamentals coupled with coursework selection that allows for specialization of skills can help students reach their personal career goals.
Learn more about Avila University’s online B.B.A. in Interdisciplinary Business program.
