A Primer: Different Types of Business Majors and Career Paths
A Primer: Different Types of Business Majors and Career Paths
Posted on 1/13/2022
Business is a broad field of study encompassing many different types of majors and specializations. Here is a quick primer on eight popular specializations and related career paths.
1. Accounting
Accounting majors learn how to track, analyze, and manage financial statements. An Accounting degree also prepares you to take the certified public accountant licensure exam.
Career opportunities related to this major include accountant, auditor, and financial analyst.
2. Finance
As a Finance major you will study how companies have performed in the past to predict how they will perform in the future. Finance majors also learn how to analyze markets and assess investment opportunities for institutions and individuals. Career opportunities for finance majors include financial and investment analyst, controller, loan officer, investment banker, and portfolio manager.
3. Human Resources
Human Resources majors learn how to recruit and hire employees (talent), train new employees, and handle a range of employee relations issues. Career opportunities include recruiter, human resources specialist, and training and development specialist.
4. Management Information Systems and Business Analytics
This major combines skills in information technology and business analytics. Students learn how to design and manage data storage systems, work with software to process data and track performance, and apply predictive analytics to solve a range of business problems. Career opportunities include business intelligence analyst, business systems analyst, database administrator, and information systems analyst.
5. Marketing
Marketing majors learn how to promote products, build brand awareness, conduct consumer research, and apply a range of digital marketing strategies to acquire new customers. Career opportunities include marketing specialist, social media specialist, and public relations specialist. Marketing majors can also apply their skills to a range of sales and corporate communications positions.
6. Supply Chain and Operations Management
Students who major in Supply Chain and Operations Management learn effective strategies for sourcing and purchasing supplies and distributing finished goods or services. They learn how to identify vendors and negotiate supply contracts, manage inventory and warehouse facilities, manage transportation and distribution networks, and improve the operational efficiency of an organization. When Covid-19 disrupted the manufacture and movement of goods, supply chain managers were responsible for finding alternative sources of supply. Careers opportunities include purchasing and procurement manager, supply chain and logistics specialist, warehouse and distribution manager, and operations specialist.
7. Sales and Client Service
Sales and client service jobs are the top business-related job opportunities for recent college graduates, but few colleges offer sales-related majors or concentrations within their business programs. However, students interested in pursuing a career in sales or client service can benefit from courses in marketing, public relations, sales management, and consumer behavior.
8. Entrepreneurship
Students who dream of owning their own business may be drawn to an Entrepreneurship major or concentration within their college’s business department. But it often takes several years to secure the capital and gain the practical experience needed to launch a new venture. In the meantime, what are some career options for newly minted Entrepreneurship degree holders? The answer to that question depends upon the specific coursework and internship experiences the student completes on the path to earning their degree. For example, students who focus their skill development on the marketing and sales of new products can qualify for a range of marketing and sales positions. Completing courses and internships in the launch and management of projects can boost the chances of landing a project manager or coordination position.
To Learn More About Business Majors and Career Paths in Boston:
Click here to explore an interactive report on business-related jobs in high demand in the Boston area and what they pay.