Business majors gain valuable skills and knowledge throughout their education that they can apply to business careers across nearly all industries. A business degree in a specialized field, such as administration or marketing, can help graduates find competitive and fulfilling jobs.
Across U.S. postsecondary institutions, business is the most popular field of study for bachelor's degrees, with nearly 400,000 business majors representing the graduating population in 2020. A business degree provides graduates with expertise, technical knowledge and soft skills for their careers.
What is a Business Degree?
A business degree provides education in a business subject, such as finance or marketing, and prepares graduates for business careers across various fields and industries. Many employers expect business majors to possess an undergraduate degree in one of the following specializations:
- Accounting
- Sales
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
- Human resources
- Business administration
- International business
10 Jobs You Can Get with a Business Degree
Business major jobs represent over 12 million members of the U.S. workforce, with a median wage of $65,000. Of those individuals, more than half hold a bachelor’s degree in a business field.
Whether recently graduated or switching careers, jobs across most industries are available to business majors.
Accountant
Average Salary: $77,250 per year
Job Description
Accountants prepare and analyze financial statements, assess financial opportunities and risk and provide strategies and solutions to businesses and clients. They calculate and prepare tax documents, maintain financial records and ensure operational financial efficiency.
This position typically needs a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Certified Public Accountant license.
Financial Analyst
Average Salary: $95,570 per year
Job Description
Financial analysts provide businesses with advice and strategies about how to invest funds. They research and analyze economic and business trends and use financial data to determine an organization’s value, recommend investments and gain insight into strategy risks and opportunities.
Most entry-level financial analyst positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in business.
Marketing Manager
Average Salary: $133,380 per year
Job Description
Marketing, promotions or advertising managers create and implement strategies to generate leads and sales for an organization’s products or services. They identify marketing objectives, plus research and analyze the market to determine the most effective strategies. Marketing managers also oversee the planning and creating of promotional campaigns and material, negotiate advertising contracts and develop pricing strategies.
Marketing managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or other related business fields. Digital marketing courses or a sales or advertising background may help unlock more opportunities.
Project Manager
Average Salary: $98,420 per year
Job Description
Project managers mainly work in engineering services, construction and computer systems design industries, but are in most businesses or industries. They are responsible for planning and overseeing projects with attention to timeline, staffing, budget and scope. Specific tasks depend on the role and industry, but daily tasks usually involve resource management, communicating with stakeholders, providing leadership to team members and analyzing project management strategies.
Most employers require project managers to possess a bachelor’s degree in business and may look for additional relevant certifications or advanced degrees.
Account Director
Average Salary: $98,980 per year
Job Description
An account director or executive manages and grows client relationships on an organization's behalf. Working in digital, advertising and marketing sectors, they ensure successful campaign implementation, manage budgets, coordinate campaign resources, create advertising strategies and liaise with clients.
Account directors generally have a degree in business, marketing or related field and several years of relevant experience.
Human Resources Manager
Average Salary: $126,230 per year
Job Description
Found in most businesses and industries, human resources managers plan and direct the administrative functions between employees and the organization, including:
- Recruiting and hiring employees
- Consulting with managers and department heads on human resources issues
- Resolving and mediating disputes and disciplinary procedures
- Overseeing human resources specialists and other staff
- Planning and implementing benefits programs
- Analyzing and strategizing workforce efficiency
Human resources managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business, communications or a related field and several years of relevant work experience. Some positions require advanced degrees.
IT Specialist
Average Salary: $57,910 per hour
Job Description
Organizations hire IT specialists to manage important technology and computer systems. This includes setting up, maintaining and troubleshooting networks, software, cloud platforms and other technologies. They may work behind the scenes to review diagnostics or analyze system efficiency but sometimes work in customer-facing roles where they support and train users for technology-related concerns.
Requirements vary depending on the role and company, but IT specialists should have a bachelor’s degree in business, business technologies or computer science.
Data Analyst
Average Salary: $82,360 per year
Job Description
Across most industries, data analysts gather and analyze data sets to gain insights into issues or strategies to help optimize organizational performance. They collect data from various sources, including sales histories, customer feedback and databases, develop quantitative models and analytical tools and create reports that provide findings and recommendations for managers and executives.
Data analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, but some roles may require advanced degrees or additional certifications.
Operations Coordinator
Average Salary: $115,250 per year
Job Description
Operations coordinators plan and direct organizational operations and oversee multiple locations or departments. Specific tasks vary according to industry, but most responsibilities include:
- Strategizing and formulating policies
- Overseeing daily operations
- Identifying inefficiencies, opportunities and other insights
- Collaborating with management to develop and work toward organizational goals
Many operations coordinator roles require a bachelor’s degree in management, administration or another business specialty, plus industry-specific knowledge and experience.
Market Research Analyst
Average Salary: $63,920 per year
Job Description
Market research analysts and specialists research and analyze the conditions of online, local, regional and national markets. They study consumer preferences, demographics and competitor methods to forecast trends and strategize marketing initiatives and campaigns. Their analysis and reports help inform the organization’s product demand and pricing.
They usually need a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications or a related field.
Final Thoughts on Getting a Job with a Business Degree
Graduating with a business degree is a major accomplishment, but it does not always provide a direct path to employment. To stand out from the competition, business majors should try these strategies:
- Network in the desired field: A strong professional network can help business majors find more opportunities in their field. Social media can connect them with graduates, colleagues, mentors and personal recommendations for jobs.
- Work on soft skills: Knowledge is important, but employers look for soft skills that match the organizational culture and the role’s demands. Jessica Hernandez, executive resume writer and LinkedIn top voice, writes, “72% of managers believe that curiosity is a critical skill driving business impact and better performance,” demonstrating how highlighting trending soft skills can show engagement with work and strengthen resumes.
- Develop experience: Part-time jobs and internships can help business majors hone business skills and gain practical knowledge. Exposure to a job or industry can build resume-strengthening experience and provide insight into role preferences.
Top Takeaways
- Business degrees prepare graduates with important knowledge and skills for careers across nearly all industries.
- Business majors can specialize in various business subjects, such as marketing, accounting, and administration.
- Individuals with leadership and problem-solving skills may excel in jobs such as marketing or management. Those with strong analytical or mathematical skills may prefer data analyst or financial analyst roles.
(Reporting by NPD)