QUIZ: Is Business Right for Me?

If your results more closely align with healthcare or technology, that’s ok! You could use your business degree in both of those sectors, and many others.

Why should I pursue a business degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial operation careers are expected to grow and create 476,200 new jobs between 2019 and 2029. Business careers are expected to grow for a variety of different reasons, including the increased usage of data and market research. A business degree also could turn into a profitable career, as the median annual wage for business and financial occupations in May 2019 was $69,820. 

A business degree also affords a lot of versatility. When you think of business professionals, you might think of cubicles, briefcases and 9-to-5 schedules. Although some business careers may incorporate some of those things, many business careers are much more diverse. Your daily duties, schedule, work schedules and responsibilities can vary greatly according to your degree, skills and job.

What types of business degrees are there?

Herzing University offers six undergraduate business degrees.

• Accounting: This is a very detail-oriented degree since every company needs to keep its financial records in order while ensuring accuracy. Earning your degree in accounting can prepare you for in-demand jobs such as an auditor, tax preparer or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Business Management: With your business management degree, you have the flexibility to work in a variety of fields. You will learn critical skills in accounting, management, business law, economics, marketing and sales to help you grow and advance in your career.
• Entrepreneurship: A common misconception is that an entrepreneurship degree is only for those who want to start their own business, when in fact, it can also be a good fit for people looking to expand a business or bring ideas to market. This degree will provide you with the leadership skills to get started in a variety of business roles.
• Human Resources: This degree is closely tied to helping others and ensuring that organizations and their employees live up to their policies and guidelines. With your human resources degree, you can help companies succeed by creating a positive environment for employees.
• Marketing: With a marketing degree, you'll learn how to develop creative strategies to reach consumers and other target audiences while helping businesses grow. This field is highly competitive, but also very rewarding.
• Project Management: A bachelor's in project management provides you with the skills you need to effectively communicate with team members, anticipate needs or challenges, manage timelines and budgets, and more, to ensure the success of the project or initiative.

Each business degree provides you with a unique skill set and opportunities for advancement. Of course, a business degree is only a starting point for a career. Employers look for individuals who are passionate and possess the skill set they need to succeed in their careers.

Herzing students can also advance their business degrees by enrolling in graduate school to pursue their Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Make sure to thoroughly research each degree before determining which business degree is right for you.

What skills are needed to work in business?

Although specific skill sets vary according to your degree and career, some universal skills translate well into any business career.

• Communication: Communication is an important part of any business career, and according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), written communication skills were the most sought-out attribute by employers in 2019. As a business professional, you will be responsible for communicating with employees through writing and speaking. Effective communication can avoid a lot of frustration and ultimately lead to more satisfied workers and higher productivity.
• Critical Thinking: Whether you are cool under pressure or not, you must be able to evaluate complex problems and discover new solutions. Employers want to see that you can tackle issues, analyze all sides of a problem and think ahead.
• Leadership: No matter what type of career you have, your employer is looking for someone who is driven and takes charge. Many of the qualities that make a great leader can be found in the Herzing P.R.I.C.E. of Success model, which emphasizes professionalism, respect, integrity, caring and engagement. Although you probably won’t be managing a team right out of college, it is important that you build self-confidence and truly own your work. Try to be the type of employee that others can look up to.

What jobs could I do with a business degree?

Although your career may be contingent on what type of business degree you earn, there are still many options for business professionals to choose from. In business, you can choose to work in a for-profit, non-profit or government organization. Although the titles might be similar, your role could be vastly different depending on the type of company or organization. Some common titles for individuals with business degrees include the below, although there are many more:

• Project manager
• Chief financial officer
• Accountant
• Public relations specialist
• Copywriter
• Logisticians
• Investment advisor or financial planner

If you decide to earn a business degree, it’s a good idea to evaluate your passions and strongest skills to help you find the perfect career. Although your degree may be in business, you could still find a job working in the technology, healthcare, legal or education fields. Explore your options!