Choosing a college major is a meaningful step in preparing for future success. Although the timeline to declaring a major can vary by individual, program, and institution, students typically state their field of study by their sophomore year. This enables first-year students to explore their passions and career possibilities.
Whether you’re wondering what major to pursue, or simply going back to school and considering your options, you may be asking, “Is business school right for me?” Many undergraduate students pursue a business degree because of the potential value it offers:
- Business majors earn an annual salary above the national average
- Business degrees are ranked among the most “in-demand”, according to employers
- Employment in the business sector is on the rise
It is no wonder that millions of students pursue business school, or that business degrees are consistently among the most popular postsecondary awards. The question is, however, is business school the right pathway for you?
Read on to discover key considerations when deciding on a major and why business school could be a versatile career move.
5 Considerations to Find Your Future Career
1. Personality, Passions, and Projected Career Goals
There are several factors to consider when determining your education and future career. First, learners should evaluate their core beliefs, priorities, and values. Answering questions like, “What is most important to me?” and “How can I make an impact on the world?”, can help students better understand whether business school is the best next step. You want to make sure your education aligns and supports your long-term personal and professional goals.
Learners should also assess their academic abilities and interests. Gaging questions like, “Do I get stronger grades in certain subjects?” can assist students in limbo in figuring out their unique skillset. Analyzing long-term aspirations and common industries and roles associated with specific majors can also guide learners straight into a career or continue their education.
For those who successfully study subjects they’re captivated by, the National Library of Medicine confirms that interest is significant to academic success, which can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling career.
2. Institutional Culture, Credentials, and Connections
Examining the many parts of an academic setting is crucial to postsecondary satisfaction. For instance, students should calculate the college’s diversity of student population, mission, and student supports.
Learners should research the institution’s effectiveness, the choices of majors offered, how well the school is connected to local employers, and more.
3. Program Admissions, Curriculum, and Cost
Program admission requirements, cost, and course capacity are paramount when pinpointing a major. Minimum grade point averages, for instance, should be monitored, and students should be aware of prerequisite classes in advance.
Tuition costs should be carefully calculated. With financial aid packages factored in, a future graduate’s return on investment can be a realistic notion right around the corner.
4. Employment Expectations: Earning Potential and Occupational Outlook
Future salaries are significant factors, and appraising wages against daily living costs and any applicable loan payments prepare graduates for upcoming expenses.
The future job market of a particular sector is also a consideration. Employment rates in a specific field of study should be shadowed, especially as industries evolve.
As noted above, business majors can expect great success. Business degrees are ranked among the most in-demand today, and the average salary for business degree holders is ranked higher than the U.S. national average.
5. Ask Around and Explore Your Possibilities
Sometimes, the best way to make a decision is to ask around. Connecting with an academic advisor can prepare you to pursue your dreams. Talking to professors, program directors, and other students with parallel interests may be helpful. Similarly, speaking to the friends and family in your life who know you best can be extremely beneficial in deciding if business school is right for you.
The Countless Benefits of a Business Administration (BA) Concentration
There are many different pathways in business school. Students can declare a minor in business, earn a business certificate, and obtain an associate degree or bachelor’s degree (and beyond) in business. Students may also specialize in a certain area of business, such as finance or marketing.
Despite any initial hesitancy to pursue higher education, the demand for business degrees continues to climb. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, two million bachelor’s degrees were earned in the United States from 2019 to 2020 — and across every racial and ethnic group, business was the most common field of study.
When it comes to what students learn in business school, the versatile skills acquired prove valuable in the real world.
Technical skills typically taught in Business Administration programs encompass accounting, customer service, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources, management, marketing, and sales. Upon graduation, Business Administration graduates can attain a variety of career possibilities with sound financial security.
The soft skills strengthened in a Business Administration program are useful throughout any industry — supporting the subject as a worthwhile option. Talents taken to the next level in BA programs include:
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Confidence
- Critical thinking
- Ethical decision making
- Interpersonal abilities
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Public speaking
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork, and
- Time management
Business Administration: Studying Your Way to Success
Business degrees train students with the skills to translate their innovative ideas into action with impact, with the potential for business program graduates to make meaningful and rewarding change.
Enabling employment in every sector from administration to analytics and management, business schools are well worth the education, time, and effort.
The field of Business Administration is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, adding about 750,800 new jobs to the field. In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that workers with a bachelor’s degree in business make a median wage are $76,570 annually.
Are you ready to advance your professional prospects?
Learn more about how business administration can propel your career!