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 accountants, auditors, and financial analysts.
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 analysts, controllers, loan officers, investment bankers, and portfolio managers.
3. Human Resources
If you major in human resources, you will learn how to recruit and hire employees (talent), train new employees, and handle a range of employee relations issues. Career opportunities include recruiters, human resources specialists, and training and development specialists.
4. Management Information Systems and Business Analytics
This major combines skills in information technology and business analytics. You will 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 analysts, business systems analysts, database administrators, and information systems analysts.
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 specialists, social media specialists, and public relations specialists. Marketing majors can also apply their skills to a range of sales and corporate communications positions.
6. Supply Chain and Operations Management
If you major in supply chain and operations management, you will learn effective strategies for sourcing and purchasing supplies and distributing finished goods or services. You will also 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 managers, supply chain and logistics specialists, warehouse and distribution managers, and operations specialists.
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, if you are interested in pursuing a career in sales or client service, you may benefit from courses in marketing, public relations, sales management, and consumer behavior.
8. Entrepreneurship
If you dream of owning your own business, you may be drawn to an entrepreneurship major or concentration within your 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 you complete on the path to earning your 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.
Key Takeaway
With so many business majors and career paths to choose from, you can find opportunities that align with your interests, strengths, and professional goals. Whether you’re drawn to numbers and analysis, technology, creative pursuits, working with people, or building a business of your own, there is likely a business specialization that fits your interests. Exploring the different options can help you choose a path that provides both the skills and opportunities you need most to build a rewarding career.
Susan Goldberger is a co-founder of NextGen Talent and provides pro bono product management services for NextGen’s data products. She also serves as a Senior Project Manager at the Burning Glass Institute, a non-profit data analytics firm focused on advancing the goals of equity and inclusion in the new economy. Susan holds a Ph.D. in Social Policy from the Heller School and a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University.
