Career Choices for the Business Administration Student

Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration are prepared for a variety of careers. We list the following types of services to illustrate the wide range of possibilities that exist. Please note that the following are not academic majors; rather, they are career paths that Business Administration students may choose to pursue upon graduation.

POSITION EXAMPLES

Admissions Counselor - Admissions Counselors' careers might include conducting interviews, answering correspondence and telephone inquiries, advising prospective students and their parents on admissions policies and academic requirements, providing high school and community college counselors, prospective students and parents, faculty and staff with information on admissions policies, procedures and decisions. Other duties include: assisting in on-campus recruiting activities, reviewing applications, writing letters and reports to area high schools, and working with other admissions staff.

Advertising Account Executive - Develops advertising programs for clients, firms, and individuals. Studies the client's sales, public image, and advertising problems then creates the programs suitable for them. May also develop artwork or advertising copy.

Business Analyst - A business analyst is a communicator between clients and IT departments to determine computer-related solutions to business problems. They also provide analysis and direction in process and data modeling and work with technical designers during implementation model creation.

Business Scriptwriter - Writes sales scripts and other scripts for sales presentations.

Compensation/Benefits Administrator - Develops and designs compensation and benefit programs that help organizations attract and motivate employees. Within these programs, some activities performed are: setting up pay structures, reviewing other benefit programs, setting up and administering wage/salary and benefit programs.

Consumer Research Analyst - Searches for trends and other casualties and develops customer service surveys. Also, provides statistical analysis and presents findings to companies.

Desktop Publisher - Desktop publishers prepare graphic materials such as: brochures, flyers, calendars, advertisements, newsletters, books, proposals, business cards, forms and the like. Desktop publishers may also service clients in word processing services. They use computers, laser printers and sophisticated software programs to produce high quality graphic materials for their clients. They format and combine text, numerical data, photographs, charts and other visuals. Written skills are very important especially if a desktop publisher needs to write and edit text. A desktop publisher may be asked to create graphics or special effects, convert photographs and drawings into digital images, or manipulate the graphics. Their job may also consist of designing page layouts, developing presentations, typeset and color separation, and translating electronic information onto films. If designing for the web, HTML is very important to know. The knowledge of cameras, scanners and other external hardware should be learned to improve desktop publishing skills.

Employee Relations Specialist - Interviews employees to gather information on their attitudes towards work environments and supervision received in order to have solutions to any problems that they may mention.

Event Planner - Event planners arrange, implement and negotiate all of the logistical arrangements for conventions, parties, conferences, concerts, or any other kind of social, recreational, educational, cultural, political or governmental event.

Foreign Correspondent - Gathers news writing information in foreign countries to write articles for publication for newspapers, press services, and magazines. May interview people, review public records, attend events, and do research to describe, analyze, and interpret information.

Forms Analyst/Designer - Examines and evaluates format and function of business forms. Works with the form's users to gather recommendations for improvements and may design the master or final copy.

Fund-Raiser - Plans, manages, or participates in raising funds for a cause or organization. Functions may include approaching foundations for grants, running events, soliciting individuals in person, and conducting research on specific donors. May do all or some of these functions depending on the size of the organization.

Insurance Agent - Contacts new prospects to sell insurance and explains features and merits of policies offered. Suggests changes that should be made in client's existing insurance program.

Job Analyst - Collects, analyzes, and organizes salary and employment data within an organization. Conducts formal studies and prepares job descriptions relating to duties, skills, and training. Also assists in program development and provides basis for many decisions made by the human resources department.

Market-Research Analyst - Researches market conditions around the country to determine potential sales of products or services. Also designs formats for data-gathering and later analyzes the data.

Marketing Director - Analyzes, plans, and supervises the sales of a company's products and/or services. Also develops strategies that counter competitor's financial gains.

Marketing Information Specialist - Administers market information within the company to help its performance. This includes, but is not limited to, develop and planning, producing, maintaining and communicating marketing information, and creating presentations to communicate marketing plans.

Marketing Supervisor - Formulates strategies and tactics to increase sales and earnings from sales in line with annual budgets. Also, coordinates the formation of a marketing plan, provides input to a company's operating plans, and actively supports sales efforts and insures the company's image.

Organization Development Director - Develops strategies to build a high performance workforce. Leads department of organization in leadership, employee processes, and team and cultural development. Notices any changes or problems within the unit as well. May also design systems for career development.

Product Marketing Specialist - Assists in developing marketing plans and strategies and assists in developing support materials, such as brochures. Ensures marketing knowledge of business information, marketing trends, and field sales.

Promotions Designer - Works for a specific company and designs the materials necessary to sell the company's products, with the exception of consumer advertising. May develop brochures, slide presentations and/or posters.

Public Relations - Public relations specialists establish, maintain, and promote the image and reputation of a business or institution. They insure good communication between the business and the consumer, the community, and government. They must be tactful and able to balance the interests of various groups. They provide information about the company and, depending on size and the nature of the business, they handle all areas of publicity connected with the business. An internship is a good way to gain experience and learn the responsibilities of this job.

Real Estate Agent - Contracts services with a licensed broker. Shows and sells real estate and handles rental properties and obtains listings. Represents property in selling or renting properties.

Resume Writer - Prepares resume's or summaries of the qualifications of an applicant who is searching for a job. Does research to have the best way to catch a potential employer's attention. Also knows the correct format and wording to use when listing all the applicant's qualifications.

Travel Agent - Provides information and advice on all aspects of travel. Sells and/or reserves transportation and lodging accommodations.