What can I do with a major in business administration?

Search for opportunities

Companies:
Walt Disney World
Geico
Welch Allyn

Titles:
Entrepreneur
Branch Manager
Management Trainee

Search for employers hiring graduates in your major

Employers in NY: 45,776
Employers in US: 813,586

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Management
Employers

Business and industry including:

  • Banks and financial institutions 
  • Retail stores 
  • Restaurants 
  • Hotels 
  • Service providers 
  • Healthcare organizations 
  • Manufacturers 
  • Industrial organizations

Local, state, and federal government
Nonprofit organizations
Self-employed

Sample occupations

Prepare to start in entry-level management trainee positions. Demonstrate initiative and leadership to get promoted.
Gain experience through internships or summer and part-time jobs.
Work at a retail store or restaurant; advance into an assistant manager position.
Get involved in student organizations and assume leadership roles.
Demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, a strong work ethic, integrity, and a sense of independence.
Take courses in a secondary specialty such as marketing or information systems to increase job opportunities.
Learn to work well on a team and develop strong communication skills.

Sales
Employers

For-profit and nonprofit organizations
Product and service organizations
Manufacturers
Financial companies
Insurance companies
Print and electronic media outlets
Software and technology companies
Internet companies

Sample occupations

Obtain experience through internships or summer and part-time jobs.
Seek leadership positions in campus organizations.
Work for the campus newspaper, directory, or radio station selling advertisements.
Become highly motivated and well-organized.
Develop a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. To deliver effective customer service, develop problem solving skills, self-confidence, assertiveness, and empathy.
Learn to work well under pressure and to be comfortable in a competitive environment.
Prepare to work independently and to be self-motivated. Plan to work irregular and/or long hours.
Learn to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Take additional courses in interpersonal communication and public speaking.
Develop strong persuasion skills and learn how to build relationships.
Some positions in sales, such as pharmaceuticals, require at least one to two years of a proven record in outside sales. Be prepared to start in a different industry before getting a job in pharmaceuticals.

Insurance
Employers

Insurance firms
Banks

Sample occupations

Complete an internship with an insurance agency.
Talk to professionals in the industry to learn more about claims, underwriting, and risk management. Many entry-level positions exist in these areas.
Initiative and sales ability are necessary to be a successful agent or broker.
Develop strong communication skills as many positions require interaction with others and the ability to explain information clearly and concisely.

Banking
Employers

Banks
Credit unions
Savings and loan associations
Financial services institutions
Federal Reserve banks

Sample occupations

Develop a solid background in business including marketing and accounting.
Get experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions in a bank.
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to work well with a diverse clientele.

Real Estate
Employers

Real estate brokers
Banks
Appraisal firms
Apartment and condominium complexes
Developers
Large corporations: real estate departments

Sample occupations

Obtain sales experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions.
Research the process of becoming a real estate broker through the National Association of Realtors.
Develop an entrepreneurial spirit.
Investigate apprenticeships in appraisal. 

Human Resource Management
Employers

Large corporate entities
Service industry
Hospitals and healthcare organizations
Universities
Temporary or staffing agencies
Executive search firms
Local, state, and federal government
Labor unions

Sample occupations

Take courses in the social sciences such as psychology and sociology.
Gain relevant experience through internships.
Develop strong verbal and written communication skills. Learn to solve problems creatively, and gain experience with conflict resolution.
Build a solid background in technology because many human resource systems are automated.
Join the Society of Human Resource Management and other related professional associations.
Be prepared for continuous learning once in the profession.
Seek endorsements such as the Professional Human Resource Certification (PHR).
Earn a master’s degree for career advancement or a law degree for employment law.

General information and strategies

  • General business is a broad area that can lead to many career opportunities.
    • Students should clearly define their goals and seek experiences and skills necessary to reach those goals.
  • Learn about various fields of business through research on internet sites and books, informational interviews of professionals, and exposure to work environments through shadowing, volunteering, or interning.
  • Develop interpersonal and organizational skills through participation in and leadership of student organizations.
  • Strong communication skills, including public speaking, are also important to achieving success in this field.
  • Learn to work effectively with a wide variety of people and to work well in a team environment.
  • Develop and utilize a personal network of contacts. Once in a position, find an experienced mentor.
  • Consider earning an MBA or other related graduate degree after gaining work experience to reach the highest levels of business management.
  • Take courses in a secondary specialty such as marketing or information systems to increase job opportunities.