What Can You Do With a Business Administration Degree?

Individuals who are considering earning a degree in business may wonder “What can you do with a business administration degree?” The answer? Quite a lot. Graduates with a business degree have the training to focus on small details while maintaining a global perspective, allowing them to serve as leaders in different industries and organizations.

After earning a degree in business, such as an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, individuals can work for a corporation, nonprofit organization, or startup company, among many other options.

Business Administration Career Opportunities

Individuals interested in exploring what they can do with a business administration degree might want an overview of the many career options available to them. Here are six popular careers for graduates with degrees in business administration:

1. Accountant

Accountants primarily work in accounting departments or in payroll services in different types of businesses, large and small. They can also be employed by the government or at public accounting firms. Management accountants help organize the finances of business by preparing budgets, analyzing financial documents, keeping track of financial records, preparing tax returns, paying taxes, and helping managers make informed business decisions.

Individuals interested in becoming accountants typically earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration. Becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) through an organization, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, is also a necessary step in this career path. Essential skills associated with the role include financial knowledge, analytical and critical thinking, mathematical skills, and organization.

2. Business Operations Manager

Business managers often work as branch operations managers, ensuring the employees of a branch office have the technology, equipment, and resources needed to do their work. They oversee the day-to-day operations of a branch and regularly communicate with other managers, such as human resources managers and administrative managers. 

Typical responsibilities include creating policies, overseeing utilities and building maintenance, and ensuring employees have necessary hardware and software. Business operations managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in business administration. After gaining experience in a branch office, they may earn a promotion to a larger branch or a more senior role at their current location.

3. Financial Analyst

Financial analysts primarily are employed at banks, securities firms, insurance companies, and other businesses. They work with corporations or clients interested in understanding financial, economic, and business trends in different industries. Meeting with a management team and executives to better understand their long-term goals is an important aspect of a financial analyst’s job.

They analyze an organization’s financial portfolio and make recommendations about investments. Many professionals become financial analysts by earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, economics, or finance. Essential skills associated with the role include math skills, critical thinking, organization, and computer skills.

4. Medical and Health Services Manager

Medical and health services managers oversee the daily operations of a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, physician’s office, nursing home, residential facility, or outpatient care center. They manage the finances of their facilities, from creating a budget to billing patients. Improving the quality of patient care is the main goal of medical and health services managers. They create schedules for doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff, as well as provide training for different departments.

Medical and health services managers usually have a master’s degree in business administration, health management, or public administration. Extensive experience in an administrative or clinical role is essential. Successful medical and health services managers demonstrate leadership, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills.

5. Human Resources Manager

Another option for those who want to know what they can do with a business administration degree is to become a human resources manager. HR managers oversee the many functions of an HR department, from hiring and training new employees to filing reports and firing employees for misconduct. 

They also advise other managers about employee-related issues or policies and oversee benefits programs.

HR managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration. An understanding of human psychology, conflict management, labor laws, ethics, and information technology is an important aspect of the job.

6. Corporate Attorney

Corporate attorneys serve as advisers and advocates for corporations regarding matters of bankruptcy, contracts, security, mergers, and succession. They work directly with business executives, drawing up contracts and legal paperwork. They also represent corporations in court regarding legal problems. 

Preparing and organizing legal paperwork is a significant component of the job. Attorneys who work in businesses or corporations should have a background in business. Earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration prior to attending law school can benefit students in many ways. Corporate attorneys should also have an understanding of business practices, business and corporate law, contracts, and civil procedure.

Earn Your Degree in Business Administration

A degree in business administration provides students with a strong foundation in many business skills applicable to a variety of jobs. Understanding how to analyze problems, recommend solutions, and resolve issues through critical thinking are valuable skills in any business occupation.

If you want to learn more about what you can do with a business administration degree, explore how LSU Online’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration helps students pursue successful business careers in a wide variety of fields.