A degree in business administration is like a pass to many different fields and career paths. Strong business acumen is especially valued in today’s economic landscape. Though it might seem like a general degree, there are both well-established career paths and less obvious ones you can follow.
At AUBG, we offer several concentrations to streamline your study experience, including accounting, finance, marketing, management, and tourism and hospitality. Paired with other majors and minors, this degree can help you create a fulfilling career path.
Here is what the Business Administration major offers and some of the career options it can lead to.
What do you learn in a business administration major?
“The AUBG Business Administration major trains students to identify and think through the kinds of moral dilemmas businesses and businesspeople often find themselves in,” said Dr. Daniel Adsett, Professor in Business and Philosophy at AUBG.
“It emphasizes the important role that critical thinking and stakeholder analysis play in resolving conflicts between the realms of business and society,” he added.
With several concentrations available, you can tailor your curriculum to gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, along with the soft skills needed to excel in the field.
Is a degree in business administration worth it?
Without the skills taught in this field, it would be difficult to run, manage, or start a business in areas such as marketing, HR, or finance.
If you want to sharpen your business acumen, know a good deal from a bad one, and manage teams smoothly, the skills taught in a business administration major will take you there.
The journey up the career ladder usually starts early for business administration students, sometimes while they are still pursuing their studies. Many AUBG graduates have landed internships at major companies such as Cerillion Technologies, Payhawk, and S&G Solar, which later into full-time and long-lasting careers. Others have joined AUBG programs such as Elevate Accelerator and have already launches businesses that are generating profits, such as the student start-up Scylla Hydration.
A degree in business administration is also a strong foundation for postgraduate education and offers promising career prospects, with high salaries and low unemployment rate. In fact, the business and financial industry is projected to grow by 7% in the U.S. between 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Career paths with a business administration degree
“A major in Business Administration will not only help students to feel comfortable in corporate settings, but it will help those seeking careers in other areas to recognize and understand the kinds of thinking characteristic of the corporate world,” said Professor Adsett.
That makes a major a strong starting point for a variety of career paths, not limited to business and finance.
Careers in business strategy and management
A general business administration track can lead to roles in business strategy, management, and even executive leadership.
What’s important to know about this field is that today, many companies expect their strategists and leaders to be well versed in AI, data, and technological implementation, making these skills essential for career growth.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: economics, problem-solving, negotiation, political science & international relations
Careers in marketing and advertising
If you have both analytical skills and creative thinking, you’ll be well-suited for a career in marketing. Your ability to see the bigger picture will help you strategize campaigns, analyze performance, and manage teams. The marketing department is an integral part of any business, so your skills will be highly valued.
Consider roles both in performance marketing and market research, as well as higher-level managerial positions.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: journalism and mass communication, integrated marketing communications, data analytics, fine arts
Careers in finance and fintech
Finance and accounting are highly sought-after fields. You can work on the recording and verification side as an accountant, auditor, or controller, or pursue planning and forecasting roles, such as financial planner, financial manager, and advisor.
The financial sector is also evolving with technologies. Data science plays an essential role in company operations, and a business administration background helps you quickly turn it into actionable insights.
Fintech is also redefining the industry, with opportunities in blockchain, digital payments, cryptocurrency, and insurtech.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: economics, mathematics, data analytics, computer science, information systems
Entrepreneurship and start-up development
A business administration degree is a great foundation for starting your own business. At AUBG, entrepreneurship is strongly encouraged, with many start-up and accelerator programs available. The major prepares you to become a well-rounded entrepreneur in today’s flourshing start-up culture, where you can find many funding opportunities to realize your innovative business idea.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: economics, leadership, financial planning, innovation
Sustainability and ESG consulting
With plans to reach sustainability goals by 2030, companies across the globe are rethinking their strategies to address sustainability. This has given rise to the ESG consultants who can walk companies through the process.
Paired with a minor in sustainability studies, or related postgraduate education, business administration graduates can make significant contributions to this sector.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: sustainability studies, economics, public policy, project management
Human resources and management analysis careers
Your people skills are what will make you a great HR professional, handling employee needs and enhancing company culture. You can start with entry-level roles such as HR assistant or recruitment coordinator, explore business-degree related positions like compensation and benefits specialist or management analyst, and move into roles such as HR Manager or even Chief Human Resources Officers.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: psychology, sociology, journalism and mass communication, management, conflict resolution
Careers in sales and business development
Mastering the skill of negotiation allows you to become an excellent candidate for roles in sales and business development. Business administration graduates are prepared to identify opportunities, warm and close deals, and build relationships across industries. These require highly practical, case-based skills that the Business Development course at AUBG, led by alumna and Chief of Staff to the CEO at Payhawk, Gabriela Belnikolovska (‘19), helps students develop.
You can explore roles such as business development manager, sales manager, and account manager.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: economics, psychology, negotiation, relationship management, presentation skills, business development
Careers in tourism and hospitality
One of the fastest-growing industries today is tourism and hospitality. A business administration with this concentration at AUBG equips you with skills in planning, management, sales, marketing, and finance.
Career opportunities include hotel management, food and beverage, travel and tourism, wellness and leisure, and marketing and sales.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: intercultural communication, modern languages and cultures, tourism, organizational skills
Pursuing a business administration major will open many doors to unique careers, sharpening your business acumen and helping you bring your ideas to life.
