Guide to picking a business major
Photo by Vantha Thang
Business degrees equip students with the knowledge and qualifications to launch a prosperous business or work in an existing business. Education in the business field can be beneficial whether you choose to enroll in a traditional on-campus school or an online one.
A business degree can be helpful in almost every field and, after graduation, can pave the way for various job prospects. Whether your passion lies in finance or entrepreneurship, picking the correct business major specialization can prepare you for success in the job market.Various degrees are offered in this field ranging from certifications and bachelor’s to master’s programs to doctorates.
Business and management continue to be among the most popular college degrees in the US, with a total of 289,384 degrees awarded to college graduates in the country in 2020. If you were in a dilemma before, these statistics prove that this is an ever-progressing field with plenty of opportunities to grow.
South Carolina, in particular, has become a hub of business studies focused on experiential learning. Many universities and schools in the state have received regional and national accreditations, demonstrating the standard of quality and rigor that they offer.
Accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the Aiken University of South Carolina provides online MBA programs in SC, allowing you to pursue your dream education remotely. What better way to study than to do it according to your own schedule from the comfort of your home? Their highly qualified faculty members are experts in their fields who help bring real-world perspective to their way of teaching. In this way, they provide students with valuable skills and experience to help them stand out in the job market after graduation.
Deciding your business major
Once you’ve decided to study business, the next step is to pick your major. You want to go for something that resonates with you and your goals. You also want to make sure that your major is well-aligned with what you expect out of your field and career.
Factors to take into account
When selecting a business major, there are multiple things to take into account, such as:
1. Interests
Since you will need to devote a lot of time to the major topic you select, your interests are crucial when selecting a major. You will find yourself staying motivated while pursuing your degree, and you will probably do better in your classes if you love what you are learning.
2. Abilities and strengths
Consider the skills you possess naturally or acquired through prior education and employment. This directly impacts the level of your success. For instance, a student with a good aptitude for mathematics can consider majoring in accounting or finance.
3. Salary
Some majors lead to jobs with higher average pay. Take into account the lifestyle you want and the salary you’ll need to make to afford it.
4. Job
Choosing the correct major involves considering your career goals after graduation. Consider the career routes and job titles you are most interested in, and then do some research to understand which majors are most attractive to companies for those particular positions.
5. Work-life balance
Maintaining a positive work-life balance is crucial to living a happy life. Some occupations could demand you to spend more time at the office than others. When selecting a major, consider how much time you deem comfortable devoting to your career.
Different types of business majors to choose from
Listed below are some of the most popular business majors:
1. Accounting
As an accounting major, you will be taught how to monitor, evaluate, and manage financial statements. You can apply for the certified public account licensure exam in addition to getting your degree. You can hope to work as a cost accountant, tax accountant, or financial analyst and make around $71,550 annually.
2. Marketing
In this major, you will learn marketing and advertising strategy, brand awareness, pricing, promotion of products, and consumer research. As a marketing major, you can work as a marketing specialist, marketing communications manager, media director, accounts assistant, copywriter, or social media specialist. You can hope to make an average annual salary of $74,510.
3. Finance
In finance, you will be taught accounting, economics, project management, business principles, and other finance fundamentals. You will also gain knowledge of investments and long-term planning. You can hope to achieve a job title like a financial analyst, investment analyst, or private equity associate and earn about $81,590 per year.
4. International business
Majoring in international business, you will learn financial market development, international banking, international business management, and global monetary policy. This is advantageous if you want to work for a multinational corporation after graduation. You can work as a supply chain analyst, operations associate, logistics specialist, compliance officer, or business development manager. You can make an average salary of $63,790 per year.
5. Human resources
HR majors learn interviewing strategies, regional and national labor laws, employee motivation and training methods, and strategies for luring and retaining skilled labor. You can find a job as an HR associate or HR specialist with an average annual salary of $61,920.
6. Health services administration
You will understand comprehensively how to manage and supervise healthcare organizations like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Healthcare administration, healthcare law and policy, healthcare ethics, healthcare finance, epidemiology, and HR management are among the courses covered. You can work as a behavioral health professional, service administrator, or administrative coordinator, earning $86,820 on average annually.
7. Business administration and management
Business fundamentals, business operations, how to evaluate a company’s strengths and weaknesses, and developing organizational strategies are all covered by business administration and management majors. As a major in business administration, you can work as a general manager, IT analyst, deputy director, associate professor, or employee relations manager. On average, you can earn an average annual salary of $73,570.
Conclusion
Your major also influence the job opportunities available to you after graduation and impact your earning potential. Additionally, selecting a major that aligns with your interests and passions can make your time in school more enjoyable and rewarding. Ultimately, the right business major for you will depend on your goals, strengths, and interests.
