Business administration is a broad field that includes many different types of management professions. Every organization, from large enterprises to small firms, requires qualified administrators to flourish.
Motivated, organized people flourish in business, where the stakes are frequently great. Knowing how to deal with stress can allow you to retain your cool—and your business running smoothly. Let’s see more about the business administration career and the requirements for a degree program.
What is Business Administration?
Business administration is a diverse field with numerous jobs, professional environments, and prospects for advancement. Business administration, in its most basic form, is the task of managing an organization’s resources, time, and people.
Professionals in business administration work to ensure that enterprises and organizations are operated effectively, efficiently, and financially. This is a balancing act that necessitates knowledge and skills from a variety of fields.
Working in business administration needs both quantitative and “soft skills,” such as conveying ideas, influencing others, providing feedback, and delivering successful and interesting presentations. Accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and information technology are common skills required by business professionals, and they frequently specialize in a specialty area.
People who are successful in business must also be good communicators. Working in teams and on collaborative initiatives is fairly common in business administration. Managing the workload is only part of the difficulty; being a team member on whom your peers and supervisors can rely is an essential component of business success.
What is the Role of a Business Administrator?
Day-to-day operations in business are just as vital as long-term planning for the future. A business profession involves information technology, leadership dynamics, and, increasingly, ethical and international partnerships. There is a lot of space for advancement in this subject. When you discover the appropriate “fit,” working your way up the corporate ladder may be both tough and gratifying. Furthermore, abilities learned in one position will transfer to another as your career progresses.
Many top business leaders begin their careers in office administration, hospitality, retail, sales, or operations management. Executives and administrators work in every industry, from one-person startups to multinational corporations with hundreds of staff.
Business administrators duties include:
- Create and implement departmental or organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
- Direct and supervise the financial and budgetary activities of a company.
- Manage broad activities relating to the production of goods and the provision of services.
- Innovates in the workplace by implementing new technologies.
- Discuss operations with other executives, workers, and board members.
- Negotiates and approves contracts and agreements.
- Delegates authority to department heads and managers.
- Examine financial statements, sales reports, and other measures of performance.
- Identify cost-cutting opportunities as well as opportunities to improve performance, policy, and programs.
General management, hotel management, office administration, operations management, retail management, and sales management are some common areas of employment.
What Options do I have for a Career in Business Administration?
Graduates with an associate’s degree in business are qualified for entry-level positions in commercial, public, and nonprofit organizations, including basic management and administrative tasks. Many work as management trainees or managers in the sales or retail industries. Others work as project assistants, office managers, and technical support professionals.
A bachelor’s degree in business administration qualifies you for a variety of leadership and advanced jobs in corporate, public, and nonprofit organizations. You’ll be able to work as a business analyst, human resources generalist, operations manager, or marketing specialist across industries. Some business administration graduates go on to become entrepreneurs, building their own successful enterprises from the ground up.
An MBA, the most popular business degree, expands your managerial potential dramatically. Corporate controller, executive director, and independent consultant are just a few examples of job titles.
Those interested in furthering their education might seek a Doctor of Business Administration degree, which takes three to six years to finish. A DBA, like a Ph.D., provides professionals with experience in leadership and management principles, as well as a greater level of skill in research. This advanced degree prepares students for senior-level management positions as well as university teaching and research.
There are so many possibilities for working in business administration, and so numerous methods to get your foot in the door, that ambitious individuals can advance to the top and make long-term, beneficial contributions to the business.
Examples of Common Business Administration Top Executives:
#1. Chief financial officers
Accountable for a company’s financial reporting are chief financial officers. They set the financial goals, objectives, and budgets for the organization. They may be in charge of investments and asset management.
#2. Chief information officers
They are in charge of a company’s overall technological direction, which includes managing information technology and computer systems.
#3. Chief operating officers:
They direct the activity of several departments such as human resources and sales.
#4. Chief sustainability officers:
They handle sustainability challenges by supervising a business sustainability strategy. They may, for example, administer environmental programs or policies and ensure that the organization complies with relevant requirements.
#5. General and operations managers
Oversee operations that are too diverse to be classified in single management or administration area. Policies must be developed, daily operations must be managed, and the utilization of materials and human resources must be planned. They create employee schedules, assign work, and oversee project completion. In some firms, chief executive officers’ responsibilities may overlap with those of general and operations managers.
What Type of Certification will I Need to Work in Business Administration?
To begin with, a job in business administration will require more than high school graduation. An associate’s degree in business, at the very least, will prepare you for entry-level work in the field. Earning a bachelor’s degree will broaden your knowledge of organizational leadership, people management, and strategic planning. With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be qualified for a number of business roles immediately out of college.
Many people opt to further their education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a highly regarded postgraduate degree that demonstrates a commitment to leadership in the profession. A master’s degree typically takes one to two years to complete.
Top executives can acquire the Certified Manager (CM) designation by completing a certification program through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers. Candidates must meet academic and experience criteria, as well as pass three exams, to become a CM. Although certification is not required, it can demonstrate management proficiency and prospective leadership skills. Certification can also benefit employees seeking progress or provide a competitive advantage to job seekers.
Additional certifications may be required depending on the sort of business industry you enter. For administrative services managers, for example, the International Facility Management Association offers a competency-based professional certification program. Completing the program may provide prospective employees with a competitive advantage.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BBA)
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree is intended to provide in-depth knowledge of a wide range of business operations-related topics. Accounting, marketing, finance, and other areas are often covered in the program’s core curriculum. A standard college degree can take up to four years or more to complete, but an accelerated program can be completed in much less degree.
As a graduate, you may have critical thinking abilities as well as practical knowledge of one or more areas of specialization. The program’s goal is to give you the opportunity to learn from lecturers who have substantial experience in business administration. Furthermore, the course allows you to connect with people from many walks of life who share your interests.
A considerable number of BBA programs combine teaching and hands-on experience to achieve effective learning outcomes. You will be exposed to case studies, presentations, and will have the opportunity to interact with professionals in the field.
The course lays the groundwork for a solid education in business administration principles. It enables you to comprehend the dynamics of business operations. After finishing the program, you might pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree to widen your horizons.
The goals of the course
By enrolling in the BBA program, you will gain a better understanding of business theory and its real-world applications. Finally, you may get an understanding of many facets of business administration, such as:
- Creating strategic plans based on marketing data
- Recognize the importance of information technology (IT) systems in supporting business operations.
- Learn how to use human resources and management principles to solve organizational difficulties.
- Learn how to obtain business intelligence using data technologies. Continue to use the information to make critical operational decisions.
- Learn how to use critical thinking ideas.
- Develop your capacity to utilize financial management principles to ensure your company’s viability.
Who should think about enrolling in the BBA program?
A course is an option for anyone who wants to lay the groundwork for a career in business management. It is especially crucial for people who do not have a background in business. The degree program gives students much-needed exposure to the fundamentals of business administration. As a result, completing a BBA is a good stepping stone to future business success with graduate degrees like the MBA.
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
MBA is an abbreviation for Master of Business Administration. It is a post-graduate program that teaches people the skills necessary to run a business.
Business administration courses at universities and colleges around the world generate substantial revenue. The Wharton School of Business, for example, charges $141,740 for an MBA program.
What is the Average Salary for a Business Administration Position?
A full-time salaried position for a business administrator is likely. There is a wide range of potential salaries for business administrators because they can explore job options in a variety of businesses. According to Indeed Salaries, whose salaries are often updated, you should expect to make at least $44,305 per year as a business administrator, depending on the area you work in. Your business administrator compensation will also be determined by the size of the firm for which you work, where it is located, and your expertise as a business administrator and in the field.
List of Positions in Business Administration
Because administrative positions are required in practically every area, your opportunities as a business administrator are numerous. Whether you’re looking for a job based on compensation or your chosen duties and responsibilities, here are some of the best business administrator jobs, along with the most recent salary data from Indeed linked to each job title below:
#1. Restaurant Owner/Manager
The average annual salary in the United States is $49,634.
A restaurant manager’s primary responsibilities include overseeing the front and back-of-house operations of a restaurant. Hiring and supervising cooks and service workers, communicating with customers, and doing quality control are all part of the job. The manager may take the lead or serve as a counselor in the formulation of a menu. The restaurant manager may also collaborate with suppliers to ensure enough food supply and quality.
#2. Hotel Owner/Manager
The average annual wage in the United States is $50,672.
Primary responsibilities: A hotel manager is in charge of the hotel’s day-to-day operations. This includes managing workers, establishing and maintaining hotel standards, and preparing and sending reports to the owner or board of directors. The hotel manager is responsible for determining the best pricing for units in order to optimize earnings, avoiding both excess empty rooms due to high costs and missed opportunities to make more money on low prices.
#3. Health Administrator
Average annual wage in the United States: $70,469
Primary responsibilities: A health administrator uses their business administration skills to keep a medical center running smoothly. The administrator’s goal is to maximize the performance of a hospital. This is accomplished by hiring and retaining a high-quality team, establishing care standards, and enhancing facility efficiency. The health administrator will also handle grant funding proposals and interact with investors and facility board members to keep them up to date on the facility’s status.
#4. Sales Supervisor
The average annual wage in the United States is $75,386.
Primary responsibilities: Business administrators who choose a career in sales management are in charge of controlling a company’s sales force. This entails not just employing new employees, but also assisting in the development of sales strategies. The sales manager will also examine product lines with sales employees and generate sales performance reports to be delivered to corporate leaders.
#5. Construction Supervisor
The average annual wage in the United States is $77,333.
Primary responsibilities: If you choose to use your business administration degree to pursue a career in construction management, you will be in charge of overseeing complete construction projects. Responsibilities include everything from project conception to construction and finish. The manager is in charge of monitoring a project’s budget and ensuring that it adheres to any regulations as well as any design mandates. The construction manager also acts as a liaison between the various construction organizations, such as the architectural, engineering, and construction crews.
#6. System Administrator
The average annual wage in the United States is $84,203.
Primary responsibilities: A systems administrator’s job includes overseeing a company’s computer system and network. The position necessitates a combination of business and technical abilities. In addition to performing system checks to ensure that the systems continue to function properly, the systems administrator collaborates with staff members to guarantee that coworkers receive the assistance they require. As computer networks are widespread in practically all businesses, business administration specialists can work as systems administrators in a range of professions.
#7. Chief Financial Officer
The average annual wage in the United States is $110,320.
Primary responsibilities: Business administration professionals with a penchant for numbers and finance may pursue a position as a financial manager. The financial planning and analysis manager is in charge of a company’s budget, keeping track of both sending and receiving. The manager analyzes spending and income statistics to recommend changes to the company in order to maximize profitability. To aid in financial decision-making, a financial manager may use databases and modeling tools to undertake predictive analysis.
Read Also: CFO (Chief Financial Officer): How to become a thriving CFO (+ free tips)
#8. Principal
The average annual wage in the United States is $112,685.
Primary responsibilities: Although you may not instantly think of a school when contemplating businesses, a principal requires good business administration skills. A principal’s responsibilities include hiring and supervising employees, enforcing school policies for children and staff, and promoting communication between staff and parents. The principal is also in charge of the school’s budget and fundraising efforts. A business administration education translates well to these professions, making it a desirable career path.
#9. Product Marketing Manager
The average annual wage in the United States is $113,084.
Primary responsibilities: If you choose to use your business administration talents to pursue a career in product marketing management, you will need to thoroughly understand your company’s product range. This information is used by the product marketing manager to design and execute marketing initiatives in collaboration with other departments.
The product marketing manager may also be entrusted with training sales personnel, including teaching them about the essential characteristics of newly announced products. In addition, the product marketing manager employs analytics and market research to determine target demographics in order to steer marketing spending and maximize return on investment.
Read Also: PRODUCT MANAGER: Job Description and Salary updated
How to Advance Your Career in Business Administration
Because business administration is a competitive field, any edge you may obtain is worthwhile. These pointers can assist you in making the greatest possible first impression while searching for a job with a new employer or seeking a promotion with your present employer.
- Demonstrate your work ethic.
- Accept additional responsibilities.
- Never, ever stop learning.
- Keep an eye out for trends.
- Increase your skill set.
- Obtain certification.
#1. Demonstrate your work ethic
One of the most valuable traits an employee may have is a strong work ethic. It is extensively relevant across all sectors and allows you to perform better in all stages of your career. Your work ethic is most successful when pursuing promotions inside your current organization because the individuals in charge of the promotion can see how hard you work. However, you can exhibit your work ethic on a CV for an outside employer. In addition to identifying it as a skill, you can phrase your job obligations in a way that demonstrates your dedication to the job.
#2. Take on additional responsibilities
Seeking out new duties at work is an effective method to demonstrate your work ethic. This not only demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, but it also allows you to expand your résumé. When you take on new responsibilities, it allows you to expand your responsibilities and the skills part of your resume. When looking for a new job or promotion, a more broad and extensive list of duties and talents is enticing to a prospective employer.
#3. Never, ever stop learning
Just because you’ve landed a job in business administration doesn’t imply you should stop learning and growing. Pursuing additional formal education allows you to earn an advanced degree, which is generally required for higher-level work in business administration. The knowledge and abilities you gain while pursuing your degree will also help you flourish in the workplace.
However, not all continuing education must be formal. So, even if you have obtained the level of degree you believe is required to achieve your objectives, you should still keep up to date on any advancements in the field in which you operate. You may avoid missing out on advancements that make your job easier or more effective by reading trade periodicals or adding prominent websites to your newsreader. This can help you stay ahead of your peers and increase your prospects of advancement in your profession.
#4. Keep an eye out for trends.
Although staying up to date on the current trends in your sector is vital, it is even better to be aware of those trends before they become widely publicized. This gives you and your employer an advantage over the competition, which is a great method to enhance your business administration career. By examining patterns in your business and data acquired from your analytics personnel, you can seek new areas to exploit in the present market that would not have been adopted otherwise. If you can perfect this forward-thinking skill, it will greatly benefit your career.
#5. Expand your skill set
Throughout your profession, you should always be researching and gaining new knowledge, but you should also strive to acquire new talents on a regular basis. Learning how to use modern technologies can considerably boost your efficiency and broaden your career options. Expanding your knowledge of the many occupations performed at your firm not only provides significant skills for your resume but also makes you more effective at managing and dealing with your company’s workforce.
#6. Obtain certification
Professional qualifications are not always necessary when applying for a job, but they can add credibility to your resume. When two similar applicants apply for the same job, certification shows that you have satisfied the certifying agency’s criteria, which can mean the difference between you and the other applicant gaining the job. Investigate the top certifications in your field and select options that are most relevant to your current work or the types of positions you plan to seek in the future.
Prospects for the Future of Business Administration
Companies and organizations of all sizes have a significant need for experienced business experts, and persons with bachelor’s degrees in business make more money and have more job security than high school graduates. According to CNN, the general unemployment rate for high school graduates is 5.6 percent, while the rate for bachelor’s degree holders is 2.5 percent.
Bachelor’s degree holders in business may even have an advantage over bachelor’s degree holders in general: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, after a year in the workforce, business majors earn approximately 16% more than the average pay for all bachelor’s degrees (BLS PDF source).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business administration is one of the most popular undergraduate degree programs in the United States (BLS PDF source). According to the National Center for Education Statistics, of the 1,870,000 bachelor’s degrees given in 2013–14, business degrees were the most popular, accounting for 358,000 degrees.
A bachelor’s degree in business is an excellent strategy to position oneself in the job market and attract the attention of potential employers. According to the National Association of Colleges and Firms, business administration is among the top five college majors for finding full-time work after graduation, with 48.7 percent of responding employers plan to hire new business administration graduates in the following year.
According to the BLS, positions in business and finance are predicted to rise by 8% between 2014 and 2024, bringing roughly 600,000 new jobs to the economy.
A bachelor’s degree in business administration is a versatile and adaptable decision that will serve you well in today’s work market, whether you are looking to climb up to a leadership post or make a total career transition, or you dream of one day starting your own firm.
Business Management vs. Business Administration
On the surface, the two-degree pathways appear to be similar: both are four-year degrees, both are provided by a large number of major accredited universities, and both are popular among undergraduate students. However, a closer examination reveals significant disparities between the two business strategies.
While both degrees provide a foundation in the fundamentals of business, their emphasis differs. A Bachelor of Science in Business Management (BSBM) degree, for example, focuses on business management. Coursework may include business communication, accounting fundamentals, and management theory. A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) on the other hand, might have a variety of concentrations. Students might concentrate on more practical business applications such as finance, marketing, economics, and operations. While business theory is taught, BSBA students also study the practical skills that drive business management, leadership, and ethical decision-making.
Similarities
The parallels between business administration and business management are obvious, but the differences between these two-degree routes are also noticeable. If a person is looking for the broader of the two educational pathways, business management may be a good option. According to the Houston Chronicle, the focus of a business management school is often on the larger picture of the economy. Students in business management schools strive for a broad awareness of present business trends, but they may not always focus on the intricacies of each market.
Business administration, on the other hand, is sometimes thought to be most suited for people who intend to work in specialized business roles after completing their studies. Those seeking to work as high-level accountants, chief technology officers, chief operations officers, and other similar positions may benefit from a BSBA degree before pursuing graduate-level schooling.
In some ways, the two core business degrees are similar to the differences between public policy and public administration degree programs. Management is concerned with vision, planning, and communication, whereas administration is more concerned with ensuring that the day-to-day operations of a business continue to run smoothly.
What Is the Distinction Between Management and Business Administration?
Students can get different things out of business administration and business management degrees. They share fundamental courses in finance, economics, accounting, and marketing, among other things. Each degree, however, has a particular specialization that offers a separate career path.
Business management is concerned with the human aspects of running a company. To that purpose, a degree program’s curriculum includes courses in human resources, information systems, logistics, and communication. Management programs train graduates to be team leaders, anticipating the requirements of their coworkers and motivating them to operate efficiently.
So, on the other end of the spectrum, business administration may also include personnel management, but with a focus on the day-to-day operations of a corporation rather than its long-term strategic goals. Programs in business administration concentrate on the technical aspects of planning and implementation.
What is the role of Business Administration in customer service and support?
Business Administration plays an important role in ensuring the satisfaction of customers through effective customer service and support. A Business Administrator may oversee customer service teams, implement customer service policies, and monitor customer feedback to continuously improve customer satisfaction.
What is the role of Business Administration in risk management?
A Business Administrator is responsible for identifying and assessing risks that may impact a company and developing strategies to minimize those risks. This may include analyzing financial data, conducting risk assessments, and developing contingency plans to ensure the stability and success of the business.
What is the role of Business Administration in project management?
Business Administration plays a key role in the successful planning, execution, and completion of projects within a company. A Business Administrator may be responsible for defining project objectives, allocating resources, developing project schedules, and monitoring project progress to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
How does a Business Administrator stay up-to-date with changes in the business world?
A Business Administrator can stay up-to-date with changes in the business world through ongoing professional development, attending conferences and workshops, and participating in professional organizations. Staying current with industry trends and changes is essential for providing effective leadership and making informed business decisions.
What is the role of Business Administration in strategic planning and decision-making?
Business Administration plays a crucial role in the development of a company’s long-term strategy and decision-making processes. A Business Administrator may be involved in conducting market research, analyzing data, and developing and implementing strategic plans to drive the success of the business.
How does a Business Administrator advance in their career?
A Business Administrator can advance in their career by gaining additional experience, obtaining advanced education, and taking on new and challenging responsibilities within the company. Building a strong network and demonstrating leadership skills can also help a Business Administrator progress in their career.
Business Administration FAQs
Is business administration a good career?
Yes, business administration is a fantastic major because it is at the top of the list of most sought-after majors. A degree in business administration can also qualify you for a variety of high-paying jobs with above-average development prospects (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Does business administration have a lot of math?
Specific business degrees, on the other hand, may necessitate even more mathematics than these basic requirements. However, introductory calculus and statistics are the only math required for most traditional business administration, accounting, human resource management, and economics degrees.
What kind of math is used in business administration?
Elementary arithmetic, elementary algebra, statistics, and probability are all examples of mathematics commonly utilized in commerce. More complex mathematics, such as calculus, matrix algebra, and linear programming, is used to solve some management challenges.
Related Articles
- BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: Definition and Introduction Business Management Degrees
- Human Resources Management (HRM): Definition, Outsourcing, and Functions
- How Much You Can Earn After Passing Microsoft AZ-104 Certification Exam?
- SMALL BUSINESS LOANS FOR WOMEN: Best 2021 Startup Options & Detailed Guide
- CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: Job Description, Skills, and Salary (+ Top Software Options)
