Campus is the new alternative to online community college that provides a 100% live and online Associate of Arts in Business Administration degree program. Our comprehensive, career-focused business program equips students from across the U.S. with a solid foundation in core business principles to set them up for success no matter what their next step is. Read on to explore the world of business and how starting with a business degree might be your next best move.
Business administration degrees are more popular than ever before. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 12% of all associate degrees and 19% of all bachelor degrees in academic year 2016-17 were business degrees.
But why are business degrees in particular such a large percentage of all postsecondary degrees? Why are they so popular?
No matter what happens in the economy each year, a fundamental understanding of business management will never go out of style. Those who can successfully lead and manage a business will always be valuable and in demand.
So, if you’re considering pursuing an associate degree in business, just know that you’re making a smart and practical choice. This degree can equip you with the business skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market!
The variety of jobs for business administration associate's degree holders spans multiple industries, reflecting the versatility of the degree. In this article we'll explore what kind of jobs you can get with an associate degree in business administration and the right experience.
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What is business administration all about?
Every business, whether it’s a large corporation or small business, needs people in place to oversee operations, provide leadership and business management, and make sure things are running smoothly.
Business administrators may also manage other critical aspects of the business, such as finance, marketing, accounting, project management, or human resources.
When a business is small, the founder may function as the business administrator. Of course, as the organization grows, it’s essential to find another professional to fill that role of business administration and operations management.
A degree in business administration will prepare you to manage and oversee the functional operations of a business. Business administration programs allow students to learn how different departments function within an organization.
Most business administration degrees include career-focused, practical curriculum on finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, entrepreneurship, and economics.
All this to say, whether you’re interested in starting your own business or climbing the corporate ladder yourself, studying business administration can help you achieve your career goals.
What does a business administrator do?
As a business administrator or manager, you may be responsible for a wide range of duties, but these are some common responsibilities and tasks that an administrator may do on a regular basis:
- Establish and carry out organizational goals
- Ensure appropriate staffing practices, including recruiting and appointing leadership positions
- Make sure company reaches financial goals; oversee the budget
- Recognize and pursue new business opportunities
- Represent organization in professional settings and networking opportunities
- Manage production and everyday operations
- Financial analysis and oversight
- Business analysis, including revenue generation and cost cutting
- Work with internal departments, such as legal, finance, human resources, marketing, project management, etc.
- Guide ethical direction and international relationships
Careers for an Associate Degree in Business Administration Holder
There are numerous career opportunities for people who hold a business administration degree. Here’s just a few of some of the more popular jobs to give you a better idea:
Executive Assistant or Administrative Assistant
An executive assistant, which is sometimes also referred to as an administrative assistant, supports high-level executives by managing schedules, coordinating meetings, handling communication, and performing other necessary administrative tasks.
They may also be involved in strategic tasks such as project management, research, and report preparation.
Similarly, administrative assistants play a crucial role in supporting the smooth operation of an organization. They handle various administrative tasks, including managing calendars, organizing files, preparing documents, and coordinating office activities.
The job growth for administrative assistants is projected to decline by 10% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Among the jobs for business administration associate's degree graduates, roles like executive assistant or administrative assistant are highly sought after due to the comprehensive skill set developed during the program. Earning an associate degree in business administration can significantly boost your opportunities for landing a career as an executive assistant or administrative assistant, by making you more competitive with those who do not have the experience or credentials.*
Bookkeeper or Accounting Operations Specialist
If you have a business administration degree, a career as a bookkeeper is a great choice. Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, file taxes, and give financial guidance.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for bookkeepers and accounting operations will be about 6% for the years 2021 to 2031.*
If this sounds like a career path that interests you, Campus offers an online associate degree in business program, which includes relevant courses like accounting and finance.
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Our admissions advisors can answer your questions.
Human Resources Specialists and Managers
Securing jobs for business administration associate's degree holders in human resources is an excellent pathway for those passionate about managing employee relations and enhancing workplace culture.
A human resource manager is responsible for being the bridge between workers and senior management. Duties may include recruiting new staff, distributing workplace benefits, or sometimes overseeing payroll.
Interpersonal skills are an absolute asset for this career. Projected job growth for human resource specialists is about 8% for 2021-2031. Job openings for human resource managers are projected to grow by 7% over that same time frame!*
Marketing Account Manager
Account managers in marketing and advertising firms are responsible for managing promotional campaigns for clients. This job can be from a regional or corporate office.
An account executive may oversee the budget, manage the advertising team, or present campaign ideas.
The biggest responsibility is making sure each client is getting results and is satisfied with the services. Job opportunities for account executives are projected to grow 10% between 2021 and 2031, which is faster than average.*
Healthcare or Medical Manager
Medical managers oversee the operations and business activities of a medical facility or department.
There is actually a particular need for healthcare and medical management – this job is projected to grow by a whopping 28% from 2021 to 2031.* Some work experience is typically required to advance to a leadership position in this field, but a degree is usually also required.
Management Analysts
Job growth for management analysts is projected to be 11% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average.* Management analysts figure out ways to improve the efficiency of an organization.
This often involves making recommendations on how to improve profits or reduce expenses. A degree in business administration is often a prerequisite to becoming a management analyst.
Financial Examiners and Analysts
For students who wonder if they can work in finance with a Business Administration associate degree, financial examiners and analysts might be the job for you. The main role of a financial examiner is to determine how healthy a business is. This is accomplished by reviewing balance sheets, ledgers, financial documents, and other accounts.
A key part of what financial examiners do is often checking for state and federal compliance with tax and finance laws. Some of the work is preventative too, making sure the company doesn’t run into financial problems.
Most financial examiners work for government agencies, insurance companies, or financial institutions. Job growth for financial examiners is projected to increase about 21% from 2021 to 2031, also much faster than average.*
Market Research Analysts
Market research analysts work full-time during business hours, determining whether a product is viable for a given market. These analysts also examine the sales campaigns of a company. Market analysts may conduct market research and customer surveys to gather the data as well.
Mathematics and analytical skills are a must for this position, which is why business administration programs include relevant courses such as quantitative reasoning, accounting, and economics. Job growth for market research analysts is projected to be 19% between 2021 and 2031, far above average.*
General Job Outlook for Business Administrators
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for administrative services managers will grow by 7% for the period from 2021 to 2031.* There are also many other high-paying business careers that you can potentially pursue with a business administration degree.
Popular Business Administration Career Paths
An associate degree is often a prerequisite for entry-level business administration jobs. Pursuing further education can open the door to exciting leadership opportunities.
For example, C-level positions (CEO, CFO, COO, CMO) may require a combination of experience in management positions and undergraduate/graduate degrees.
No matter the type of company or industry, getting the right education, skills, and experience can help you pave the way towards becoming a successful senior leader, and if you continue moving forward, an influential executive leader.
What’s my earning potential if I pursue business administration?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Administrative Service Managers earn more than the median of all jobs in the US. This link also shows the average salaries for Business Administration jobs currently listed on Glassdoor (also above the median for all jobs).
Current data as of April 2023 shows $52,711 as the estimated average salary for business administrators.
What education will I need to pursue a business administration career?
Students can pursue further education after earning an Associate in Business Administration if they're interested. There are many different levels of business administration degrees that you can pursue, all the way up to a Ph.D.
However, most business management jobs will require at least an associate degree to hire a candidate, while others may require a bachelor’s. There are even employers who prefer or require a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).
Are there certifications that complement a Business Administration associate degree?
Yes, many certifications can complement a Business Administration degree. Some people enter the business world with a degree and professional certifications, like the Project Management Professional (PMP), a globally recognized professional certification for project managers and a great way to reflect your expertise.
As you can see, there are many different pathways to start and build your career in business.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
In today’s fast-paced business world, having a solid foundation in business continues to be more and more important.
If pursuing a career in business administration or management sounds like something you want to do, the online associate degree in business program at Campus provides the tools and knowledge for students to confidently pursue a career in general business administration!
Want to learn more about Campus?
Our admissions advisors can answer your questions.