There are a wide range of business administration careers available. Business administration covers a wide area of business; there are many sub-specialties to explore when considering the business administration jobs available.

Human Resource Management

Human resource management is involved with managing the human assets of a company, its’ employees, in a way that increases productivity and revenue. A human resource manager will be in charge of recruiting and hiring staff, as well as managing the day to day activity of personnel. A human resource associate may be expected to:

  • Perform job evaluations
  • Recruit potential employees
  • Process applications
  • Hold interviews
  • Perform employee training programs
  • Perform employee appraisals
  • Handle employee discipline when necessary
  • Discuss employee benefits

A college degree with a human resource or business focus is almost always a necessity in a human resource position.

In 2008, a human resource manager averaged between $73,000 and $126,000.

Accounting

Accounting is the keeping of financial records for a person or business. Accountants ensure that all taxes are paid, all appropriate papers are filled out, and everything is done legally. They may work year round with businesses to handle all their financial matters, or on an as-needed basis. Accountants can:

  • Prepare and file taxes
  • Create budgets
  • Help plan for the financial future
  • Take over the everyday financial matters of a business

To begin a career in accounting, one must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance at the minimum. A master’s degree is preferable. It isn’t necessary to become a Certified Public Accountant, but having this certification will provide greater career opportunities than a degree alone.

Starting salary for an accountant is around $48,000.

Financial Analyst

A financial analyst helps people decide what to do with their money. They may work with individuals, families, small businesses, or large corporations. They meet with their clients to determine how they would like to invest their money. They then put together presentations and suggest a plan on how to invest their clients’ money. A financial analyst may:

  • Meet with clients to discuss what they want to do with their money
  • Research for their client to find the best options for them
  • Present information to clients
  • Meet with clients periodically to discuss what is happening with their money

Most financial analyst have at least a degree in business, accounting, statistics, or finance. A master’s degree is preferable.

In 2008, a finance analyst averaged around $85,000 with the opportunity to earn bonuses.

Marketing Consultant

Marketing consultants work with businesses to sell products or service. The consultant will research consumer behavior and work with a company’s advertising or marketing department to develop the best marketing campaign for their product. Marketing consultants may:

  • Perform consumer and product research
  • Tabulate research
  • Produce and give presentations
  • Work with advertising or marketing departments

Employers usually seek a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing.

Marketing consultants can make an average annual salary of $108,000.

Investment Banker

An investment banker works with clients to arrange large financial negotiations. They are advisors to large corporations while they are planning to buy or sell a property or large asset or merge with another company. An investment banker can help when a company is in financial trouble. An investment banker may:

  • Meet with clients about possible mergers or acquisitions
  • Help when corporations find themselves in financial trouble
  • Give guidance in areas a company isn’t familiar with
  • Deal with the monetary aspect of negotiations
  • Offer advice before, during, or after transactions

A master’s degree in business administration from a top-notch school is often required.

Entry level salaries start at $85,000 for someone with an MBA in 2005, with year-end bonuses of $10,000 or more. After several years, salaries reach well over $100,000.

Business administration jobs are often available for varying levels of education and experience. Whether fresh out of college or packing years of experience, there is bound to be a position for everyone. There are people needed for businesses in every field, so whatever interest a person has, they are sure to find business administration careers to suit their tastes.