Top Business Schools

DeVry University

Kaplan University

University of Phoenix

Business Careers, Jobs & Salaries

Businesses and the people that run them drive the world's economies. Business students may specialize in one area of business, or they may choose a major in Business Administration/Management, which is a general degree applicable to many jobs.

Working conditions

Working conditions vary by job, but it is safe to say that beginners work long hours for less pay and glory than their elders -- but it all pays off eventually.

Business people usually work in comfortable offices, but many also travel to meet clients or stockholders or to attend conferences. In fact, students with international culture and language expertise can expect good prospects.

Careers

In-demand areas include ethics, auditing, and e-commerce. Students with sales and marketing skills will always be in-demand -- without a strong sales force, the company can't get anywhere.

Business jobs can be broadly broken down into:

• management and supervisory positions;
• advertising, marketing, and sales;
• customer and client relations;
• market and industry analysis;
• business law and taxation;
• operations and costing;
• finance and accounting; and
• administration

Within each field there are numerous sub-specialties; however, every business needs people that can perform the basic functions outlined above.

Annual Median Earnings*

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• Accountants: $65,840
• Budget Analysts: $68,140
• Financial Analysts: $84,780
• Public relations specialists: $58,960
• Public relations managers: $101,220
• Advertising sales agents: $53,170
• Advertising managers: $94,720
• Sales representatives, technical and scientific products: $79,260
• Sales representatives (excluding technical and scientific products): $61,470
• Sales managers: $110,390
• Market research analysts: $67,340
• Marketing managers: $118,160
• Administrative services managers: $79,500
• Cost estimators: $60,320
• Purchasing managers: $94,300
• Wholesale and retail buyers (excluding farm products): $55,540

*These numbers are the most recent available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.