Starting your career in business may seem complicated and that’s because the business career world is so versatile. The opportunities are vast, making it overwhelming to decide which one may fit best. The easiest way to decide is to determine your career and financial goals, as well as decide what position would best spotlight your skills.
Quickstart Guide To Landing A Business Career
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17 of the Top Careers in Business
Below are some of the top careers in business. That doesn’t mean they’re the highest paying business jobs, but they do offer plenty of job opportunities with a high level of compensation.
1. Labor Relations Specialists
Average Salary: $82,010/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 64,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -1% (Little or no change)
Job Duties: Labor relations specialists work to create, modify and maintain labor contracts. That involves salaries and wages, management practices, healthcare, and pensions. They also hold meetings between the labor union and a company’s management to form legal agreements of procedures for employee and management relations, usually called collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
2. Purchasing Managers
Average Salary: $75,120/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 571,900
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -6% (Decline)
Job Duties: Purchasing managers monitor the activity of buying products and services from outside organizations. They evaluate prices, as well as quality and deliverability of the purchased items. They also maintain networks of vendors and suppliers and may even visit distribution centers to evaluate products.
3. Claims Adjusters
Average Salary: $72,040/year
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 342,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -3% (Decline)
Job Duties: Adjusters gather information from claimants, photographs, police reports, and statements to determine how much an insurance company will pay to cover property damage and/or personal injury. This can include automobiles, residences, and businesses.
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4. Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Average Salary: $67,780/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 98,200
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 7% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Compensation specialists analyze pay structures of companies, such as programs for wages and non-wages (salaries) for its employees. They also determine if pay structures comply with state and federal law, and are in line with competing employers.
Benefits specialists decide if the benefits an employer offers, such as retirement plans, leave policies, wellness programs, and insurance plans are being properly offered, and at a reasonable cost.
Job specialists determine salaries, classifications, and duties of jobs within the organization.
To learn more, check out our business analyst job description.
5. Market Research Analysts
Average Salary: $68,230/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 868,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 13% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Market research analysts study data of the market to determine prices and products based on consumer demographics. This can also include examining companies and their competitors to create marketing plans based on product, pricing, and market position.
They also monitor and forecast marketing and sales trends, measure the effectiveness of marketing programs and strategies, and prepare reports to be presented to both clients and company management.
6. Chief Marketing Officer
Average Salary: $138,730/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 389,000
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: A Chief Marketing Officer is responsible for developing and implementing an organization's marketing strategy, including identifying target markets, developing marketing campaigns, and measuring the effectiveness of marketing efforts. They must be knowledgeable about marketing trends and strategies, and use communication and leadership skills to manage marketing staff, develop budgets, and oversee the delivery of marketing services, while ensuring that the marketing strategy meets the needs and goals of the organization.
7. Chief Executive
Average Salary: $100,090/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 3,787,800
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: A Chief Executive is responsible for leading an organization, including setting strategic goals, managing operations, and making executive decisions. They must be knowledgeable about industry trends and regulations, and use communication and leadership skills to manage staff, develop budgets, and oversee the delivery of products or services, while ensuring that the organization meets performance and safety standards and achieves its goals.
8. Training And Development Manager
Average Salary: $120,000/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 41,300
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: A Training and Development Manager is responsible for developing and implementing training programs for employees, including identifying training needs, designing training materials, and delivering training sessions. They must be knowledgeable about training and development procedures, adult learning principles, and regulatory requirements, and use communication and leadership skills to manage training staff, develop budgets, and oversee the delivery of training services, while ensuring that the training programs meet the needs and goals of the organization.
9. Sales Manager
Average Salary: $130,600/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 554,700
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 4% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: A Sales Manager is responsible for leading a sales team, including setting sales goals, developing sales strategies, and monitoring sales performance. They must be knowledgeable about sales techniques, customer service, and industry trends, and use communication and leadership skills to manage sales staff, develop budgets, and oversee the delivery of sales services, while ensuring that the sales strategy meets the needs and goals of the organization.
10. Medical And Health Services Manager
Average Salary: $104,830/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 509,500
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 28% (Much faster than average
Job Duties: A Medical and Health Services Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They must be knowledgeable about healthcare regulations and policies, and use communication and leadership skills to manage staff, develop budgets, and oversee the delivery of patient care, while ensuring that the facility meets quality and safety standards.
11. Financial Manager
Average Salary: $139,790/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 792,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 16% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: A Financial Manager is responsible for overseeing an organization's financial operations, including financial planning, budgeting, and investment management. They must be knowledgeable about financial analysis, accounting principles, and regulatory requirements, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to financial performance, while ensuring that the organization's financial strategy meets industry standards and legal requirements.
For more information, check out our financial manager job description and learn how to write a financial manager resume.
12. Logistician
Average Salary: $77,520/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 208,700
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 18% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: A Logistician is responsible for managing and coordinating the supply chain and logistics operations of an organization, including purchasing, transportation, inventory management, and distribution. They must be knowledgeable about logistics procedures, supply chain management, and regulatory requirements, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to logistics performance, while ensuring that the logistics strategy meets the needs and goals of the organization.
13. Financial Analyst
Average Salary: $96,220/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 376,100
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 8% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: A Financial Analyst is responsible for analyzing financial data and trends, and providing recommendations to individuals, businesses, and governments. They must be knowledgeable about financial markets, investment strategies, and regulatory requirements, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to financial performance, while ensuring that their recommendations are based on sound financial principles and research.
14. Actuary
Average Salary: $113,990/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 30,000
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 23% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: An Actuary is responsible for analyzing and managing financial risks, including calculating the probability of future events and developing strategies to minimize the financial impact of such events. They must be knowledgeable about statistical analysis, financial modeling, and regulatory requirements, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to financial risk management, while ensuring that their recommendations meet industry standards and legal requirements.
If you want to become an actuary, check out our guide on how to write an actuary resume.
15. Operations Research Analyst
Average Salary: $85,720/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 109,900
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 23% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: An Operations Research Analyst is responsible for using mathematical and analytical methods to solve complex problems related to business operations, logistics, and decision-making. They must be knowledgeable about optimization techniques, statistical analysis, and computer modeling, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to operational performance, while ensuring that their recommendations meet the needs and goals of the organization.
16. Loan Officer
Average Salary: $65,740/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 354,800
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: A Loan Officer is responsible for evaluating loan applications, including analyzing financial data, verifying creditworthiness, and determining loan terms and conditions. They must be knowledgeable about lending regulations, financial analysis, and risk management, and use communication and analytical skills to identify and address technical issues related to loan performance, while ensuring that the loan meets industry standards and legal requirements.
17. Human Resources Specialist
Average Salary: $64,240/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 874,500
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: A Human Resources Specialist is responsible for managing various aspects of an organization's human resources functions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and employee relations. They must be knowledgeable about human resources policies and regulations, and use communication and analytical skills to ensure that the organization's human resources strategy meets the needs and goals of the organization while complying with legal requirements.
Types Of Business Careers
There’s a vast number of positions in the business world. The list below shows some examples but it’s far from comprehensive.
- Accountant. Documents financial activity of a client, conducts audits, and prepares tax returns, and gathers financial records and statements.
- Financial Manager. Monitor finances and investments of an organization to create goals both short and long term as well as gain profit and lower costs.
- Marketing Manager. Creates marketing campaigns based on an organizations’ needs. They analyze data to determine pricing and market growth and trends.
- Human Resources Manager. Oversees employing and removal of personnel within a company as well as keeping benefit programs, training and productivity goals within the organization maintained. They’re also responsible for handling any disruptions or conflicts.
- Sales Manager. Sets production limits for sales representatives and creates budgets based on expenses. Depending on the organization, this could be for both business and consumer sales.
- Public Relations and Funding Manager. Organizes how a company or organization may reach out to the community through commercials, social media, and assist with a spokesperson. They also manage current and future funding goals and find ways to get funding.
- Personal Financial Advisor. Works with clients by guiding them with their current and future investments, expenses and finances.
Do you want to get a business career? Read more in our guide how to get a job in business.
Benefits Of Business Careers
- High earning potential: Many business careers offer high salaries and opportunities for bonuses and other financial perks.
- Job security: Businesses are always in need of skilled professionals, making business careers relatively stable and secure.
- Career advancement: Many business careers offer opportunities for advancement into higher-level positions with greater responsibility and higher salaries.
- Transferable skills: Business careers often require skills such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership, which are valuable in many other industries.
- Flexibility: Business careers can offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible schedules, allowing for a better work-life balance.
- Variety: Business careers can encompass a wide range of industries and job types, providing opportunities for individuals to find a career that aligns with their interests and passions.
- International opportunities: Many business careers offer opportunities to work abroad or with international clients, providing exposure to different cultures and ways of doing business.
Best Places To Find Business Jobs
Online Job Posting Sites
Online job posting sites are a great resource for finding business jobs. They provide job seekers with the ability to search for job openings in their desired field and apply directly to the employer.
When it comes to job boards, ZipRecruiter is one of the best options available. It's a great choice if you only want to use one job board because once you upload your resume to the ZipRecruiter database, it will be visible to thousands of employers and recruiters. Additionally, ZipRecruiter allows you to create a custom profile that can attract even more potential employers than your resume alone.
If you want to learn more about ZipRecruiter, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
Company Websites
Many companies have job openings listed on their websites. Job seekers can visit the career section of a company's website to view job openings and apply directly to the employer. This option is ideal for those who are interested in working for a specific company or want to learn more about its culture and values.
Additionally, some companies may have a talent network or job alert system that job seekers can sign up for to receive notifications when new job openings become available.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations are associations that represent specific industries or professions. They often have job boards or job listings on their website that are exclusive to their members. Joining a professional organization can provide job seekers with access to industry events, networking opportunities, and professional development resources.
Some of the popular professional organizations for business jobs include the Association for Financial Professionals, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the American Marketing Association.
Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies can also be a great option for finding business jobs. These agencies work with employers to fill job openings and often have access to positions that are not advertised publicly. They can also help job seekers with their resume and interview skills, and may offer temporary or contract-to-hire positions that can lead to permanent employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is business a good major?
Yes, in fact it’s one of the very best! Apart from high paying salary and job security, the opportunities with a business major can be virtually endless. It’s one of the most in-demand majors, as most organizations need professionals to handle many business capacities. You’ll also gain skills to understand how different aspects work within a company or organization.
Do I need experience to have a career in business?
Everyone has to start somewhere, so not necessarily. Although most employers will require some form of experience to earn a position within, it’s absolutely possible to get a job in business without any experience. A multitude of entry-level jobs are possible within marketing, HR, and sales that may not require a degree.
What is the most common job in business?
That depends on your specific major, degree and experience. A business degree can include business management, finance, human resources, marketing, and more. Some of the most common possessions are financial analyst, human resources assistant, sales rep, assistant buyer, and marketing coordinator. All can be valuable points of entry.
Is it hard to start a career in business?
That all depends on your skills, experience, and level of education. The short answer no, it’s actually fairly simple because positions in business are in such high demand and continue to grow. If you’re just starting out and have no experience, we recommend researching how to gain some through apprenticeships and even temporary work situations.
It will be mission-critical to put together a compelling business resume. For this reason, you may want to take advantage of the best resume writing service to get the job done right.
The Bottom Line
Because there’s so many opportunities for a career in business, it’s important to assess yourself and your skills when it comes to your career. Keep in mind that the business world is always growing and expanding, making it easier to grow and expand your skills and knowledge to advance your career.
Once you’ve figured out the right position for you, we recommend using ZipRecruiter for the fastest and easiest results.
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