Business, Marketing, & Communication Careers Guide

There are many career options and specializations you can pursue after that business education. From business administration to finance to marketing and beyond, you have many choices. Because of that, your decision may be difficult, but this guide will help you figure out your options. Bookmark local business schools for after your research.

Business Administration

Read the main article here: Business Administration

Business administration careers covers a variety of different management positions. One job may plan and lead, while another may organize and control. Most will focus on improving the day-to-day operations of a company, helping make it run efficiently—basically, business administrators are to business as what mechanics are to motors.

Find a business administration program now.

What Business Administrators Do

Because it’s up to the business administrator to create a hospitable, effective, and profitable work environment, there are some duties that you’ll need to do as part of your job:

• Create company policies and goals, and make sure they are being followed and met
• Handle the budget and expenses
• Innovate new technologies within your workplace
• Hold meetings with stakeholders and staff about operations
• Negotiate contracts and agreements for services
• Interview prospective employees and promote current staff
• Examine reports and stats to cut costs and track performance

To accomplish your workplace goals, you need to have some of the following qualities:

• You’re quick thinking, especially in high-powered situations.
• You can remain cool, calm, and collected during stressful times.
• You’re a smooth talker.
• You’re a natural-born leader.
• You solve problems with no problem.
• You can avoid communication breakdowns.

Education

To start a career in business administration, you must:

• Start with either an associate or bachelor’s degree. With an associate degree, you can find entry-level position, which may prime you to climb the career ladder. However, a bachelor’s degree will open up more opportunities directly after graduation.
• Consider taking the next step by going for your Master of Business Administration (MBA). This should only take an additional one to two years. An MBA will help to propel your future in the business administration field.
• Pass a certification program before you are hired, if required. It’s always a good idea to get certifications anyway: Employers like that kind of motivation. An example of certifications a business administrator may be required to take include the Certified Manager credential (CM).

Online business administration programs are a popular choice.

Job Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average salary for business administration in 2023 was $121,200, with the top 10 percent earning $188,820. Business administration jobs are expected to increase in demand 5 percent by 2032, which is slightly faster than the national average of all occupations.

Business Management

Business management is similar to administration. While most business admin degrees allow you to learn core subjects and then specialize, management programs broadly cover planning and organizing across many fields.

However, more often than not, either degree can be used for the same job opening. The size of the company and industry it is in will determine what your exact role will be. But regardless of the shape or size of where you work, you’re there to assist your company reach goals and objectives.

What Business Managers Do

The needs of your employing company will probably change frequently. And with each change comes new responsibilities. Even still, you can count on some of the following duties to remain consistent:

• Supervising a single department
• Directing overall operations
• Keeping statistics and analyzing data
• Making crucial business decisions
• Interviewing, extending offers to, and onboarding employees
• Watching budgets, setting financial goals, and making necessary adjustments

Expect to be constantly busy taking care of compliance issues, policies, and staff. Being a business manager is definitely hard work, but it’s equally rewarding, as well.

Education

Managers typically oversee a certain department, so you need understand how these departments work. Study topics like finance, accounting, tax and budgeting, purchasing, sales, marketing and public relations, data processing, mathematics, statistics and economics, and production. In addition, you there are some educational requirements you will need to meet:

• Education requirements will vary based on employer, but a high school diploma and associate degree in business management are usually the bottom-line prerequisite.
• Small companies are more likely to hire bachelor’s graduates and allow them to work their way up.
• National firms may require a more advanced degree, such as an MBA, or extensive managerial experience.
• During your schooling, coursework will include principles of accounting, applied decision methods of business, finance for managers, and business ethics. The more schooling you have under your belt, the more opportunity you will have as a business manager.

Find a local business admin & management program.

Business Analyst

Business analysts help businesses look for ways to improve. They help companies integrate new technology, analyze data, look for new opportunities, and look for ways to help them save money.

What Business Analysts Do

When it comes down to it, business analysts operate behind the scenes of well-organized companies. You will be responsible for ensuring a business is operating in a cost-effective way. Here is an overview of what you can expect to do in your daily operations:

• Figure out projects to undertake and explain the steps to the necessary people
• Help put new technical solutions to current problems in place
• Plan and monitor all business activity related to your assignments
• Create conceptual prototypes and master strategic business process modeling
• Use effective communication and problem-solving skills
• Analyze data with advanced strategies

Education

If you want to become a business analyst, then you must have the proper educational background.

• Get your high school diploma or GED.
• You can get an associate degree, but most employers require a bachelor’s degree.
• International Institute of Business Analysis’ CBAP certification is usually required for hiring.
• Consider earning your master’s degree to advance in your company or elsewhere.
• Look into executive education programs for specialized training in the field.

Before you start school, you can start perfecting your business knowledge now. Work on technical writing, leadership, and decision-making skills. These will help you from the first day on the job through the end of your career.

Job Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average wage for business analysts in 2023 was $115,530, with the top 10 percent making $172,280 or more. They also reported the demand for business analysts in 2032 is expected to increase by 10 percent. This faster than average growth is due to the demand for consulting. Companies are looking for ways to control their spending and increase efficiency.

Most industries, specifically healthcare, will see an increase in demand for business analysts. Set yourself apart from your competition by being fluent in another language, having a graduate degree, having multiple certifications, and/or a very specialized area of expertise.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a growing field. It’s no secret that the marketing industry will continue to follow digital trends and social media. There are many areas of digital marketing you can pursue, including creating digital ads and organic social media marketing.

Read more about digital marketing careers: What is digital marketing?

What Digital Marketers Do

As a digital marketer, your will be responsible for to driving brand awareness and generating leads across a multitude of digital channels. You will want to promote engagement with existing followers and customers, and also target new users as well. You should be familiar with SEO and data analytics platforms.

You will also be responsible for:

• Identify trends and insights proactively
• Use software to track user flow, website traffic, leads, and more
• Optimize content for web pages and social media platforms
• Think of and implement marketing strategies
• Measure and assess ROI and specific goals
• Write and produce various content on platforms hosting blogs, videos, and social pages
• Provide internal reports to track progress and create new strategies

Job Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that digital marketing professionals in 2023 earned an average of $83,190, with the top 10 percent making $137,040 or more. Digital marketing is a great field to pursue with a lot of upward mobility. By 2032, it is estimated that demand for careers in digital marketing will increase 13 percent, which is faster than that of the national average.

If you are someone who is interested in the continuously evolving world of digital marketing, enroll in a digital marketing program near you today.

Entrepreneurship

An entrepreneur is an individual who launches his or her own business. In doing so, entrepreneurs assume most of the risk and and responsibility of the business, but also reap most of the reward if their venture is successful.

Education

Find a school near you offering a certificate program in entrepreneurship. Courses will include business fundamentals, financial statements, raising capital, marketing, sales, business strategy and development, and more. Alternatively, you can also get a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship. The course work will cover largely the same topics, but go into greater detail.

Generally only taking 6 months to complete, a certificate in entrepreneurship can give you the skills you need to start the business of your dreams. Some students pursue entrepreneurship right after they complete their program. Others enter the workforce to save money while they work toward their business. A bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship will take about 4 years to complete.

Whichever path you choose, a certificate or bachelor's in entrepreneurship can give you the knowledge, skills, and business acumen needed to move forward with confidence.

Find an entrepreneurship program near you!

Finance

The field of finance offers a broad and diverse range of career opportunities with managing money. It’s a great career track for you if you want to help both individuals and corporations succeed financially. You are trusted to make important decisions with other people's money. You keep up with all the economic developments in our country, as well as around the world. You have become knowledgeable and well-versed in tracking and predicting changes in the world’s economic climate and are able to use that to increase profits for your clients. Your savvy money skills are the backbone of the operation, making it quite successful. Find a local finance degree program.

What Finance Majors Do

The sector you choose to work in, either personal or corporate, will determine your exact job description. However, many financial careers do have similarities, so no matter where you land, you can expect the following.

• Personal Finance: You’ll help a person or family create a financial plan to save for college, home, or any other large purchase. You will also help your client protect themselves from any unseen potential risk factors. Tax planning and retirement funding are part of your duties, as is estate planning.
• Corporate Finance: You help a corporate entity balance its risks and profitability. You study economic trends to help you help the company. You’ll manage any portfolios and funds the company is invested in. You essentially aid in creating as much profit potential as the company can possibly reach.

Education

Most careers in finance require a bachelor’s degree. These finance programs will give you a comprehensive understanding the field, from management to technological expertise, and carry you across multiple types of industries.

• Graduate high school or earn your GED. If possible, focus on math and business classes.
• Earn a bachelor’s degree in finance. This will help you when it comes time to get a job in banking, financial planning, insurance, or real estate.
• Bachelor’s degrees can help you land an entry-level position. If you want to advance quickly, apply for a master’s degree in finance, as well.
• A graduate degree will give you a broader range of opportunities in the management and administrative levels of finance. This will take up to two additional years.
• Get certified. You have a few choices depending on where you want to work including becoming a Certified Financial Planner or Certified Financial Analyst, or getting certifications to work as a stockbroker and securities trader.

Financial Managers

As a financial manager, you make sure company finances are doing the best they can.

You may have a variety of different responsibilities and titles across assorted industries. You may be called treasurer, risk manager, insurance manager, or another related name.

What You Do

You may be employed in the manufacturing, government, finance and insurance, or medical sectors. Regardless, here are some duties you’ll encounter throughout any field:

• Produce and review all financial reports
• Direct investment activities
• Develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals
• Monitor all the financials, from the minute details to the broad views
• Supervise other employees under your direction
• Help guide your company toward smart financial moves and fiscal responsibility
• Find opportunities to expand the company and its efforts

Financial managers must be curious and methodical, able to express ideas well, and keep their work material protected and in order.

Education

A certain educational path is required if you’re planning a career as a financial manager. Here’s what you need to do:

• You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or accounting. This is not an entry-level job, so you will need around 5 years of related experience before you can pursue this career.
• If you want to improve your skills, you’ll want to get a master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or economics. This can vastly improve your chances of being hired.
• You should think about even more education: Voluntary certifications are highly recommended. You can look at becoming certified as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Certifications have their own set of requirements. To get a CFA, you must have a bachelor’s degree and four years of work-related experience. The CTP requires two years of work experience, plus a bachelor’s degree. Earning a CPA is different for each state.

Find a finance degree program.

Job Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary for financial managers in 2023 was $174,820.

The BLS also reports that the demand for financial managers is expected to increase 16 percent by 2032. Growth will vary depending on the industry. The banking companies, which are the heaviest employers of financial managers, will see the greatest increase in employment opportunities.

Loan Officers

Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend the approval of loan applications. As a loan officer, you could work for banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions to help people or businesses get funding.

What Loan Officers Do

There are several different kinds of loan officers: You can focus on consumer, mortgage, or commercial loans. While the size and purpose of the loans will vary among these specialties, your job duties remain pretty much the same:

• Call prospects to ask if they need to borrow money
• Explain options and answer questions
• Work with the applicants to get personal/business information, all necessary supporting documents, and signatures
• Check to see their eligibility, then approve, deny, or modify the request for a loan

Education

Many employers who are hiring loan officers look for candidates with previous experience. You’ll need to establish yourself in the field by having a nice variety of employment settings listed on your resume, including customer service, banking, and sales. However, you need to start off first by:

• Getting your high school diploma.
• Get your bachelor’s degree in either business or finance.
• If you have a strong background in related work experience, you may be able to get on job based on that and omit getting a degree entirely. However, it’s always a good idea to get that education.
• There may also be a certain degree of on-the-job training, depending on where you work. It could last anywhere from a couple of weeks through a few months.
• If you’re a mortgage loan officer, you must have a mortgage loan originator license (MLO). There is a requirement of 20 hours in coursework, plus you need to pass the exam as well as a credit and background check.
• Your license must be renewed every single year and may have additional requirements.
• You should have excellent customer service and communication skills. You’re in a customer-facing career, and you must be able to deal one on one with your clients in a relatable way.

Job Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary for loan officers in 2023 was $84,490. The top 10 percent of loan officers made an average of $139,470 in 2023. The demand for loan officers is expected to grow 3 percent through 2032.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts, otherwise known as securities analysts or investment analysts, help businesses and individuals make good investment decisions. You’ll work in banks, pension funds, mutual funds, and other businesses evaluating the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments.

What Financial Analysts Do

You’ll be doing a bit more than analyzing when you’re a financial analyst. A financial analyst's sole purpose is to maximize return on investments for other people and companies. This comes with a great deal of responsibility!

• You make investment recommendations and create portfolios of all sizes
• You check out and evaluate data, both new and old
• You study trends
• You make profit and loss calculations based on products
• Determine a company’s value based on financial statements
• Meet with stake and shareholders
• Put together reports for the crew

You must have excellent analytical skills to track the performance of stocks. You’ll collect the data that can be easily interpreted by a stockbroker or client. You really should have good decision-making skills to help individuals make sound investment choices for both short-term and long-term goals.

Education

Typically, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree if you want to become a financial analyst. Here’s how you can get started:

• Get your bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Get a job in the area you want to specialize in like securities, investment banking, or insurance. Mostly, you’ll specialize in an industry, region, or product.
• Once you have some experience, you can become a portfolio manager and select the mix of investments from a company’s portfolio or manage individual investors.
• A master’s degree in finance or business administration can improve your chances of advancing to a higher-level position.
• For some companies, your experience may be more advantageous than formal education.
• Institutions typically promote employees with an excellent track record with the organization.
• With a bachelor’s degree and four years of experience, you can sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst certification, which is a globally recognized certificate in investment performance measurement (CIPM).
• You need to study for and pass two examinations to earn the designation of CIPM. Students must also meet the ethical and professional requirements of the program.

Job Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for financial analysts in 2023 was $112,950, with the top 10 percent making $175,840 or more. The demand for financial analysts by 2032 is expected to be faster than the national average, increasing by 8 percent. To stand out in the eyes of employers, earning certifications and a graduate degree are recommended.

Personal Financial Advisor

As a personal financial advisor, you get to help others manage their money wisely. You’ll figure out what their financial needs are and help them make decisions on investments, taxes, and insurance. Some advisors in your industry offer advice across the financial board, while others may specialize in areas such as risk management or retirement.

What Personal Financial Advisors Do

Your clients may come to you for different areas of financial advice. Whether they are want to start saving for their retirement or put their three kids through college, you have some sound words of wisdom in how they should go about doing just that. Some of your other job duties, besides sitting in meetings with your clients, will include:

• Providing education about investing and the risks associated with it
• Guiding clients toward smart investments
• Creating plans specific to your clients’ financial needs
• Keeping an eye on your clients’ accounts, and adjust as needed or requested
• Researching constantly on investment potentials

Education

Becoming a personal financial advisor will require some education. Here's what you need to get started:

• Get your high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Receive a bachelor’s degree. There isn’t a specific major you must have; however, getting a degree in finance or another related field can prove to be quite helpful.
• Once you’ve gotten hired, you’ll go through some form of on-the-job training. Generally, this phase only lasts around one year or less.
• If you’re going to be doing anything in the stock, bonds, securities, or trades market, then there is a whole series of licensing you’ll need to get.
• Depending on how much money you’re managing, you will have to be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, you have to register with your state regulators.
• After you’ve gotten your bachelor’s degree and have worked for three years, there are some certifications out there you should consider, like the Certified Financial Planner (CFP). These will also help when trying to build up your client list. They are completely voluntary but held in very high regard.

One thing to keep in mind is that some employers will prefer you to have a Master of Science in Finance, or an MBA, particularly if you want to advance to a managerial position. A master’s degree may also reflect better on your clients.

Job Outlook and Salary

The average salary in 2023 for financial advisors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $150,670. The demand for financial advisors by 2032 is expected to increase 13 percent, which is much faster than the national average.

Marketing Manager

As digital media becomes more prevalent, marketing managers are in even higher demand. If you are highly driven and considered creative, then you may want to seriously consider joining this specialized field where you create lasting connections between a business and its paying customers.

What Marketing Managers Do

Marketing managers are responsible for creating a cohesive brand and cultivating loyal customers for the business. Depending on the size of your company, you may be in complete charge of the marketing efforts—or just a small segment of them:

• To have a complete understanding of what your company’s customers really want, you will need to do in-depth research on the market.
• Once you have finished your market study, you’ll create a marketing plan. This will give a clear path on how you’re going to reach your target market.
• You may also be in charge of client relationships, and you have to share with other employees on the account how to meet the client's goals and expectations.
• You also manage employees under you, assigning them duties and monitoring their progress.
• Another important part of your job is to identify other business opportunities for the products and businesses you’re working on and for.
• You’ll negotiate contracts and media costs.
• The job may require some travel.

Education

This career is not an entry-level position. You will need at least a bachelor's degree and 2-5 years of experience. Here's how you can become a marketing manager:

• Get a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, business administration, or any other related field.
• Doing an internship is always highly recommended.
• There are some certifications out there that are strictly on a voluntary basis. However, they do give you a certain level of respectability to employers.
• You can find certifications through associations such as Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI).
• Find an entry-level job in marketing.
• At this point, you should seriously consider joining a trade organization. Look into memberships with American Marketing Association, SMEI, and the Association of International Product Marketing and Management. Joining associations is a great way to network and expand your marketing manager horizons.
• Consider going back to school for a master’s degree. Having an advanced degree makes you eligible for higher level jobs.

Find a marketing degree program now.

Job Outlook and Salary

Marketing managers have a demanding yet rewarding career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the 2023 average salary for marketing managers was $166,410. By 2031, the demand for marketing managers is expected to increase by 6 percent, which is a little faster than the national average for all occupations.

Human Resources (HR)

Main Article: Human Resources

What Is Human Resources

The main goal of anyone in the human resources profession is to be that bridge that connects the employees to the company management. You will develop and maintain the company culture, and you are part of the hiring process including onboarding. Additionally, you maintain company payroll and all the benefits, and you also are the mediator during any type of conflict. Regardless of which type of human resource role you choose, you will be a vital part of the company’s success.

On a whole, there are a couple different career options with the human resource profession. In HR you either become a generalist or specialist. Read on to find out more about careers in the HR profession. Find a local HR Degree program.

HR Specialist

Human resource specialists handle employer and employee relations. They recruit new talent, conduct interviews, and place newly hired workers in jobs. They can also handle compensation, benefits, employee relations, and more.

What Human Resources Specialists Do

Here’s a sample of things you’ll do all day:

• Find potential new employees, check into their backgrounds to make sure they are a company fit, conduct interviews, and hire them.
• Work on employee relations.
• Onboard new hires and help train them.
• Use employee feedback in order to make the company a more effective workspace.
• Help create company guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Complete exit interviews with employees who are moving on from the company.
• Help to facilitate career growth and development.
• Maintain employee records and information.
• Answer questions about pay, benefits, and other questions employees may have.

Education

Most employers will prefer an HR specialist to have a bachelor’s degree. Still, it can be a lot easier to get hired when you’ve completed further education.

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, psychology, or any related field is required if you want to be easily employable.
• Get involved with an internship. You gain some hands-on experience, which can make getting your first job a little easier.
• Certification may be considered voluntary, but it can increase your job prospects. Many employers will prefer, as well as require it.
  • Society for Human Resource Management offers two certified professional certifications.
  • The HR Certification Institute offers a few different levels of certifications.

You increase your chances of career advancement with the more certifications you possess. Find a HR program.

As a human resource specialist, you should have strong decision-making skills and be a good communicator. Your work will also require analytical skills and business knowledge.

Find an HR degree program now.

Job Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average salary of an HR specialist in 2023 was $76,060. Job growth for HR specialists is positive as well. The BLS states that by 2032, demand for HR specialists is set to increase at a rate of 5 percent.

HR Manager

HR managers are responsible for many administrative functions within an organization. They oversee hiring new staff, consult executives on strategic planning, and serve as a liaison between a company's management and the employees.

What Human Resource Managers Do

What your actual day to day looks like will be determined by the type of company you’re employed with. Generally speaking though, you will:

• Find the best and most effective position for each employee based on his or her strong points
• Operate as a link between employees and management
• Oversee managing benefits
• Be the go-to and mediator for workplace issues such as sexual harassment and employee disputes
• Take charge of the recruiting, hiring, and onboarding of new employees
• Stay up to date on laws and regulations regarding employee rights
• If there is more than one office, you may have to do some traveling

Education

You will need some experience to become an HR manager. Here's how you can get started:

• Get a bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, education, information technology, or any other related field.
• Pursue an internship in HR
• Once you graduate, find an entry-level HR position
• After you have five years of work experience, you can apply for a manager position.
• Consider getting certifications. The HR Certification Institute and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans are two professional associations that offer a variety of certification programs..

Human resource managers must have excellent communication and interpersonal relations skills. You’ll also have to demonstrate an ability to organize, manage, and lead others.

Find an HR degree program now.

Salary and Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that HR managers in 2023 earned an average salary of $154,740. The BLS also predicts about an average growth rate for the profession of 5 percent by 2032.

Product Management

Product managers are involved in each stage of developing a new product. You will work across teams to create a new product and launch it. You have the option to work in a variety of industries, ranging from consumer goods to technology. If you are a visionary who enjoys thinking of new ideas, problem solving, and marketing, becoming a product manager may be the perfect career for you.

What Product Managers Do

Product managers must have a clear understanding of a company’s consumer base and their needs. As a product manager, not only will you conceptualize the product, but you will be involved with its design, features, and the engineering process. You will also participate in its marketing and distribution.

Other responsibilities you may have are:

• Conducting consumer research to identify consumer needs
• Leveraging consumer data
• Outlining the product roadmap and schedule
• Creating strategies
• Collaborate with engineering, sales, marketing, and other support teams during a product’s production

Many product managers find themselves in the marketing or advertising industry. To become a product manager, you should be familiar with analytics, economics, public relations, management, and digital marketing.

Education

In order to pursue product management, you should have a degree in business management, supply chain and operations management, or a closely related field. A bachelor's will take 4 years to complete, and should prepare you for your future of creating new products and revolutionizing consumer needs. You can also pursue and associate degree in product management to start off sooner in your chosen field!

Job Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that product managers earned an average of $166,410 in 2023. The BLS also projects that by 2032, demand for product managers will increase 6 percent, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.

Enroll in a product management course near you today!

Product Strategy

While product strategists work closely with product managers, the two occupy different roles in marketing. Strategists oversee the long term strategic plans for a product and its longevity. If you are someone who enjoys working toward set goals and overseeing the processes and progress of projects, then you may enjoy a career as a project strategist.

What Product Strategists Do

As a product strategist, you will develop and oversee product strategy, launch, and ensure its longevity. You will be involved in product development, high-level initiatives, pricing, marketing, consumer research, and more.

Other responsibilities of product strategists include:

• Collaborating with product managers
• Research and market analysis to understand market opportunities
• Communicating strategy to stakeholders and other B2B initiatives
• Listening to consumer feedback
• Managing budgets and timelines
• Overseeing product launches

Product strategists collaborate with product managers, but will also need to be comfortable communicating directly with stakeholders and clients. You will be directly involved in product launches and managing a product’s reception long term. Also, you may further implement any updates or help launch new campaigns involving the product or your company.

Education

Earning an associate degree as a product strategist can take 2 years to complete, and should prepare you for a great career as a product strategist.

Find product strategy programs near you!

Program Management

Program managers are fairly similar in their daily tasks as the project manager. The major difference is, program managers may stay overseeing a program for months or years, and they may also manage more than one program.

What Program Managers Do

You will be responsible for establishing and implementing objectives for business or technical endeavors, and you will ensure that all work is being completed on time and done right. Some of your daily duties will look like these:

• Communicating with the various teams involved in the endeavors you are putting in place.
• Provide higher management with feedback on the progress of a specific program.
• Act as the ticking clock for a deadline and the voice for the program.
• Monitor the progression of projects and make changes where things are lacking.
• Your type can be found in all industries including environmental science, engineering, and the government.

You should have excellent written and oral communication skills. You must have the ability to lead, but you also have to function as a member of the team. Attention to detail and organizational skills, the ability to multi-task, and working well under pressure are also good skills to have.

Education

There are program management certificate programs available. However, admission into these courses usually requires an undergraduate degree.

After you get your bachelor’s degree, start looking into program management certifications.

Check out the Project Management Institute; this is where the Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification exam is offered through. The certification requires you to have a degree and 10,500 hours of program management experience. Experienced project managers may also be eligible for this certification.

Many certificate programs also allow students to choose electives focused in an area of interest relevant to their particular industry.

Project Management (PMP)

Once you have that project management certification, you will be qualified to take on your duties of organizing, planning, and overseeing projects. There are numerous fields you can work within, but they will be dependent on your education and work background.

What Is Project Management

As a project manager, your roles will vary slightly from those of a product manager. Product managers focus primarily on product development and strategy, whereas project managers oversee the work and coordination of specific corporate initiatives.

While project managers may also focus on products, their responsibilities extend further across company-wide initiatives. If you are someone who is extremely organized and collaborative, with an interest in marketing, you may enjoy a future as a project manager.

Education

These days, you will be able to find courses in project management quite easily. There are a number of colleges, universities, and business schools, as well as individual project management courses available.

You’ll take classes such as:

• Project planning
• Risk management
• Team dynamics
• Time management

Earning an associate degree in project management will typically take 2 years to complete. Many project managers will be required to hold a bachelor's degree. Companies generally prefer candidates who have specific project management training. Here are some further steps you can take to become a successful project manager.

• Decide which project management certification you want. A popular one is Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Become a member of PMI.
• Schedule your exam.
• Study hard. There are classes you can sign up for, or you can buy study materials online and do it yourself. However, it has been proven that people who take the classes do better on the exam.
• Once you pass the exam, you will be considered a certified project manager.
• If you're looking to further your career, you can seek a master's degree in project management.

What Project Managers Do

As a project manager, you will be responsible for leading a team/teams in your organization to plan and execute the completion of projects and set goals. You will develop strategies to do so while working within any constraints related to time and budgets.

Additional responsibilities of project managers also include:

• Budgeting
• Identifying consumer or business needs
• Work with any relevant software
• Communicating with clients
• Evaluate project performance and monitor project progress along deadlines
• Tracking progress
• Review any contracts or agreements set in place

Becoming a project manager can be a challenging, but fulfilling, career. If you can see yourself communicating with team members or stakeholders, and are a problem solver, you could make a great project manager.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, project managers in 2023 earned an average of $104,920, with the top 10 percent making closer to $163,040 or more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts that demand for project managers will increase 6 percent by 2032, which is about as fast as the national average.

Take the first step toward your career as a project manager by finding project management programs near you!

Online Business Programs

Business, Finance, and Human Resource Degrees Online

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Enrolling in an online business degree program is a great way to get a degree on your terms. In fact, online business degree programs enroll more students than any other program available. An online school of any type just makes it that much more convenient to start or finish up your degree. It can also help save you money as you don't have to commute, you can live at home, and you don’t have to quit your job.

Because online school is becoming so incredibly popular, more and more colleges and universities are offering different degrees with the same curriculum as their in-person classes.

You definitely need to pay attention to the accreditation of the degree program. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) are the primary accrediting bodies for business programs and schools. These associations help to ensure a program’s ability to provide a valuable education. If your degree isn’t from an accredited program, it makes it more difficult to get certifications.

Getting a Business Degree Online

You can get a certificate, bachelor’s, or master’s while going to school 100 percent online. However, some programs feature blended instruction and require students to meet with instructors and peers on campus regularly. Most programs are conducted using email and discussion boards.

Similar to every other online degree, make sure you’re program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

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