Business Administrator Career at a Glance
Professionals choosing to enter the world of business administration have many career options to choose from. Business training could prepare you for work in administrative services management, accounting or financial management, human resources, and operations. An effective business administrator should possess the following skills: clear and persuasive communication, ability to analyze information quickly, leadership and self confidence and good business judgment. Furthermore, a business administrator seeking to work as a top executive should be decisive and highly motivated.
What to Know about Business Administration Programs and Degrees
Business training requirements vary, depending on the job. A business administration degree at an associate's or bachelor's level could prepare you to work in office management, human resources, or sales and marketing. Many business degrees at a bachelor's level offer students the opportunity to take courses in specific focus areas, such as marketing or accounting. A master's degree in business administration is often a requirement for management-level jobs, such as financial and human resource managers.
Business Administration Career Outlook
As of May 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the following median annual wages for careers related to business administration:
- General and operations managers: $91,570
- Administrative services managers: $73,520
- Financial managers: $99,330
- Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents: $89,160
- Office and administrative support worker supervisors and managers: $45,790
Predicted job growth from 2008 through 2018 varies tremendously, depending on the career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for top executives will be little to none, while job growth for advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers will be 13 percent, slightly higher than the average for all occupations.