Selecting the correct college program can be a major source of stress for many individuals. While choosing a career within the business field may seem intimidating, it is actually a very smart choice. Programs within the business field are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of professions, offering opportunities for flexibility and growth. Careers within this focus are consistently at the top of many rankings lists, and they continue to be a reliable and dependable option. Using research and some of the major career resources, we have put together a list of the top three programs in business.
With online business programs growing in popularity, completing a degree in business and being successful in your career are both realistic and accessible.
Economics
The number one program within the business field is economics. Economics is used in many areas, including finance, labor markets, public policy, and industry trends. Jobs focused in economics require you to gather, organize, and interpret data, while also incorporating mathematical formulas and statistics into the calculations.
While analyzing situations and proposing solutions is a major component of careers in this field, you must also be able to communicate and collaborate effectively. Economics positions will require you to share your findings and results with business leaders, influencers, and people in various other professions. Some jobs within this field include market research analysts, consultants, and policy analysts.
Accounting
The next spot on our list of top programs in the business field is accounting. Accounting is often referred to as the one degree with hundreds of possibilities, as it can open many doors for you that you may not have even realized were options. While an obvious career path in the accounting field is becoming a CPA, there are many other routes you can follow. By having experience as a CPA, you can then become a partner in an accounting firm, change to a career in corporate or finance management, or even decide to work in government.
According to BLS, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. In general, employment growth of accountants and auditors is expected to be closely tied to the health of the overall economy. As the economy grows, more workers should be needed to prepare and examine financial records.
If you decide that you would like to pursue an accounting program, the next thing you have to choose is which focus you will have. The various career paths that are available to accounting professionals are grouped into three different categories: public accounting, private accounting, and government and not-for profit accounting. All of these areas have strong starting salaries and high opportunities for growth.
Finance
The third program in business on our list is in the area of finance. Working in finance is generally about managing money, whether it be for institutions, individuals, or organizations. Pursuing a degree in finance is a wise choice as it will lend itself to a variety of different jobs and career paths. Some of the jobs that a focus in finance would prepare you for include:
- Bond brokering
- Corporate finance
- Financial analysis
- Financial planning
- Investment banking
- Venture capitalism
- Portfolio management