A formal education can open up opportunities that can help to galvanize a career in business, helping you to not only gain professional qualifications but also invaluable soft skills in teamwork, problem-solving, time management and communication.
Business is a highly versatile subject with many possible career paths. Whether you’re looking to build a career in a field of your choice or starting an enterprise of your own, there are multiple ways to tailor your learning so that you have all the skills you need to embark on your career journey.
Mapping Your Business Career Path
The educational routes into studying business are equally as varied, from a graduate certificate in business to bachelor's degrees in subjects like marketing and finance. As a starting point, consider starting with your passions. For instance: are you analytical and precise, or are you drawn to creativity and innovation?
Take some time to engage in some self-reflection to discover what your skills and interests are in order to refine your central goals and aspirations. Online resources such as psychometric tests or career guides can help with this while offering valuable industry insights.
About Business and Management Qualifications
Once you have established this, it’s time to research your business degree options. Some examples of these include:
- Associate Degrees or Diplomas in Business: Standalone qualifications in foundational skills which can then be used to progress to a Bachelors’ degree.
- Bachelor of Commerce: A degree aimed at industry-specific, niche or specialist roles.
- Bachelor of Business Administration: A more general business degree covering a range of topics in business and management.
- Masters in Business Administration
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Many business courses are offered as a “double degree” (for example, commerce and the arts).
If you have a particular niche you are interested in, you might also consider one of the following industry-specific business degrees in subjects such as:
- Healthcare management
- Finance
- Economics
- Marketing
- Accounting
If you’re unsure as to which course to take, it can be worth researching into the modules each degree covers, including specializations and majors. Consider how well they match with your goals. In addition, consider the personal level of engagement: some degrees can take three to four years to complete, so this is key to ensuring that you can maintain momentum and interest throughout.
Additional Ways to Learn
Internship opportunities, work experience placements and networking events will give you a more “hands-on” experience, helping you to round out your learning and test out your skills, while giving you the chance to make and build professional connections with others.
Some opportunities (such as foreign exchange programmers and international study tours) even allow you to travel abroad. Experiences like these enable you to build professional connections in-person while also learning about alternative approaches to business in another country.
Career Opportunities
Business degrees can be highly adaptable, enabling you tailor yours to a variety of professions. For jobs with the most growth potential, it can be worth looking at websites featuring the latest labour market insights.
In terms of career trends, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are currently on the rise, while careers in project management and change focus on an increasing need to remain agile and adaptable. No matter what path you choose, making your education and career decisions based on your passions, skills and interests can help to shape an intentional and fulfilling career.
