How to Start a Business Career: 8 Tips for Success

How to Start a Business Career: 8 Tips for Success

If you are choosing a career path in business, you aren’t alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that about 715,000 new jobs in business and finance will be created in the decade between 2021 and 2031.

This encompasses a wide range of positions, like human resources, business management, business analysis, sales, and account management, to name a few.

Whether you plan on working your way up the corporate ladder, helping a non-profit organization, or starting your own entrepreneurial journey, it helps to plan so you can start your business career successfully.

Below, we share some insights on beginning your business career so you can progress up the corporate ladder quickly and efficiently.

1. Pursue a Business Administration Degree

Some entry-level business positions may require a business administration degree. Currently, business degrees are the most popular type of online degree, at a rate of almost 2 to 1. A 2020 study by Wiley Educational Services found that business degrees were highly sought after because candidates believe they help provide a competitive advantage in the job market.

Online degrees have become increasingly adopted by both educational institutions and students in the last few years, providing a convenient way for students to get the education they need. The advantage of online business degrees is that students can learn all the foundational skills they require to start their business careers from the comfort of their homes or other remote location.

One thing to look for is a curriculum from a regionally accredited college or university, as these programs have been reviewed by an accreditation body. This means the curriculum will be substantive and cover all the necessary training that students need to launch a fulfilling career.

2. Network with Colleagues

Networking is one of the most important things in which to invest your time in over the course of your career. Most of your peers will also be building their careers in parallel to you building your own career. You will meet many colleagues at the companies you work for, but you can also make connections through internships, social events, industry trade shows, and professional conferences. Social media is also a great place to meet industry colleagues and make a good impression.

Many of the people in your industry will change jobs, and be hired at different companies, and some will end up in decision-making positions. As your career moves forward, you’ll need allies and colleagues to support you, and partners with which to form strategic alliances. No matter what stage of your career you are in, you can benefit from mentors who can help you navigate the career path in front of you.

Remember, in business, it’s not only what you know, but whom you know also helps immensely.

3. Research Your Industry

Before you embark on a business career path, it is helpful to research the best practices, industry trends, and insider news about a given job. Getting familiar with your chosen industry will help you become knowledgeable and give you a better understanding of the business surrounding that industry. The general business skills you apply to a given business sector can also be applied to other sectors but having deep knowledge of your chosen field will help you succeed over time.

Some places you can research your chosen field or sector include business journals, industry publications and websites, email newsletters, books, stock market and other financial publications, lectures, presentations, and talks given by industry leaders.

4. Fine-Tune Your Resume, Prepare for Interviews

When applying for positions, be sure to list all relevant education, training, experience, and responsibilities. If you make it to the interview stage, accentuate how you were able to create positive outcomes and help achieve business goals in your previous job. If you are applying for your first job, certifications and degrees may help your profile stand out amongst the crowd.

5. Work, Training, and Experience

There are different ways that you can prepare for a business career, including training, education, internships, or apprenticeships.

If you plan to go into leadership or management, taking business leadership courses will help you understand how companies run, and prepare you for a leadership role.

You can also volunteer for leadership roles outside of work to gain experience, such as at a non-profit or charity organization.

Some jobs offer internships or paid apprenticeships. These are both ways you can learn with hands-on experience.

Watching webinars, presentations, and attending business talks can also give you insights that your peers might lack.

The more responsibility you take on at work, the more experience you can gain. Remember to have a goal in mind for advancing your career, and plan accordingly. There are many ways to prepare for leadership and learn problem-solving skills in the corporate world.

6. Specialized Training

If you are enrolled in a business administration program, there are often specializations or concentrations that you can sign up for. These extra training and education courses help prepare you for a specialty field. Be sure to ask prospective schools about their choices for specialized business programs.

7. Take Initiative with Your Career

One big advantage to learning business skills is that the general principles and knowledge transfer easily to a variety of settings. If you long for a change in your career, you can plan on moving to a new company or gaining experience in a new position when your current contract is finished. It is easier in many regards to find another position in the business world than it is in some professional careers. There is less stigma with changing jobs every few years with Millennials and Gen Z than there was in previous generations, where working at one job for your entire career was more common. Remember to network with your professional colleagues regularly, and the job-seeking process can be smoother.

8. Stay Aware of Emerging Opportunities

The business world has seen countless innovations and changes throughout the years. As new fields and business sectors are created, you will have the opportunity to change your career path and position. For most candidates, it is common to change jobs every few years, as new business opportunities present themselves.

By building a solid foundation of education, training, and experience, you will be well-suited to tackle any new challenges that arise in your business career. By staying aware of emerging technologies, changes, and organizational positions, you will be poised to move into new rewarding positions as your career advances. In particular, businesspeople who can become leading experts in a newer innovation hold a competitive edge, due to their topical knowledge, business acumen, and consolidated experience around a category.

Take the First Step Towards Your Career in Business

The Business Administration Degree program at Campus, formerly known as MTI College, provides students with business training in general administrative skills and business management principles. Students will receive a diverse set of skills, equipping them to enter a successful career in business administration and management. This is a fully online course, where you can complete the coursework remotely.

If a career in business administration is something you are interested in, click the link below for more information today!

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