Choosing the right major is just as important as deciding whether or not to attend college. Surveys indicate that students who are unsure about selecting a major spend more time and money on their educations and can even end up derailed from earning their degree entirely. So, it’s wise for future college students to research majors well before they start working toward their bachelor’s degree.
If you are thinking about majoring in business, you’re not alone. Business consistently ranks among the top college majors, with almost 1 in every 4 undergraduates majoring in business. It also happens to be one of the least-regretted fields of study, according to a recent ZipRecruiter survey of more than 5,000 college graduates. Here are five more compelling reasons to study business.
1. Gain highly marketable knowledge and skills
A business degree gives you knowledge and skills that employers want and that translate across many roles and industries. You will have the opportunity to apply your education, grow your experience and maybe even combine your passions in a variety of industries such as:
- manufacturing
- health care
- education
- nonprofit organizations
- the music industry
- hospitality
- …and the list goes on.
All of these industries need people who understand business. As business continues to expand on a global scale, there are many opportunities for professional growth.
2. Business is a top major for a lucrative career
We certainly can’t guarantee you’ll make more money with a business degree. However, when Kiplinger released its 2019 list of Best College Majors for a Lucrative Career, finance and business administration were both part of the list. When U.S. News & World Report released its list of the 25 Best Jobs of 2019, financial manager and accountant both made the list.
3. A business degree could help recession-proof your future
According to a recent survey by the National Association for Business Economics, 72% of economists believe a recession will begin by the end of 2021. One of the side effects of a recession is increased unemployment. However, a business degree may help you ride out another recession and tight labor market. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), following the Great Recession between 2007 and 2009, 86% of business school graduates found employment in 2011 after earning their degree. Business degree graduates often enter in-demand career fields such as financial management, information technology, management and human resource management.
4. Everything is business
No matter what career path or industry a person chooses, there is a business component to everything we do. A strong overall understanding of how business works helps you make more well-rounded business decisions. That knowledge is critical in financial or accounting roles, but also at all levels of management or when starting and running your own business.
5. Build on your education
According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of people with advanced degrees has doubled since 2000. For someone with an undergraduate degree in business, continuing with a master’s degree in business can deepen knowledge and skills, increase earning potential and open up professional opportunities.
Whether you are just starting to think about college or are well into the application process, give business serious consideration as a field of study. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that give you the flexibility to work in a variety of roles across many industries. You could earn more and may face fewer challenges riding out a recession, but most importantly, you’ll gain the foundation to help build a satisfying and rewarding career.
For more information about how a business degree sets you up for success, visit Walsh College at walshcollege.edu.