A degree in Business Administration opens a number of doors into career opportunities. From Human Resources to management to analysis and beyond, a graduate has the ability to coordinate his or her future goals with many employment options. The educational facility is important when discussing credentials with hiring personnel, and Atlanta Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administrative Technology (Atlanta Technical College 104). It is not enough to simply understand the theory of working as a business administrator, but the top employees will also understand the technology involved promoting the success of a corporation. Atlanta Technical College recognizes the importance of instilling computer competency skills in their students in order to be able to effectively operate software applications. In addition to basic college courses such as psychology, mathematics, and English subjects, Business Administration students are enrolled in classes such as accounting, ethics, digital technologies, and document production. The estimated time required for completion of the degree is five semesters with a minimum of 64 credits and the approximate cost is $6677.
The National Center for Career Statistics states that Business Administration is the top choice for students wishing to pursue a successful career in the United States; in 2009, graduates with degrees in Business Administration accounted for 22 percent of all college graduates (NCES.ed.gov n.p.). A new graduate is expected to be able to plan and assist in the direction of an organization through the use of learned business and management theories, quantitative methods of accounting, purchasing and logistic skills, marketing knowledge, and effective decision-making. Through diligent application of formal education, a new graduate who looks to workplace opportunities for training and creates a reputation for integrity and effectiveness will find doors will open for advancement into multiples of positions. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics notes there are three fields that are chosen most often by new graduates in Business Administration: business consulting, financial analysis, and management trainee (BLS as cited by NCES.ed.gov).
A career as a business consultant offers graduate with a business degree one of the most diversified in the industry. The professionals have the opportunity to move from one company to another, gaining experience in a variety of different operations. A business consultant may opt to move frequently or settle into on type of client as a specialist. The responsibility of a business consultant is to work with clients in order to evaluate current processes and results in order to improve performance. He or she has the skills for analysis of data to create solutions and offer recommendations. A financial analyst works with an employer to develop a view of current market trends to promote wise investments and determine development of new and existing products. The financial analyst is also crucial in creating financial reports for presentation to stockholders and other entities in order to accurately represent the success of the company. The reports have the ability to impact the prices of market shares and provide for low-cost investor capital. The financial analyst also may recommend or veto plans for expansion. Additional certifications and knowledge of regulations nationally and internationally are expected from employees in the position. A management trainee program is available for new graduates that are uncertain about their preferences and talents in the workplace. Over the course of one or two years, training and practical experience will help the company and the trainee determine where the best fit is within the positions available. By working filling temporarily different roles in a corporation, the trainee is given insight into the requirements and responsibilities of numerous areas. This allows a trainee to move into a department with making a blind commitment, only to find the job requirements are not a personal fit. After the completion of the program, providing the trainee has performed in a satisfactory manner, the company may offer him or her a position in the area of the trainee’s interest.
When deciding on a position and an employer to start a new career, graduates should take the time to research potential employers, cities where positions are or will become available, and salaries offered. Some employers have a reputation for nurturing internal talent, provide ongoing training opportunities, have a history of upward mobility within the company, and have credibility within the industry for innovation and growth. When considering salaries, the location of the position is important; the same salary in New York City will not go as far in providing a comfortable lifestyle as in Amarillo, Texas. However, there are a number of other reasons to consider location than salary options. Larger cities may offer more chances for advancement, culture, networking, and other advantages. The average starting salary for a new graduate is between $30,000 and $54,000 (Payscale.com).
According to Fortune Magazine, the top company in the United States for quality of work environment is Google (Fortune Magazine). In addition to their reputation for innovation and upward mobility, Google has offices around the world; for example, applications are now being accepted for an Administrative Business Partner in Sales in Sweden, for Marketing in London, for Advertising in the state of Washington, in Storage in New York City, and Partners in Singapore, Beijing, and California (Google.com). The wide variety of options accommodates preferences for location and specialization within the corporation.
As previously mentioned, a new graduate with a degree in Business Administration applies to Google for a spot in a management trainee program. After evaluation of past work experience, school performance, community involvement, and personal presentation, he or she may be offered a spot in the program. On completion, a permanent position may be offered in the area of the trainee’s choice. From this point, there are careful steps to be taken toward moving up in management at Google or any other major corporation. First, the attitude that promotions are earned and not given is critical to advancement. Second, promotions may not always be upward; moving laterally across departments may allow for more opportunities. Third, there are actions that will bring an employee to the attention of superiors looking for top talent:
While superior performance reviews are not the only criteria for promotion, they are mandatory. This includes coming to work early, staying late, and volunteering for assignments no one else wants.
Self-marketing puts attention on an ambitious employee. The actions included in this type of activity are to determine the needs of the company and tailor performance based on them. It isn’t inappropriate to let co-workers and managers know a promotion is on the agenda; having lofty goals shows long-term planning and a motivated attitude. For instance, when assigned to a project and there is no defined leader, a self-marketing employee volunteers to keep management updated on progress and achievements.
It is wise to find a mentor that is respected within the company and start networking from that point. A solid upper-level manager has experience and insight into the operations of the company and can help in steering a new graduate toward success. Mentors also have the ability to “put in a good word” with other managers and might know of opportunities before they become publicly available in order to allow a subordinate time to prepare for application. Mentors may also allow an upwardly mobile employee cues on maneuvering political minefields. Open and transparent communication is important, but knowledge concerning key players may be invaluable.
There are many other ways for a graduate with a degree in Business Administration becomes successful. Starting with diligent attention to classroom studies and moving through decisions concerning career options, learning how to interview, and performance after employment, the field of business administration is varied and exciting.
There are both general and specific factors that impact success in a career. Individuals who strive for excellence academically and socially possess the capacity for achievement in the workplace. As their performance is recognized by superiors, upward mobility is the usual consequence. A graduate with a degree in business administration has the opportunity to demonstrate initiative, knowledge, skill, and motivation to propel him or herself to success.
Works Cited
Atlanta Technical College. "Business Administrative Technology". Atlanta Technical College.
N.p., 2016. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
Fortune Magazine. "Check Out 2016'S Best Companies to Work For". Fortune. N.p., 2016. Web.
17 Apr. 2016.
Google.com. "Search - Google Careers". Google.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
Harris, Christopher M., Marshall W. Pattie, and Gary C. McMahan. "Advancement Along A
Career Path: The Influence of Human Capital and Performance". Human Resource
Management Journal 25.1 (2014): 102-115. Web.
NCES.ed.gov. "Business Administration and Management". Nces.ed.gov. N.p., 2016. Web. 17
Apr. 2016.
Payscale.com. "Manager Trainee Salary". Payscale.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
