Business School

Those interested in attending business school to further their career have no shortage of options. High school graduates may obtain either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in business administration from a two- or four-year college. A bachelor's level college degree, however, would open the door to potentially higher paying jobs.

Many college graduates decide to attend business school to obtain a Master of Business Administration, or MBA. Many do so after gaining several years’ experience in their chosen field. To attend a well-respected business school, applicants need to have a high score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), strong letters of recommendation from teachers and colleagues and a fine record of education and employment.

A traditional business school program requires one to two years of full-time study, but there are other alternatives for those who prefer to attend school part-time while employed full time. Some business schools now offer most of their curriculum online, while others allow a mixture of online and on-campus classes.

Even though the expense of attending business school requires a clear commitment, the rewards can be great. Business school graduates can earn much higher salaries than colleagues without MBAs and often have better career opportunities. Before making this decision, aspiring accountants must do their homework and find the right program for their needs. They also can apply for loans and other financial aid to help offset the cost of their business degree.

Business School Choices

A business school should provide students with the academic foundation and decision-making skills needed to help organizations succeed in today’s economical and political environment.

The core courses a student can expect to take in business school include the following: macro and microeconomics, financial management, information systems, statistics, organizational behavior, operations management, and ethics.

Business is among the most popular degrees chosen by students; therefore, it is a program that is offered by many community and online colleges, as well as traditional colleges and universities. The following are some key factors to consider when deciding on the right business school:

• Reputation. Does the school have a good reputation for offering a quality business education? How active is the alumni and what do they say about the education they received?
• Curriculum and teaching techniques. The way in which we learn has changed significantly in the last several decades. Make sure that the business school uses the latest techniques and technologies. For example, traditional lectures are becoming a thing of the past. Many colleges use case study methodologies to demonstrate business principals. They also lean toward students working in small groups or team settings. Find a school with an effective and current teaching methodology.
• Accreditation. Make sure that the college has received its national or regional accreditation. This will help ensure that the school has met the standards of teaching developed by an independent and objective accrediting organization. Accreditation is usually necessary in order for students to obtain federal financial aid. In addition, accreditation is verification to an employer that the school provided their prospective employee with a quality education.
• Degrees. What types of business degrees are offered? Does the business school have options for associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s programs? Do they offer a variety of management specializations?
• Facilities and technology. Is the campus a good learning environment? Does it have the latest equipment and technology? Does the library contain sufficient resource materials? Are the computers easily accessible? Do they offer classes both on campus and online?
• Job placement support. Does the business school offer job search assistance and counseling? Does the school host recruiting fairs that give students a chance to meet prospective employers?
• International exchange programs. Business is becoming more and more global, and the United States’ ability to compete on a worldwide scale is more important now than ever before. A student interested in international business may want to explore whether the school has an exchange program that will allow him to study abroad for a semester or more. Students that prefer to pursue a business career in the U.S. would still benefit greatly from foreign study and exposure to global competitive forces.
  

Business Careers

Business is often a good launching point for a career. The experience gained in a business management or business administration position gives a person a solid knowledge-base for almost any career path. Business careers rely on problem-solving, leadership, and sound decision-making; these are necessary skills for any role a person holds over a lifetime.

Business careers can be found in all sectors of the American economy; private, public, and academic. The roles for people with business backgrounds vary widely in corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and in academia. Some common job titles in business careers include: operations management, financial management, administration, sales, public relations, human resources, auditor, insurance, and marketing.

Decision-making is a key element in a business career. One must learn how to make sound decisions based on data, and how to understand an organization’s profit drivers. Poor decision-making will impact the future profitability and viability of an organization, no matter what the organization’s economic and business sector. A career in business often involves balancing what is good for the consumer against what is good for the long-range viability of the company.

Business careers can be lucrative. The vast majority (80 percent) of college graduates with a degree in business end up working in their field of study. One of the greatest advantages of business careers is the upward mobility. Career advancement opportunities usually follow a logical pattern or career path. Experience, coupled with academic training and strong leadership skills, often lead to executive-level positions or successful business ownership.

Most people in business careers work in corporations or businesses in the private sector. The government, and government agencies, employ approximately 4 percent of the individuals with business backgrounds, and 15 percent are self-employed.