Education and Training

When pursuing a business management degree, you will learn all aspects of maintaining a business, including both the people and the machines. You will also be given the option to focus on a specific area of business when you pursue a business management degree. For example, you may choose to focus more on managing people or on managing the finances of the business. In this case, the coursework you take while working toward your business management degree may vary slightly in order to provide you with the training you need to pursue the career you desire.

Employment Opportunities

A business management degree usually will not put you as the forerunner for a top position within the business management hierarchy. It will, however give you a good start and help you earn a position in entry-level management. With the help of your business management degree and hard work, you may work your way up to one of the following management positions:

• General Manager
• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Information Officer

As a General Manager, your job would be to make plans for the company, as well as to coordinate and direct the operations of the company. You would also be responsible for developing policies for the business and overseeing the daily operations of the company.

As the Chief Operating Officer, you may be responsible for many different tasks. Chief among these tasks will be to oversee the executives that are in charge of various departments within the company.

If you land a position as the Chief Financial Officer, you will be responsible for managing the financial goals and budget of the company. You will also be responsible for balancing the finances and managing the investments and financial risks of the company.

As Chief Information Officer, your role would be to oversee the technology utilized by the company and helping with the creation of a business plan. You may also play a role in budgeting, supervising, and hiring.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those with a business management degree will grow about as quickly as the average occupation. In addition, a business management degree can be put to use for starting a new small business.

The Bureau reports that the average salary for a person with a business management degree varies tremendously in accordance with the field in which the person is employed. Nonetheless, the median annual salary for general managers in May 2004 was $77,420 while the median annual salary for chief executives was $140,350.

Take the next step, find schools with business management programs.