January 11, 2024
8 mins read
Business administration forms the backbone of today's most impactful organizations and initiatives. Behind nearly every product launch or technological development is a series of talented and passionate administrative professionals coordinating critical resources, systems, and professionals to drive results. Without their hard work, extensive knowledge, and strong communication, most of society's functions would grind to a halt.
These experts are inspiring, in part, because they master such a wide range of concepts, tools, and technologies — all to help organizations run more effectively. Not everyone is up to the task: It takes a unique blend of skills and qualities to thrive in this demanding professional sphere. Those who rise to the occasion have the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts make a genuine difference to individual employees and at the organizational and even societal levels.
If all this sounds compelling, you may have a bright future in business administration. First, you must commit to years of study and skill development. One of the best and most reliable paths forward is earning a business administration degree. Along the way, you will have plenty of opportunities to hone your management skill set. This hard work will allow you to emerge with an impressive resume and plenty of confidence.
Interested in pursuing a career in business administration? Keep reading to discover both the importance of business administration as a field and the importance of studying business administration as you pursue your most ambitious career goals.
Why Study Business Administration?
There are many reasons to study business administration and no single factor will prove equally motivating for every student. This versatility is one of the most compelling aspects of this degree program. It can meet the needs of a variety of students and provide valuable preparation for success in many fields.
Commonly cited factors that go into the decision to study business administration include:
- Strong job outlook in management occupations.
- Often impressive wages, benefits, and bonuses for business administration graduates.
- Extensive job opportunities across sectors and specialties.
- Skill-building and networking opportunities that promote personal and professional confidence.
Is Business Administration a Good Major?
No degree program is right for every student or even for every aspiring business leader, but in general, business administration is an excellent major. It is a highly versatile and career-relevant program, centered around foundational knowledge that is critical to success for a variety of compelling professions.
At the graduate level, the Master of Business Administration (MBA), is one of the most recognizable and widely respected degrees. As insights from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reveal, an MBA is one of the most in-demand degrees among today's corporate recruiters. Business administration can also be a valuable concentration at the undergraduate level, as it provides a strong foundation of critical concepts that are highly valued in a wide range of entry-level positions.
What Do You Learn in a Business Administration Program?
Business administration programs cover a variety of topics relevant to managing teams or organizations. Operations management forms the basis of this program, with a foundational course delving into project management, inventory management, and material requirements planning. Other essentials include:
- Financial accounting: Transaction analysis and financial statements
- Managerial accounting: Cost management systems and data visualization
- Finance: Working capital management and security valuation
- Information systems: Database management and systems development
There is also a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of management, including its four basic functions: planning, organizing, motivating, and controlling. As you examine these concepts, you will have plenty of opportunities to see them in action through case studies and real-world applications.
In addition to these foundational concepts, business administration programs may incorporate several specializations, often related to specific career aspirations. Examples include:
- HR management
- Supply chain management
- Health management
Within these concentrations, the subject matter can vary considerably, with elective courses encouraging students to pursue skill development as they see fit. These specializations may also include targeted capstone courses that provide a chance to synthesize and showcase theoretical concepts mastered throughout the degree program.
Undergraduate-level business administration programs also emphasize general education coursework essential for developing much-needed soft skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and cultural competency.
What Can You Do with a Business Administration Degree?
A business administration degree looks great on any resume and can provide a definite edge when searching for an entry-level job. The skills developed through this program are applicable across many sectors. Common career opportunities sought by business administration graduates include:
- Business analyst
- Project manager
- HR manager
- Financial manager
- Marketing manager
- Operations manager
Importance of Business Management
Business management is a complex and comprehensive field that involves the oversight of various business procedures, operations, and resources to make progress toward overarching organizational objectives. Success in business management relies on the ability to communicate effectively and inspire others to connect to and strive for ambitious goals.
Role of Business Administration
Business administration and business management are not synonymous, but they are closely linked. Business administration involves the nuts and bolts of management — the technical skills and concepts that make it possible to carry out business management objectives. It relies on many of the foundational concepts highlighted above, such as financial analysis, data visualization, operations management, and organizational behavior.
Business administration professionals often specialize in one or more of these areas, although general managerial and leadership roles are also available. The specifics of this work may differ between the many specialties and areas of business administration, but in general, business administration means coordinating resources, overseeing staff members, and balancing detail-oriented initiatives with an eye toward organizational objectives.
Skills and Knowledge
Business administration professionals draw on a comprehensive skill set to offer unique perspectives and drive impressive results as they lead a variety of initiatives and operations. A strong command of organizational behavior is central to success across all business administration niches. Leaders need to know what drives common attitudes, behaviors, and conflicts within organizations and which research-backed strategies are most likely to make a difference.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are also crucial. Management professionals must often make difficult decisions that can have a significant impact on organizational outcomes. Administrative decisions are influenced by a wealth of data and observations, with all possible solutions and risks evaluated methodically to ensure that the best strategy is selected.
Other common skills sought by business administration professionals include:
- Quantitative analysis
- Financial reporting
- Programming languages
- Data visualization
- Resource management
Influence and Responsibilities
Business managers and administrators hold many important responsibilities in the modern workforce. Responsibilities will vary considerably from one role to the next, but generally speaking, management professionals are tasked with cultivating an orderly and productive work environment in which employees have the resources and support they need to carry out essential business functions.
To achieve this end, leaders in business administration may take on the following responsibilities:
- Identifying operational weaknesses that limit efficiency or stand in the way of innovation.
- Gathering details about these weaknesses and using data-backed insights to formulate and propose solutions.
- Coordinating staff training and assisting with other initiatives that help employees improve their skill set and their job performance.
Communication is a central component of business administration. Administrative professionals must be capable of building rapport with many types of people, including the employees they oversee, as well as departmental heads, executives, clients, and vendors.
Benefits of Studying Business Administration
Business administration programs offer several advantages for ambitious students wanting to make their mark in management. The comprehensive coursework is both compelling and relevant. It is designed to provide maximum preparation for the real-world challenges graduates will face as they take on high-level management roles. On a larger scale, these programs are also valuable for employers looking to hire the best and brightest professionals.
Career Benefits
A business administration degree provides strong preparation for navigating the modern job market. Many of the roles available to business administration graduates are highly lucrative and may offer the most room for advancement and long-term career growth.
Data compiled and analyzed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the projected job outlook for management roles exceeds that of all occupations (3 percent). Financial managers, for example, hold a strong outlook of 16 percent between 2022 and 2032, while computer and information systems managers have similarly positive prospects with an outlook of 15 percent during that period.
Many other management occupations highlighted by the BLS also offer excellent wage growth, with the median regularly exceeding $100,000 or even $150,000 per year.
Business Benefits
From the employer's perspective, applicants equipped with business administration degrees are among the most attractive. Employers recognize that these job seekers boast the best mix of leadership and soft skills, not to mention extensive practice applying these skills.
Hard skills such as budgeting, forecasting, and even database management are highly prized, and when employees can demonstrate a blend of soft and hard skills, they are better equipped to develop innovative and effective solutions to today's most pressing business concerns.
It is through the guidance of thoroughly trained management professionals that organizations of all types can make progress toward major objectives while getting employees invested in their culture and mission.
Personal Benefits
The benefits of a business administration degree extend far beyond professional aspirations and business objectives. This degree program can also mean huge benefits for students' personal lives. There is an undeniable sense of confidence that comes with excelling in a business program and emerging with such a respected degree.
These benefits extend to the experience of working as a business administrator or manager. These roles shape departments and even entire organizations while playing a critical role in facilitating or overseeing organizational initiatives. There is no satisfaction quite like pursuing passion-driven projects, both as a student and upon entering the workforce.
Study Business Administration at Lindenwood
Do you find business administration compelling? Do you aspire to take on a leadership role or make your mark in a management capacity? If so, the right degree could make a world of difference.
The next step on your path to a rewarding career could be enrolling in the right business program. At Lindenwood, we are pleased to offer several excellent options for aspiring business administration professionals, including the Bachelor of Art and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, as well as a Master of Business Administration.
Offered entirely online, these degree programs provide the flexibility and convenience that today's ambitious, hardworking students require. Request information today to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
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