What Are Entry Level Positions for a New College Graduate With a Business Degree?
- Management analysts, or consultants, conduct research and make recommendations to businesses regarding changes they need to make to be more profitable and efficient in business operations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many employers prefer candidates with MBAs, but some companies hire applicants with bachelor's degrees. The bureau expects the number of new jobs in this field to grow by 24 percent from 2008 to 2018. It also reported that management analysts made a median salary of $75,250, as of May 2009.
- A degree in business can lead to a career in pharmaceutical sales. Pharmaceutical sales is one of the few sales careers in which a bachelor's degree is required. Pharmaceutical sales representatives help their companies increase market share in the pharmaceutical industry by visiting with and educating physicians, pharmacists and health care managers regarding the benefits of their products. Sales representatives need the interpersonal skills to converse with physicians and other well-educated industry professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median salary of $71,340 in 2009 for sales representatives in wholesale manufacturing of scientific and technical products.
- Accounting is another entry-level career path for those with a bachelor's degree in business. Many business degrees are offered with a specialization in accounting or, at the very least, a heavy emphasis in accounting. It is not necessary, however, to have an accounting to degree to gain entry-level employment. Accountants are auditors or record-keeping professionals who ensure that businesses run as efficiently as possible by eliminating unneeded costs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for accountants is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. As of May 2009, accountants made a median salary of $60,340.
- A bachelor's degree can also lead to a career in insurance or financial services. Both industries are closely related. Insurance agents often sell financial products once they have obtained the proper licensing and the same is true of financial advisers with regard to insurance products. Most insurance companies, banks and investment firms prefer candidates with a business background. A strong understanding of the field of finance and excellent communications skills are needed to work in these industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial advisers made a median salary of $68,200 in 2009, while insurance agents made $45,500.
