Here is a look at some of the fastest growing business jobs today and how you can get started building your career.
For people with a business-related degree, there are a variety of career opportunities to pursue – from technology and healthcare, to marketing and finance.
Here is a look at some of the fastest growing business jobs today and how you can get started building your career:
1. Accountant
Accountants are vital to the success of any business and enjoy excellent job security as a result. Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, adding 139,900 new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As an accountant, you can pursue different career specialties depending on your interests. For example, public accountants typically work for accounting firms, performing audits, preparing taxes and provide consulting for individuals, corporations and government organizations. Internal or management accountants perform these activities for their employer, and are also involved in analyzing financial data and strategic planning.
To become an accountant, you need strong mathematical skills and attention to detail. Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in accounting, but you can also gain experience as bookkeeper if you have an associate degree. This is a good option if you want to get into the workforce faster, but you’ll likely have to continue your education if you want to advance your accounting career.
2. Market Research Analyst
Employment for market research analysts is projected to grow 23 percent between 2016 and 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing career fields today. As a market research analyst, you’ll study consumers’ buying habits to help businesses make more strategic decisions about how they market their products and services. Market research analysts can work for marketing agencies, research companies, colleges, corporations and even government agencies.
You can become a market research analyst by earning your bachelor’s degree in marketing, data analytics or a related field.
3. HR Specialist
Human resources (HR) professionals help organizations manage their greatest assets – their people. As an HR specialist, you can gain experience in basic HR practices, such as administering payroll and benefits, employee relations, recruiting and training. Successful HR professionals have strong communication and people skills and enjoy creative problem solving.
To begin your human resources career, you'll need either an associate or bachelor's degree in human resources. Certain specialties or employers may require a master’s degree with a concentration in human resources. Certification is also highly desirable by employers, and most upper-level human resource professionals have at least one certification.
4. Financial Analyst
If you’re a numbers person and like analyzing trends over time, you might enjoy a career as a financial analyst. Financial analysts help their clients make decisions about when to buy and sell investments and advise on economic trends and company strategy. Most professionals in this field work for financial services and insurance companies.
To begin a career in finance, you’d need to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. Many financial analysts go on to earn a master’s degree in business administration and pursue additional specialized certifications.
5. Data Scientist
Data scientists use data to inform strategic decision making, and they often have advanced degrees or a background in computer science, math, statistics or economics. Their skills can be applied to a number of different industries, including finance, public safety, healthcare and government.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in data analytics is a good way to jumpstart your career as a data scientist. Pursuing graduate-level education, such as an MBA in Data Analytics, can help you advance to leadership and management roles. Many data scientists also specialize within a particular business function, such as finance or marketing, using data to support decision-making.
6. Project Manager
Every business needs effective project managers to oversee teams, assignments, deliverables and deadlines. With a bachelor’s degree in project management, you can prepare for entry-level roles in a variety of different industries and environments, from information technology to construction.
With experience, project managers can advance to upper-management positions, such as general manager, department manager, team leader, operations manager, and more. Many project managers also choose to specialize within one industry, and may pursue industry-specific project management certifications, such as the CompTIA Project + to further differentiate themselves in the workforce.
7. Operations Manager
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be 27-percent employment growth for operations research analysts through 2026, nearly four times the average growth of all occupations. Operations analysts help companies solve complex business problems, such as setting competitive prices for products and services or making decisions about how to allocate resources. These professionals are in high demand because companies are increasingly relying on new technologies to make data-driven decisions that can improve cost-savings and efficiencies.
A bachelor’s degree in data analytics provides a strong foundation for a career as an operations analyst, with the potential to advance to management positions as you gain experience. Many operations managers also hold an MBA.
8. Management Consultant
Management consultants or management analysts help businesses find ways to improve efficiencies and cut costs. Employment for management consultants is expected to grow by 14 percent through 2026, adding more than 100,000 new jobs. Some management consultants work on a contractual basis and can be self-employed, while others work for large consulting firms. They can also specialize in certain industries, such as human resources or healthcare. To become a management consultant, you need a strong business background and exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. A bachelor’s degree in business management can help you prepare for a career in this growing field.
9. Healthcare Manager
Healthcare organizations have a growing need for competent and capable leaders to oversee health and patient services. Healthcare managers understand the business of healthcare and are instrumental in helping hospitals, small practices, insurance companies and a variety of other institutions navigate the changing healthcare environment. Employment for medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 20 percent through 2026.
Enrolling in a healthcare management online bachelor degree program will help you gain the business skills you need to succeed in a management role in the healthcare field, and earning an MBA in Healthcare Management can open the door to more advanced leadership roles.
Some students choose to enroll in a bachelor’s program after completing a certificate, diploma or associate program in a healthcare discipline, such as medical assisting.
