Congratulations on your decision to earn a business degree! Now is a great time to decide what to do once you’ve completed the required coursework.
Often, people attend college because they believe it’s the step after high school. Others do so because they want a promotion or a better career. Both are good ways to prepare yourself for career advancement opportunities.
Business training requires focus and discipline to get ahead in a competitive landscape. There are also various disciplines when pursuing a degree in business. However, it’s essential to have goals and an idea of what you want in a business career.
Are you considering a business career or looking to advance in your current field? Keep reading for these seven tips on getting the most out of your business education.
1. Consider Business Training in a Chosen Industry
Business degrees teach the skills needed to perform successfully in your chosen career. They focus on critical thinking, effective communication, and how to apply principles and methodology.
Every industry requires people with degrees in business administration. These are often specialized fields that require a specific focus. Before enrolling in classes, consider the field in which you’ll use your business education.
Here are some examples:
● Business Officer Manager
● Health Services Manager
● Marketing Analyst/Manager/Director
● Lead Analyst Roles
● Human Resources Specialist
If you’re unsure about your career path once you receive your degree, consider starting with an AAS degree in Business Administration.
2. Volunteer for Project Management Teams
Today it’s common for employees to attend college to boost their business career advancement opportunities. With your degree in business, you can learn new skills by signing up to participate in project management teams.
Larger corporations encourage employees to get involved with process improvement projects. Some companies go so far as to offer AGILE and Six Sigma training to employees looking to advance within the company.
Update your resume with human services to reflect your degree in business and any certifications you’ve received. Ask to get notified any time the company has projects or offers training.
Remember, your journey doesn’t stop once you earn your business degree. It’s the opposite. The journey is beginning, and you get to chart your course.
3. Continue Your Education
Starting the path of business training doesn’t need to stop at certificates or an associate’s degree. Earning your associate’s degree in business administration is the catalyst to work toward your bachelor’s and eventually an MBA.
Programs offering certificates and associate degrees offer the skills to qualify for expanded roles that could potentially lead to a promotion.
The higher your education level, the more chances you have to earn more money. Postgraduate education is for individuals that have their minds and hearts set on going into high-level management roles.
There are many careers in business that you can get with an associate’s degree or certificate in the area of business training.
4. Apply for New Positions
Once you have a degree in business, it’s time to see what positions are available. If you love your current employer, meet with a human resources representative to discuss open positions. It would help if you also took the time to register with a few job search websites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter.
Don’t shy away from applying for positions outside your area of expertise. Your business training and your business degree will prepare you for new challenges.
Take full advantage of opportunities that will allow you to put your degree to work in a new business career.
5. Get Certified
Earlier, we touched on certifications such as AGILE training and Six Sigma training. There are several other training programs available based on your chosen industry profession. Often these programs require coursework or a business degree.
You can work toward this requirement by earning your associate’s degree in business administration. Some programs will also count business certificates towards education requirements. It’s always a good idea to ask if it’s not written in the documents.
Certificates plus business experience carry weight when recruiters and HR managers review your application. Push past the competition with a balanced combination of both.
6. Attend Career Fairs
With your business degree, it will be time to visit hiring fairs. As you adapt to the world post-COVID-19, career fairs and recruitment events are held virtually and in person. Learn about upcoming events through your career services department, Chamber of Commerce, social media, and Google searches.
If there is a company you’re interested in working for, check their website for hiring events.
Print enough resumes to leave with recruiters. Dress for the position you want, and research the companies in attendance. Most important, be prepared for an onsite interview.
Companies with actual openings will conduct a preliminary interview to see if you’re a good fit. A formal interview with the hiring manager can result if you bring your A game.
7. Create a LinkedIn Page
Social media has its benefits, and there are platforms for every need. Create a LinkedIn account after earning your business degree. Keep your profile updated with any business training that you complete.
LinkedIn is an excellent source of information. There are recruiters and HR managers from thousands of companies across the country. You can build a network and communicate with other individuals with careers in business.
Don’t forget to update your online resume as you complete business certificates and work on process improvement teams.
Your Business Degree is the Start of a New Career Journey
The marketplace is becoming more competitive. Having business training on your resume can give you the upper hand to earn your desired position. A business degree is also essential for future entrepreneurs.
No matter the road you choose to take, InterCoast Colleges wants to help you navigate the way. We offer programs to help you achieve a business degree and certificate, depending on your goals.
We strive to support a culturally diverse learning environment for our students and to encourage their success. To learn more, click here to request additional information.