What Can You Do with a Business Management Degree? 7 Common Jobs

You learn how to study, plan, and organize at least one aspect of an organization’s activities when you pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management. You’re essentially training to become one of the key cogs in the business world and your skills are transferable to a wide range of roles.

So, what exactly can you do with a business management degree? Let’s cover some of the most sought-after career opportunities open to business management graduates.

What 7 Jobs Can You Pursue with a Business Management Degree?

Job opportunities abound when you have a bachelor’s degree in business management. The statistics don’t lie, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noting that over 13.544 million people are employed in the “Business” field alone in the United States, with an average annual wage of $71,000.

Here are seven roles business management graduates often pursue:

1. Operations Manager
2. Project Manager
3. Human Resources Manager
4. Account Manager
5. Sales Manager
6. Business Analyst
7. Financial Analyst

#1 – Operations Manager

Operations managers are invaluable in most sectors because these are the professionals responsible for ensuring companies work smoothly. They must be multi-skilled, possessing expertise in areas such as risk management and resource allocation.

They’re the grease that keeps the wheels turning in the business world and are paid handsomely for it. According to data from Indeed, based on 22,400 salary reports, the average operations manager’s salary is $76,302, with the potential to hit the low six figures.

#2 – Project Manager

Where operations management involves directing the flow of company resources, project management is all about making the best possible use of those resources. They are effective communicators, managing and organizing teams to ensure work is done on time and within budget, which makes this another versatile role applicable across many industries.

Perhaps it’s the more visible end results that make project management among the most highly-valued roles for business management graduates, with average salaries falling in the $91,000 range.

#3 – Human Resources (HR) Manager

You may already be getting the idea that a business management degree helps enormously with managing and handling resources of all kinds, with an organization’s people being one of those key resources. Human resources (HR) managers serve as the go-betweens for a company’s employees and its upper management.

They focus primarily on the administrative aspects of a business, dipping their fingers into hiring, interviewing, talent development, and strategic planning, helping resolve workplace conflicts, and ensuring legal compliance. An average salary of $83,241 demonstrates how important these professionals are to their organizations.

#4 – Account Manager

An account manager is also an intermediary, only this time between the company and its clients. They l manage relationships with key clients, making communication a key skill to possess.

They may often play the role of a sales and marketing manager – especially when upselling their company’s products or services – and they may even need to offer technical support along the way. Salaries fall in the $70,000 range on average, though according to Indeed, it’s possible to make as much as $131,649 per year at the higher end of the account manager spectrum.

#5 – Sales Manager

Speaking of sales, it’s sales managers who oversee a company’s ability to bring in clients. Excellent product knowledge is a must, as is the ability to coordinate a sales team, meaning there’s an aspect of business administration to this primarily client-facing role.

According to Indeed, the average sales manager’s salary is $88,892, though there’s also the commission aspect to consider here – sales managers pull in an average of $25,200 per year in commissions.

#6 – Business Analyst

Data is the main tool of the business analyst as they use every scrap of data a business collects to recommend changes and analyze their company’s position. That makes the analyst versatile – IT, organizational structures, staff development, and sales approaches can all be influenced by the data-driven approach a business analyst delivers.

That industry agnosticism is highly valued by employers, as demonstrated by this role’s $85,244 average salary. It makes sense that employers would pay so much for their analysts. The role exists to make businesses better at doing what they do, leading to more sales and higher profits, both directly and otherwise.

#7 – Financial Analyst

Speaking of profits and sales, a financial analyst is another data-focused business management role, only the focus is placed entirely on numbers and financial statements. These professionals study economic data and keep abreast of financial markets (which includes copious amounts of market research), allowing them to recommend investments and advise on mergers and acquisitions.

Their work boils down to using data to show companies how best to spend their money to make a profit, with an average salary of $78,215 per year.

How Does a Business Management Degree Help Your Career?

Now that you know the answer to the question of what can you do with a business management degree, there’s another question to ask: Why does this type of degree open up these career opportunities?

It all comes down to skills. Business management graduates have learned how to manage teams and are among the most effective communicators in the business world. They’re the problem solvers, as adept at using data to make decisions as they are at helping businesses manage and utilize their resources. With this degree, you become a fountain of business knowledge with your understanding of how a company is supposed to work, making these skills a must-have across most industries.

Learn More About Our Online Business Management Degree by Contacting Us Today

With such attractive jobs on the table, your only challenge now is finding the right business management course. Enter UC – our Associate of Applied Business in Business Management Technology is a 60-credit program you complete entirely online. It covers the fundamentals of business operations (including the marketing, sales, and financial skills needed for many of the careers covered here) in a two-year program designed to prepare you for your next career step.

Get in touch to find out more – UC is ready to help you learn on your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a business management degree get you?

A business management degree gives you the skills to oversee operations, manage teams, and make strategic business decisions. It opens doors to a wide range of careers in leadership, finance, sales, and project management, with opportunities across industries. Plus, the problem-solving and communication skills you develop are highly transferable, making you a valuable asset in any business setting.

What is the highest paying job in business management?

Executive leadership roles, such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Financial Officer (CFO), are among the highest-paying jobs in business management, often earning six- or seven-figure salaries. However, roles like management consultant, financial manager, and marketing director also offer lucrative career paths, with salaries well into the six figures, depending on experience and industry.

Is business management in high demand?

Yes, business management professionals are in high demand because every company needs skilled leaders to oversee operations, optimize performance, and drive growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations are projected to grow steadily, with strong earning potential and job security across industries.

Is a 2-year business management degree worth it?

Yes, a two-year associate degree in business management is a cost-effective way to gain valuable business skills and quickly enter the workforce in roles like administration, sales, or operations. It also serves as a smart stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree, allowing you to save thousands on tuition while building a strong foundation for future career growth.