A business education remains a versatile investment in your future, providing a strong foundation for various industries. But is it truly worth pursuing? Read on to examine the value of a business education and the range of careers in business that graduates can explore. Whether you’re a high school student deciding on your next steps or someone considering career change or advancement, this guide will help clarify the opportunities an education in business might unlock.
What Can You Do with a Business Education?
If you have plans to start or advance in a business career, a formal education in business can help you achieve these professional goals. Similarly, programs in business can be helpful if you want to expand your skill set and explore new opportunities but have yet to establish clear goals. Either way, these versatile programs possess significant personal and professional advantages, making it a worthwhile investment in yourself and in your future.1
Overview of Career Opportunities
The business sector is uniquely diverse. It takes many moving parts to keep businesses running efficiently while also driving innovation and creating loyal clients or customers. Specializations such as operations, project management, human resources and marketing allow many professionals to contribute to shared goals or missions.
There are also opportunities available at numerous levels on the career ladder, including entry-level roles and even executive positions. A business education is broadly relevant across these practices, offering comprehensive training and a leg up in these competitive fields.
Importance of Business Administration
Business administration is important both from a training perspective and for fueling positive business outcomes. Business administration programs offer versatile, yet targeted training, covering the many skills and concepts needed to communicate persuasively and manage resources effectively. Across many industries and specialties, the practice of business administration shares a central goal of driving organizational growth.
Careers in Business
Many of the following roles in the business realm can lead to high earnings and generous benefits, not to mention the personal reward of making a difference in the economy or in your community.
Earning Potential
While a business education cannot guarantee that you will score a specific type of job or earn a specific income, it can boost your business career prospects through targeted skill development and by helping you expand your professional network. Keep in mind that earning potential can vary greatly depending on your preferred industry or niche. Geographic location can also have a major impact.
Across fields, this investment can pay off for business graduates, with recruiters showing similar enthusiasm. A 2025 National Association of Colleges and Employers report suggests that the vast majority of recruiters actively seek job candidates with skills that business programs promote, including problem-solving, teamwork and written communication.2
Popular Jobs in Business
As you plan your career (and as you consider how a business education might fit into those plans), be mindful of both entry-level and senior roles. You want to feel confident that you will enjoy your work in both areas. Below, we have highlighted a few compelling roles that offer a blend of growth opportunities and personal satisfaction:
Entry-Level Positions
Entry-level opportunities often involve providing practical support in fast-paced business environments. This is a great way to discover the realities of the business world while also growing your professional network and setting yourself up for future success in your specialty of choice. Consider pursuing one of these opportunities:
- Administrative assistant. Do you pride yourself on your immaculate organization and your attention to detail? You have the makings of an amazing administrative assistant. In this role, you will provide crucial support, helping other business professionals do their jobs more effectively. This could help you get a much-needed foot in the door, as you will spend a great deal of time interacting with executives and other business leaders.
- Sales representative. If you thrive on challenges and think of yourself as a ‘people person,’ you could have a bright future in sales. This thriving field draws on the power of persuasion and relationship-building. With a full understanding of customer needs and preferences, sales reps generate leads, pitch products and strive to meet ambitious sales goals.3
- Service manager representative. If you are committed to making the customer experience as rewarding as possible, you could have the makings of an amazing customer service manager. This role encourages you to support other customer service professionals as they transform everyday interactions into powerful business opportunities.4
Advanced Career Paths
With the right education, plus a few years of experience, you can rise through the ranks, gaining greater inspiration and autonomy as you seek mid or senior-level jobs that you find deeply compelling. Options worth exploring include:
- Sales manager. Working as a sales rep could eventually open the door to management opportunities. As a sales manager, you can inspire other ambitious individuals while also planning powerful sales strategies that set your team up for success. This role may involve setting targets or quotas, along with research aimed at identifying promising new markets.5
How to Align a Business Education with Your Career Goals
While versatility can be a core advantage of pursuing a business education, this training will go further if it clearly aligns with your unique career goals. As soon as you establish these, you can begin to tailor your learning experiences accordingly.
While you can still expect to cover a wide range of topics as part of a business-centered curriculum, your career goals will influence how you relate to these concepts.
Along the way, you can also begin to build your professional network according to your unique goals, all while taking advantage of your college connections, not to mention resources such as career services.
Setting Career Goals Early
If you feel driven by a specific vision of personal and professional success, use this understanding to fuel your journey. This begins with setting specific goals, how you want to use your natural talents and how you can address lingering skill gaps. Now, set relevant goals for your business career path. Which skills do you want to develop and how do you want to expand your network?
Leveraging Externships and Networking
Embrace externships, which encourage you to apply critical management concepts as you also discover the realities of the modern business environment. This is also a great opportunity for building your professional network. During extern, you will get the chance to work closely with many established professionals, who can help you prepare for your career following graduation. Some externships may even lead directly to employment.6
Is a Business Education Right for You?
So, is a business education worth it? There is no simple answer, but it is important to consider if this is the right fit for you, based on your interests, your talents and your vision for the future.
Key Factors to Consider
A business program can require a significant commitment. You should feel confident that you can fully embrace your classes and take advantage of other learning and networking opportunities. You also need to understand how this education relates to your future career path so you know which skills or concepts to prioritize.
Your current way of life may also shape this decision. Online programs offer flexible scheduling, which could be helpful if you want to continue working as you make progress toward your educational credential. Be mindful of costs and any available financial aid so you can get the best ROI from your program.
Benefits of Business Administration Programs
Business administration programs provide a valuable introduction to today’s relevant business concepts and strategies. Comprehensive coursework covers the essentials, ranging from business communication to accounting, marketing and beyond. Along the way, you will develop valuable soft skills such as creativity, problem-solving and emotional intelligence.
SJVCs Business Office Administration program provides an excellent pathway to the business world. Offering relevant courses and engaging learning experiences, this program is designed to help you thrive in the competitive business world of tomorrow.
Fuel Business Success with Office Administration Skills
A business education can be a powerful tool to achieve your career goals, offering diverse opportunities across industries. Whether you’re aiming for a career pivot or simply to build supplemental skills, understanding the value of a business education is key. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore SJVC’s Business Office Administration program to see how it can help you in your chosen area of business.
Sources
- Indeed. “Are Business Degrees Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/business-degrees-worth-it
- National Association of Colleges and Employers. “Job Outlook 2025.” https://www.naceweb.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2025/publication/research-report/2025-nace-job-outlook-jan-2025.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=57d47fb0_3
- Indeed. “10 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Sales.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/a-career-in-sales
- Inabo, S. “What does a customer service manager do? Key responsibilities and skills.” Zendesk. https://www.zendesk.com/blog/how-to-become-a-customer-service-manager/
- Connick, W. “What is a Sales Manager?” National Association of Sales Professionals.” https://www.nasp.com/blog/what-is-a-sales-manager/
- Indeed. “What Are the Benefits of Interns and Why Do Companies Hire Them?” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/why-do-companies-hire-interns
