Business and Finance Careers
Business careers are among the fastest-growing and in-demand of all occupations.One reason for this is that business professionals are needed in just about every industry in existence. Business professionals work as health care administrators, financial analysts, entertainment managers, retail marketing specialists, sales representatives, and restaurant consultants, to name just a few.
Another reason business careers are so popular, is the pay. Successful business professionals are some of the highest compensated professionals in the world. Business executives, managers and entrepreneurs can easily make in excess of $150,000 a year.
To get started on your business career exploration, make your selection from the list of business specialties below and you'll find detailed information on job outlooks, updated 2018 salaries, and training requirements for a career in business. Take your time and read through all of the material we provide to find the business career that is right for you.
| Occupation | Summary | Education (Entry) | 2018 Median Pay |
| Accounting and Auditing | Accountants and auditors prepare, examine and analyze financial statements and records. It's their job to ensure that financial statements are accurate and that corporations pay their taxes. They also evaluate financial operations for efficienty and develop financial management strategies. | Bachelor's degree | $69,400 |
| Account Executive | Account executives, also referred to as sales managers, generate new business for corporations and manage relationships with key clients. They also analyze data and develop sales and marketing strategies. | Bachelor's degree | $121,100 |
| Actuary | Actuaries are specialized accountants that analyze and determine the financial costs of uncertainty and risk. Actuaries use advanced statistics, mathematics and financial theory to analyze risk and minimize the cost of risk to their clients. | Bachelor's degree | $101,600 |
| Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations and Sales Managers | Advertising, marketing and sales managers develop programs to help generate interest in a product, service or company. They work closely with each other, as well as art directors, marketing agents and other staff members. | Bachelor's degree | $123,100 |
| Budget Analyst | Budget analysts help organizations and corporations (both private and public) organize their finances. They monitor and manage institutional spending and generate reports. | Bachelor's degree | $75,200 |
| Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators | Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators involved in the process of evaluating insurance claims made by claimants. | Bachelor's degree | $64,700 |
| Cost Estimators | Cost estimators college information and perform research used to estimate the money, time, labor and materials required to develop a product. | Bachelor's degree | $63,100 |
| Economists | Economists analyze the production and distribution of scarce resources, including goods and services. Economists collect and analyze data, evaluate various current economic issues, and study trends. | Master's degree | $102,500 |
| Financial Analyst and Advisor | Financial analysts provide businesses and individuals with investment advise and services. They evaluate the performance of stocks, bonds, securities and other investments for their clients. | Bachelor's degree | $82,800 |
| Financial Managers | Financial managers are responsible for ensuring the financial health of an organization or department. They produce financial reports, create financial and investment strategies, and develop plans to achieve long-term financial goals. | Bachelor's degree | $125,100 |
| Financial Service Sales Agents | Financial service sales agents, including securities and commodities sales agents, bring buyers and sellers together to conduct trades involving financial services and products, including securities and commodities. | Bachelor's degree | $63,800 |
| Forensic Accountants | Forensic accountants analyze a company's financial statements and often present their findings in civil or criminal court cases. | Bachelor's degree | $74,200 |
| Human Resource Managers | Human resource managers are responsible for recruiting new employees, interviewing and hiring the best job candidates for each position. | Bachelor's degree | $110,100 |
| Human Resource, Recruitment and Labor Relations Specialist | Human resource, recruitment and labor relations specialists recruit, interview and hire job candidates. They're also involved in new employee orientation. | Bachelor's degree | $60,400 |
| Insurance Agent | Insurance sales agents are primarily responsible for generating new business for insurance companies. They represent both clients and insurance companies. They help individuals identify if the right insurance policies and mix of insurance products to meet their needs. | Bachelor's degree | $49,700 |
| Insurance Underwriter | Insurance underwriters determine whether or not to write an insurance policy and what the terms of the policy will be. They also review insurance applications, determine coverage limits and premiums. | Bachelor's degree | $69,800 |
| Investment Banker | Investment bankers advise businesses on financial strategy for raising money and are often responsible for procurring investment funds for corporations. They act as portfolio managers and buy and sell assets for a profit. | Bachelor's degree | $240,000 |
| Loan Officer | Loan officers help people and businesses get loans. They evaluate applicant's credit worthiness and approve loan applications for individuals and businesses. | Bachelor's degree | $64,700 |
| Management Analyst and Consultant | Management analysts and consultants helps businesses and organizations find ways to improve operations, overall management and operational efficiency. Their goals is often to help companies reduce costs and become more profitable. | Bachelor's degree | $82,450 |
| Meeting and Convention Planners | Meeting, convention and event planners are responsible for managing all aspects of conventions, events and meetings. They must select venues, make transportation arrangements, and plan all details of an event. | Bachelor's degree | $48,300 |
| Personal Financial Advisor | Personal financial advisors provide financial and investing advice to individuals and families. They help people plan for retirement, taxes and make decisions about insurance. | Bachelor's degree | $90,600 |
| Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents | Purchasing managers, agents and buyers identify and procure products for companies to resell or use. As part of their job they must evaluate suppliers, assess product quality and negotiate contracts. | Bachelor's degree | $115,800 |
| Real Estate Appraisers and Assessors | Appraiser and assessors estimate the value of real estate, including commercial buildings, residential homes and land. Appraiser work for banks, mortgage companies, insurance companies and as independent consultants. | Bachelor's degree | $54,000 |
| Real Estate Broker | Real estate brokers help their clients location properties to rent or purchase. They also represent sellers who are seeking buyers and renters. | High school diploma or equivalent | $56,700 |
| Real Estate Agent | Real estate sales agents work through registered real estate brokers to buy and sell residential, commercial, and industrial property. | High school diploma or equivalent | $46,000 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | Securities, commodities, and financial servics sales agents are responsible for bringing securities and commodities sellers and buyers together to conduct trades. They often sell securities products to both individuals and corporations. | Bachelor's degree | $71,720 |
Source: BLS
