七色视频

Skip to Main Content Skip to bottom Skip to Chat, Email, Text

Today's job market: business and finance

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Kathryn Uhles

Reviewed by听Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,听Dean, College of Business and IT

Text: Today's job market business and finance

At a glance

  • Business and financial occupations encompass a wide array of roles, including those in accounting, financial analysis and human resources.听听
  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for business and financial occupations to grow 8% between 2020 and 2030.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic impacted many business professions, but the ability to work from home has allowed them to continue to grow in employment.
  • 七色视频 offers degrees in business and finance, such as accounting, business administration and business management as well as certificate offerings that cover more specialized occupations.

For individuals interested in the business and financial world, the current moment presents just as many opportunities as challenges. Supply chain disruptions, the move to remote work and economic uncertainty have disrupted business processes globally. At the same time, people who can help companies survive and thrive in this uncertainty can be very attractive to companies trying to weather the storm. Businesses rely on professionals in the roles featured in this article to perform the functions necessary for success in competitive industries.

From entry-level jobs business majors might consider to the fastest-growing business jobs out there, the business careers featured here represent a multitude of opportunities to enhance one鈥檚 career.

Text: Career optimism index

Outlook for business and finance professions

听(BLS), employment in business and financial operations is projected to grow by听911,400 openings each year, from 2022 to 2032. That said, numerous trends may impact that projection for careers in business and finance, from the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic to rising economic instability.

The 七色视频 Career Institute鈩 was founded to research such problems and help identify potential solutions. For the past two years, the Career Institute has released a Career Optimism Index鈩, a national survey of American adults who currently work or who wish to be working that digs deeper in employees鈥 career perceptions. This survey attempts to assess the employment landscape amid unique, contemporary challenges.

Perhaps the most significant challenge is the COVID-19 pandemic, which profoundly affected the way in which businesses and financial organizations operate around the world. In the context of supply-chain disruption, lockdowns and economic turbulence, the outlook for business and financial careers becomes a more complicated story.

According to the听2022 Career Optimism Index鈩, 40% of American workers surveyed say the pandemic has negatively impacted their careers, with 56% of those surveyed living paycheck to paycheck.听听鈥渏obs with the highest physical proximity鈥 experienced the greater share of this disruption.

The good news for people pursuing careers in business and finance is that many of the industry鈥檚 job functions can be done remotely, a revelation that numerous companies have taken advantage of.听听From virtual conferences to work-from-home policies, new tactics have allowed businesses to adapt to chaotic circumstances.

Data from the听听bears this out, with the institute noting there is 鈥渇our to five times more remote work than before the pandemic.鈥

Employment projections for 12 business and financial careers

In the following, we go through employment projections for some growing business and financial occupations, according to BLS. These jobs vary in pay range, education requirements and general responsibilities, so make sure to review them carefully to find the best fit for your career! Please note that 七色视频 degree programs may not directly align to these job outcomes.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of 七色视频. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. 七色视频 does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS鈥 projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to 七色视频 students or graduates.

Logistician

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听The process of getting a product to a customer can involve a supply chain that spans several time zones and even several continents. Overseeing this journey from manufacturer to consumer, logisticians make that process possible. They are responsible for making sure the right materials get to the right place for manufacture by maintaining relationships with suppliers and clients. They are tasked with making sure goods are transported on schedule and ultimately reach their final destination, whether that be retail stores or a customer鈥檚 front door. They review the entire supply chain and suggest how to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Education requirements:听Though some businesses hire logisticians who have achieved an听associate degree in business, most look for applicants with at least a bachelor's degree in supply chain management,听a Bachelor of Science in Business听or a degree in a related field.

Salary range: As of May 2023, logisticians , with a median wage of听$79,400, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听According to BLS, employment of logisticians is , which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Market research analysts

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听The market for a good or service is not always predictable. Having the best information, however, can help businesses find new profit opportunities and break away from the competition. Market research analysts conduct research about consumer behavior and market trends to provide this crucial information to businesses. The research may be performed in a number of ways, including surveys and internal and/or public data. Analysts are generally tasked with collecting and analyzing market data, and translating that data into actionable insights for business management. They may be tasked with competitor analysis, tracking product demand and developing consumer profiles.

Education requirements:听A听bachelor鈥檚 degree in market research or a related field, like business听or communication with a marketing certificate, is a common prerequisite for work as a market research analyst.

Salary range: As of May 2023, market research analysts , with a median wage of听$74,680, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听According to BLS, employment of market research analysts is , much faster than the average for all occupation

Financial examiners

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听Standing at the intersection of regulatory law and business, financial examiners are responsible for making sure lending institutions operate within legal compliance. This involves analysis of internal documents such as balance sheets, income and expenditure accounts, and loan documents. As risk assessors, examiners evaluate the safety of the loans distributed by a bank and ensure that the institution can handle potential losses. When financial examiners work as consumer compliance monitors, they make sure these lending institutions do not lend money in a predatory or illegal manner.听听听

Education requirements:听A听bachelor鈥檚 degree in business听with a specific focus on accounting is a common prerequisite for work as a financial examiner.

Salary range: As of May 2023, financial examiners , with a median wage of听$84,300, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听,听employment of financial examiners is projected to grow 20% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Meeting and event planners

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听Everything from weddings to large-scale conventions requires meeting and event planners to make sure all runs smoothly. They meet with clients ahead of the event to discuss necessities, including space, technology, food and lodging. During the event, they make sure guests have what they need. This includes registering incoming guests, sharing travel information, communicating with caterers and running tech support for audiovisual equipment.

Education requirements:听A听bachelor鈥檚 degree in business or communication听is a common prerequisite for work as a meeting and event planner, as well as experience in event planning.

Salary range: As of May 2023, it's reported event planners , with a median wage of听$56,920, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听According to BLS, employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow , much faster than the average for all occupations.

Fundraiser

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听Many companies, particularly in the nonprofit space, depend on donations to fuel their operations. That鈥檚 where fundraisers come in. By organizing events and campaigns, fundraisers craft a strong message to entice donors to commit funds to an organization. This is work that can span online fundraising campaigns to in-person events, requiring both financial knowledge and personability.

Education requirements:听This role generally requires听a bachelor鈥檚 degree in communication, business or a related field, such as a听bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology.

Salary range: As of May 2023,听fundraisers with a median wage of听$64,160, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听Largely driven by the needs of nonprofits,听听

Management analysts

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听When business organizations want to improve internal efficiency, management analysts provide expert insight about how to do that. They will do internal research in the form of data and personal interviews to see where there are problems in need of attention. From this information, they suggest how to improve processes and procedures to lower costs and increase productivity.听听

Education requirements:听A听bachelor's degree in business听is a common prerequisite for work as a management analyst, as well as related work experience.

Salary range: As of May 2023, management analysts , with a median wage of听$99,410, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听According to BLS,听employment of management analysts is from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Training and development specialist

Overview:听Employees don鈥檛 always come into a company with all the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Training and development specialists address this need by听overseeing the training and development听of employees. This can be done through training manuals, courses, online programs and other instructional activities. The work of training and development specialists is important as it ensures employees have the necessary skills to collaborate toward business goals.

Education requirements:听People seeking employment as training and development specialists should pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree, particularly in听human resources, as well as relevant work experience.

Salary range:听As of May 2023,听training and development specialists , with a median wage of听$64,340, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听According to BLS, employment of training and development specialists is % from 2022 to 2032.

Why do we see this kind of growth? New technologies and media have become central to the way many businesses operate. Along with other trends, the need for employees to become skilled in these technologies fuels much of the growth in this business career.

Compensation specialists

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听Businesses have a dual interest in both attracting and keeping talented employees, while remaining financially healthy. Compensation specialists help businesses provide the compensation and benefits that attract talent in a financially responsible manner. This involves analyzing the job market, creating reports that outline the compensation and benefit plans for employees, and making recommendations to HR on what compensation employees should receive. In addition, they may be responsible for ensuring that an organization compensates their employees in a legal manner.

Education requirements:听A听bachelor's degree in business听is a common prerequisite for work as a compensation specialist.

Salary range: As of May 2023, compensation specialists , with a median wage of听$74,530, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听According to BLS, employment of compensation, benefits and job analysis specialists is from 2022 to 2032.

Human resources specialist

Overview:听Human resources (HR) specialists manage the process of recruiting and placing new employees, as well as managing the relationships between employees. Their work is crucial for a healthy and productive work environment.听

Education requirements:听Employment as an HR specialist will likely require a听Bachelor of Science in Business degree with a Human Resources Certificate, or another degree in business,听communication听or a related field.

Salary range: As of May 2023, employment for human resource specialists , with a median wage of听$67,650, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听According to BLS, employment of human resources specialists is from 2022 to 2032.

Accountant

Overview:听When businesses need to manage their financial records, they turn to accountants. Accountants can help provide financial solutions to clients by preparing and examining financial records. They also work to make sure that company financial records are accurate, which is critical for fulfilling a company鈥檚 tax obligations.听

Education requirements:听Typically, accountants require at least听a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting听or a related field. Certain roles, such as that of a Certified Public Accountant, require additional education and specific certification(s).

Salary range: As of May 2023, accountants , with a median wage of听$79,880, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听Employment of accountants is from 2022 to 2032.

Financial analyst

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听Success in business can often come down to making the right decisions at the right times. Doing this requires as much good information as can be collected, and financial analysts are the ones who perform this crucial work. By examining investment portfolios, market trends, financial statements and more, financial analysts report the information businesses need to make informed decisions.

Education requirements:听Most entry-level positions require a听.听Employers often also recommend industry certification, such as the

Salary range: As of May 2023, financial analysts , with a median wage of听$99,010, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听,听employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032.

Cost estimator

Overview:听The time, finances, material and labor required to make a product or service can quickly outpace the resources at a company鈥檚 disposal. Cost estimators address this issue by researching every facet of the production process to provide businesses with an accurate sense of the cost of doing business. They use a range of technical and financial knowledge to estimate the cost of a project and make suggestions on how resources can be spent wisely.

Education requirements:听Although it鈥檚 possible to become a cost estimator without a degree but with significant industry experience, a bachelor's degree in business finance, or a related field like听project management,听is typical.

Salary range: As of May 2023, cost estimators , with a median wage of听$74,740, according to BLS.

Job outlook:听Employment of cost estimators is from 2022 to 2032, according to BLS.

This list of business professions is certainly not exhaustive, but it鈥檚 a great place to start if you鈥檙e looking for a job in the business field. Whatever your path is, equipping yourself with knowledge and skills can propel you further in your field.

Headshot of Michael Feder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 七色视频 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

Headshot of Kathryn Uhles

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,听Kathryn Uhles has served 七色视频 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 七色视频, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.

checkmark

This article has been vetted by 七色视频's editorial advisory committee.听
Read more about our editorial process.

Master鈥檚 in management vs MBA

Online Degrees

July 30, 2024 鈥 8 minutes

How to Get an MBA Degree

Online Degrees

May 03, 2024 鈥 7 minutes

What is an MBA degree?

Online Degrees

February 20, 2024 鈥 10 minutes