Careers for those with an Associate’s in Business Administration

Now more than ever, obtaining an associate’s in business administration is incredibly in demand. As the National Center for Education Statistics reports, a business degree continues to be extremely popular for undergraduate students. In 2019 alone, 390,564 undergraduate degrees out of 2 million were in Business. There should be no shock, for as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, the median annual wage for Business degree holders is $5,000 more than the median annual salary for other degree holders.

Students who wish to embark on their career path sooner than the four years that it takes to get a traditional Business degree will pursue an associate in business administration. Such a degree opens the doors to many terrific job opportunities.

An associate’s in business administration prepares students with the necessary skills that are needed to perform various office-related jobs. Before we detail such opportunities, let’s start with the basics. What is an associate’s in business administration and are associates in business administration jobs that can you get with this degree?

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What is an Associate’s in Business Administration Degree?

An associate degree in business administration is an undergraduate-level degree that typically takes two years to complete. This degree is suitable for students who aspire to begin or advance their career path in the business world so that they are qualified for management and administrative positions. While an associate’s in business administration is often labeled as a two-year degree, it could take more or less time to earn, depending on how many courses you complete per semester.

So, what can you do with an associate’s degree in business? The first step is getting an understanding of the skills an associate in business administration equips you with.

What will you Learn in an Associate’s in Business Administration Program?

Students who enter the program for obtaining an associate’s in business administration are taught the foundational skills and basic principles of business. This includes information on human resources, sales, marketing, and business law. Students are also prepared to quickly enter business fields through a wide understanding of economics, and accounting, and by taking additional liberal arts classes.

In addition to gaining 27 credits of classes relating to the program, students must complete general education courses. Students will also be taught how to handle administrative tasks like ordering supplies, record keeping, and communicating with customers. It’s important to note that students will not only be taught technical skills. Classes in team building, problem-solving, and imaginative thinking are given in order to give the students a higher chance of success in their chosen field.

These classes include:

• Project management
• Principles of finance
• Intro to human resource management
• Intro to business analysis and intelligence
• Customer service
• Economics
• Accounting
• Business ethics

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What Can You Do With An Associate’s Degree in Business?

As we mentioned, there are many options for careers within the realm of business. With an associate’s degree, you can earn a position as a:

Project Manager

If you are an incredibly organized person and are capable of working multiple jobs at once, you should consider becoming a project manager. Project managers are given the task of being in charge of a project from start to finish. Included in this position is keeping track of the budget, meeting deadlines, and managing the staff who are working on the project. Project managers develop a plan, assemble the employees best suited for the team, and ensure everything that is necessary for the project’s success is in place. While this position is no walk in the park, those who are equipped with the necessary skills of organization and team leadership will find this career highly satisfying.

Administrative Assistant

An administrative assistant is not just a secretary. With an associate’s degree in business administration, you can work for top executives. This position includes scheduling meetings, managing communications, and answering phone calls. Sometimes administrative assistants perform tasks such as preparing invoices and making sure that supplies are properly stocked. Just like a project manager, an administrative assistant must be meticulous and detail-focused. People who possess a strong communication ability, as well as the capability of planning long-term, are well-suited for a career as an administrative assistant. In addition to the responsibilities listed above, administrative assistants create schedules, handle travel plans, and schedule meetings. A large part of the job is communicating with people and ensuring the company runs smoothly. An administrative assistant is a vital member of any company, and with an associate’s in business administration, you will be prepared to confidently step into this position.

Customer Service Associate

As the job title suggests, customer service associates spend their day serving customers. This includes addressing customer concerns or questions, placing orders, and providing information about services and products. Having the skills to communicate clearly and having the patience and understanding to deal with customers who may be agitated is necessary for those who wish to work in customer service. This position isn’t as tiring as it may sound. It is incredibly fulfilling to know that you are assisting those who require guidance and are providing the information needed to solve their issue. Companies require staff who have the talent to reassure customers that their concerns will be addressed so that they will remain content with their product or service. Classes given in an associate degree program for business provide you with the skills needed to perform this job with grace and intelligence.

Sales Manager

If you are highly motivated to work deeply in the business realm, an associate’s in business administration will prepare you to delve into the career of a sales manager. Sales managers work on manufacturing sales or may choose to work in retail or wholesale. Sales managers work in every aspect of sales. They use their analytical skills to set sales goals, determine discount rates, and prepare the necessary training for the sales staff. This job also includes helping budget and dealing with customer concerns that relate to sales.

Human Resources Coordinator

Human resources coordinators play a crucial part in making sure a company or organization’s human resources department is efficient and organized. They work closely with the Human Resources director or manager in the recruitment process and help settle new hires into the company. This includes performing tasks like collecting contracts, completing payroll information, organizing performance reviews, and developing employee records. Just like with the jobs listed above, having the skill of communication and organization come in handy while working as a human resources coordinator. And it’s just your luck! An associate degree in business administration develops just those skills so that you can pursue a career as a human resources coordinator.

Earning Your Associate’s in Business Administration Online

Wait, is this sounding too good to be true? It gets better. Not only is an associate degree faster and more affordable than a bachelor’s, but completing your associate’s in business administration online can save you even more money. This is because you can pursue your degree in the comfort of your home, without the typical, unnecessary college expenses of room and board and textbooks. Enrolling in the University of the People provides you with all those benefits, as well as the flexibility needed to continue working as you complete your courses. UoPeople is an accredited online university that is tuition-free and is dedicated to educating a diverse student body through its affordability and offering a wide range of programs.

If the thought of obtaining an associate’s in business administration sounds appealing, check out programs offered at online universities in order to boost your growth.

Where does this Leave You?

In order to make a choice about what career you wish to pursue with an associate’s in business administration, it’s imperative to examine your strengths and interpersonal skills. If you’re not sure where you’re headed or have just begun your associate degree program, don’t worry. Whether you recognize your talents or not, they will be honed in by the remarkable classes in your business administration degree program. Now that you know the general information regarding an associate degree in business administration, you have taken the first steps on your path to a successful future.