Prospects for Job Growth and Job Security

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (2010-2011) published by the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics show strong growth for managers with technical skills well into the next decade.  In particular, employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow 17 percent over the 2008-18 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations.  Business Week often lists business analysts, risk managers and project managers as safer havens against the growing trend toward moving professional jobs offshore.     

More from the Occupational Outlook Handbook:  Due to the explosive growth of electronic commerce and the ability of the Internet to create new relationships with customers, the role of computer and information systems managers will continue to evolve in the future. They will continue to become more vital to their companies and the environments in which they work. The expansion of e-commerce will spur the need for computer and information systems managers with both business savvy and technical proficiency.

Placement statistics for BSB graduates are consistent with these projections. Our students earn starting salaries that are similar to engineers and computer scientists and demand for their skills is evident in the labor market.

Career Progression:  Get a Head Start on an MBA Degree

An undergraduate degree from a business program gives students a head start on an MBA or a master's degree in management because they are not required to take the pre-qualifier courses  required in most master's degree programs in business.

Typical Jobs for Undergraduate Business Majors

BSB graduates should expect early career positions that capitalize on both their business skills and their technical skills. Students specializing in MIS work as junior systems analysts, database administrators, technical support personnel in areas such as the help desk, and as MIS project managers.  Students specializing in marketing work in various fields, such as advertising and ad sales, technical and pharmaceutical sales, e-commerce and technical writing.  Many finance graduates find positions as junior business analysts and financial advisors in the banking and finance industry.

The new business specialization in international business offers the opportunity for business students to develop the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in these fields as well. Business students can choose these major tracks in addition to MIS, Marketing and Finance.

Early career positions provide a track to managerial jobs in the mid-career with a primary focus on managing technical functions. In addition, students may use their business knowledge to move into more general management positions.