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What is Business Administration?
Colorado is a terrific state for business, and a business administration degree from a Colorado college or university will surely help anyone launch a brilliant career. Once they have mastered basic business concepts, as well as topics in their upper-level major courses, graduates find that their entry-level jobs are launch pads for brilliant careers. Students in Colorado who wish to remain in their beautiful state can consider many industries.
A business administrator is a professional who oversees business operations for a company. Their goal is to make those operations efficient and profitable in the short and long terms. Business administrators can thus work in a variety of positions throughout a company. Most work in offices at computer terminals, though different industries may require on-site work, such as construction management. Some are entry-level workers who perform clerical tasks or data entry functions. Those with a degree in business administration may start out in a management training program that grooms them to oversee a department within a larger corporation.
As the career of a business administrator progresses, they tend to develop their skills and knowledge relative to their specialty area. They may rise up in the ranks of their human resources, finance, or operations department, thus gaining more salary and status. Eventually most business administrators return to school for a master of business administration (MBA), a master-level certification in business, or non-academic credentials that attest to their skills and knowledge.
Their business acumen will come in handy in fields such as real estate, business services, healthcare, manufacturing, or construction, among many others. In fact, the technology sector is expanding beyond Silicon Valley and Colorado now is hosting some of the most cutting-edge firms. Not only do these start-up mavericks need top coding and software development talent but they also need business administration professionals to help bring it all to market. Business administration professionals also work as project managers, budget analysts, and accountants who all support the high-tech work.
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Business Administration Education in Colorado
Fun-loving and athletic business professionals might also consider working in the state's outstanding hospitality industry. Colorado is home to some of the nation's best ski resorts that keep revenues humming all winter. When summer comes, Colorado is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and other outdoors people who are eager to bask in the glory of the Rocky Mountains.
No matter what specific industry or niche in the business community a student desires, Colorado is sure to have a home for them. Colorado is also home to some terrific business degree programs. Graduate and undergraduate students alike find that they can pursue any focus area they desire. Colorado residents might also consider participating in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, a program that allows Coloradans to attend public colleges and universities in other western states without incurring out-of-state tuition.
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Associate Degree in Business Administration (AS)
A two-year degree in business administration from a community college can be a terrific way to get started in the world of business administration. Many recent graduates from these programs are hired for entry-level management or other positions which can evolve into bigger and better things. For those who desire a long-term career in business but are not yet sure what their specialty area should be, an associate business administration degree can be the perfect solution. In fact, those who are currently working might consider pursuing an online associate degree in business from an accredited institution.
That's because a two-year degree will provide enough exposure to business concepts to whet any appetite a person might have. For those who apply their associate degree to an entry-level job, the degree will help inform their experience and help them develop deeper interests. Those interests might be developed on the job or in a full bachelor’s degree program.
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (BS)
A full four-year bachelor’s degree in business administration is the academic background that employers prefer. A bachelor’s degree in business administration enables students to focus on specific areas of business such as human resources, supply chain management, marketing, or management, to name a few. Thus, when graduates land their first jobs, they can hit the ground running.
Bachelor’s business degree programs typically offer students more resources and opportunities that help them build a resume while still in school. For instance, some business degree programs offer co-op opportunities where students are able to alternate terms between courses and practical experience. Others pursue internships which provide college credit along with real-world experience. Both co-op and internship programs can provide valuable networking opportunities on top of being terrific resume material.
Finally, a bachelor’s business administration degree provides the necessary academic foundation for a master's degree. In fact, some undergraduate business programs support accelerated MBA programs. Those intense programs provide a way for students to graduate with both a bachelor’s and master's degree in around five years.
Master's Degree in Business Administration (MS or MC)
An MBA is considered the gold standard for business administration professionals. Once business professionals achieve this level of academic achievement, they find that the doors to the C-suites open up. Like a bachelor’s business administration degree, MBA students can choose a specialty area for their concentration.
These two years typically involve a baseline business education for the first year of study. In their second year, MBA students can choose a concentration area, which often builds on coursework from the first year. Concentration options include topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, healthcare, supply chain management, and information technology, among many others.
There is also the possibility to pursue a dual-MBA program that results in two master's degrees in three years or so. Some popular options include pairing an MBA with a second master's degree in law, engineering, computer science, or data science among many other options.
PhD Degree in Business Administration (PhD)
A PhD or doctorate degree in business administration can be a ticket to very great things, indeed. While somewhat rare in the world of business, a doctorate is sure to impress employers and clients alike. This level of achievement can be particularly helpful in fields such as computer science, data science, or engineering. In fact, there are dual degree programs that integrate a doctorate with an MBA.
Some dual MBA programs allow students to carry their second master's degree to the doctorate level. Professionals who combine a doctorate with an MBA can find great success. For instance, if someone were to combine an MBA with a doctorate in computer science, they would have the business savvy to launch a start-up while also having the technical skills to write code and oversee other coders. After all, many students achieve terrific skills and knowledge in technical areas but then don't know how to market their ideas, form a business, or administer its operations.
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Become a Business Administrator in Colorado
There are several steps to take in order to become a business administration professional in Colorado. First, it's important to understand what is involved in a career in business. That is, businesspeople spend their days in offices under fluorescent lights and often must wear formal business attire. These careers also involve a great deal of analytical, mathematical ability, but might also require creative abilities or engineering skill, depending on what industry you end up in.
Since business practices inform nearly every profession, a degree in business administration can apply to most all interests and goals. Even many scientists must apply business skills to their profession and healthcare providers often need business acumen to effectively manage their private practices or clinics. While it may seem counterintuitive, even non-profit professionals can use a business administration degree in their work.
To become a business administration professional in Colorado, students should first assess their skills and long-term goals. For those who thrive in mathematics class and who love following stock market information, a degree in finance might be optimal. Other budding business professionals might be more drawn to communications and crafting corporate narratives. They might seek a degree in business communications, marketing, public relations, or management.
Once a student has discovered a specific trajectory for their business administration degree and eventual career, it's time to find a college or university that can help them achieve their goals. When researching a business administration degree program, first ensure that the program provides the focus areas that the student feels will be best able to support their long-term career goals. Once a few programs have been found, students and their families should confirm that they have good reputations and that they are physically accessible, or that they offer an online business degree option. Finally, it's vital to confirm that any program they apply to has valid accreditation credentials from a regional or national agency.
Over the course of a business administration degree, students should consider a minor focus area that compliments their business studies. Some choose a minor in economics, but statistics and even psychology can also be helpful complementing degree options. At the outset, students should start making plans to complete an internship program or try to land a work-study job that compliments their business studies. A work-study job in the college financial aid, marketing, or even physical plant area can be helpful in the long-term.
Once a student graduates with a degree in business administration that includes a few practical experiences, they are sure to find an entry-level position in Colorado.
Careers for Business Administration Graduates
- Administrative Coordinator:
These professionals oversee many different departments and professionals to help the firm achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Administrative coordinators might also work within a department or team to facilitate their work. For instance, they might arrange meetings, travel plans, and ensure that presentations or other documents are ready for a meeting. - Maintenance Manager:
Depending on the size of an organization, this can be a very complex job. A maintenance manager needs to oversee their supply of tools and equipment but also their staff. Issues such as budgeting, scheduling, yearly reviews, and payroll will impact every working day. - Project Manager:
Project management is a growing field that includes its own master's degrees. These professionals work with specialized teams to help keep them on track. Many project managers assemble their own specialized teams to address whatever the project demands. - Supply Chain Manager:
This business administration focus area is increasingly important and specialized. Some logisticians come from the computer science realm and use their skills to create computer models for managing production, shipping, and other matters. - Branch Manager, Banking:
These management professionals oversee the operations of local banking operations. They help keep the various parts of the operation running smoothly and seek to maximize efficiency however possible. An in-depth knowledge of the bank's operations is necessary. - Non-Profit Director:
Though the notion of a non-profit director holding a business degree may seem incongruous, these professionals need the same skills as any for-profit administrator. Non-profit directors need to oversee budgeting, human resources decisions, and projects while also providing a face for the organization that attracts donations and grant money. - Team Supervisor, Call Center:
These business professionals need to be outstanding motivators while also being able to crunch the numbers. There are various ways to assess success in a call center, depending on the nature of the business. Some call centers are engaged in telemarketing so call center supervisors should be like sales managers. Other call centers are focused on customer service and troubleshooting where success is measured by customer satisfaction.Search Programs Offering Business Administration Majors
- Financial Advisor:
Those business administration students who concentrate on finance might want to pursue a license in this area. These professionals most often work with individuals who need help managing and building their wealth. They might also work with small businesses or organizations to help them build an investment portfolio. - Accounting Associate:
This is a terrific entry-level job for any business administration professional. After all, accounting and ledgers form the backbone of any organization. This sort of position may be especially well-suited to those professionals who are studying for their CPA examination. - Chief Marketing Manager:
After several years in marketing, a business administration professional might move up into this position. Often, chief marketing managers have an MBA on top of a proven track record of success. Most marketing managers are astute at analyzing marketing data, but they should also be able to work with the creative staff to create dynamite marketing campaigns.