How to Become a Business Manager in Idaho

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What is Business Management?

Business managers are an essential component of a well-functioning organization. People in this role help set company goals and steer the business toward strategic solutions that help achieve these goals. While every business is different—both in size and structure—a business manager will typically sit at the head of all departments, which can include sales, operations, finance, and even human resources.

Almost every industry requires a business manager at the helm, especially a business manager who can provide clear direction for where the company is headed and who can tie staff motivation toward these goals. This role requires administrative skills and leadership ability, as well as keen business sense. At times, a business manager will need to take risks, but one of the key tasks in this role is ensuring that company employees trust the business manager at their company. If you seek a role as a business manager in Idaho, you will find plenty of opportunities, especially in the cities of Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls.

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Business Management Education in Idaho

Idahoans who are looking to advance their careers in business should consider seeking a business management degree. From business administration to hospitality and tourism, and from social sciences to business technology, there are abundant opportunities to take your education to the next level and flourish in this field.

Idaho’s #3 occupation statewide is professional and business services, employing more than 30,000 people in this growing and relevant field. Additionally, with its large footprint in the agricultural and technological sectors, there are many opportunities for business professionals to conduct high dollar transactions in both domestic and international marketplaces. Idaho produces more than one third of all the potatoes grown in the United States.

Additionally, there are several technology companies based in Idaho that continue to expand the state's economy. This challenging and fascinating industry requires engaged, thoughtful, and charismatic business leaders to help these companies succeed. With a strong foundation in business concepts, Idaho residents will be primed to take advantage of future career opportunities in the agricultural sector, whether managing a small farming business or applying business technology to job opportunities at food production companies such as Idahoan Foods or Simplot.

But there are also a broad range of jobs in the technology sector, whose employers include Micron Technology, Preco, and TSheets, among others. Business programs offered to Idaho residents maximize their ability to meet the needs of fast-growing technological industries and manifest exciting career opportunities in the Gem State.

Associate Degree in Business Management (AS)

Many Idaho colleges offer an associate business management degree program for students. With this degree, graduates can expect to serve as a manager in a local store, a sales consultant, or a relationship banker or executive assistant.

If you’ve been thinking about the work you need to do to get started professionally, you may notice that many positions require employment history in order to hire candidates for work. If your resume lacks a lot of professional experiences, you may want to consider seeking an associate business management degree as a way to slingshot yourself into a career.

However, many people decide to continue on in their business management degree in Idaho by seeking a bachelor’s. This is not necessary if you are satisfied with work as a business content writer, payroll specialist, or office manager. However, your job selection choices do increase with a bachelor’s in business management.

Bachelor's Degree in Business Management (BS)

If you complete your four-year degree in business management, you will find that more career opportunities open up for you. From a program assistant to development director, and from data analyst to staff accountant, you will find yourself in good shape to climb the corporate ladder with a bachelor’s degree. This is a challenging and rigorous degree that can help shape students and educate them about all aspects of the business world: from risk management, to finance, to sales and client management.

When considering a bachelor’s in business management, you won’t have to decide exactly what field you want to work in, since this degree can provide access to a variety of fields. However, you may want to think about double majoring in a topic such as economics in order to increase your marketability as an employee. Recruiters do see a large number of business students on the job market, and it’s a good idea to have ways to stand out when seeking a position as a graduate.

That being said, you may not find yourself ideally positioned to start your own business or ascend to a high-level position with this degree. If you seek a bachelor’s business management degree and begin your professional work life, you can always return to school in a few years for your MBA.

Master's Degree in Business Management (MS or MC)

If you aim to top the corporate ladder, you may want to buckle up and seek a master’s business management degree. This degree can increase your earnings and set you up for lifelong success. However, an MBA is not enough. You will need experience working within the business field to be successful. That is why some students pursue online class sessions or seek a part-time education at a public university while they continue to work.

MBAs can be more expensive than bachelor’s for a few reasons. These degrees are one of the most sought-after professional degrees. The availability of student loans has also driven up the cost of an MBA. However, this degree also confers a knowledge base that is difficult to replicate in the real world. Long term professionals can still benefit from the information provided in this degree. Professors and instructors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that students can benefit from.

With an MBA, you can find yourself well positioned as an investment banker, a business operations manager, or even a CFO or CEO. However, if you do not want to seek a top-level position requiring work outside of the traditional 9 to 5 schedule, an MBA may not be for you. This degree can skyrocket you to success, but it won’t be useful to you if you aren’t seeking an absorbing career that often requires a big investment of time.

PhD Degree in Business Management (PhD)

Who should seek a doctoral degree in business? There are only a few scenarios when a PhD in business management would be necessary. For example, if you hope to teach in a business school, a terminal degree can help, particularly if you select a thesis topic that is relevant to your ultimate professional goals.

If you hope to work at a think tank, you may want to pursue in depth study in business that can help prepare you for this career. However, there are usually far more MBAs issued per year than there are PhDs in business, and that is because there are only a few places where a doctoral degree in this field is necessary for success.

Become a Business Manager in Idaho

Idahoans seeking a career as a business management professional in Idaho have several options for schooling. Both Boise State University and the University of Idaho offer degrees in this area. Whether you are in the midst of your professional life or are just getting started, it’s important to consider your career goals.

In addition to degrees, you might want to think about seeking out professional certifications if they are relevant. For example, the Project Management Professional certification (PMP) can be helpful for those students who hope to serve as project managers. Certain software or sales certifications can get your application noticed, and human resource-related certifications are worth pursuing as you look for business programs.

Begin thinking about what sort of business career you wish to have before you attend school. If you’re looking for a government or public sector job, you may need to learn more regulatory information. These careers are very different from start-up culture, which is more nimble but also can be riskier. The culture in your work environment can be tied to your long-term happiness, so it’s an important consideration to think about.

As you consider a business management degree, consider which sector piques your interest the most. You will want to tailor your education and professional experience to this job sector. That said, it’s always possible to change your professional interests as your career develops over time.

You may find your business management degree goes quite a long way towards success at Idaho companies like Intuit or Cradlepoint, Paylocity, or HP Inc. These for-profit industry leaders recruit talented individuals whose work experience and education provide a strong foundation for a long-term professional relationship.

Healthcare and university settings can also benefit from the skills that business management professionals provide. This is because every industry requires leadership and the successful achievement of goals, as well as knowledge about the latest tools for success. Non-profits may not provide the financial compensation you may want, but these careers are typically more stable and offer comprehensive benefits packages.

The agricultural field is a wonderful place to apply your business management degree. Without a detailed understanding of supply and demand as well as risk assessment and the economics of the food and fiber industry, it can be difficult to thrive in agriculture. Consider a bachelor’s degree in business management if you want to run your own farm or join the agribusiness sector.

It’s important to keep focused and remember to maintain contacts as you move forward in your education and work. You may never know which people from your past can help you become a business management professional in Idaho.

Careers for Business Management Graduates

  • Account Manager
    Account managers maintain a relationship between a business and a client. This role requires a personable demeanor and a thorough understanding of the company’s products and business goals. The relationship between the account manager and the client can be a way for businesses to retain clients. If clients are satisfied and have a trusting relationship with their account manager, they may be more likely to keep their business with the company.
  • Project Manager
    Project managers provide leadership and organization for specific projects undertaken by a business. From planning to execution, to resource and team management, the project manager needs to keep deadlines in mind while obtaining and allocating resources appropriately to achieve the goals of the project. Project managers also manage project completion and typically provide a post-mortem look back at what was successful and what could be changed in the future for this type of project.
  • C-Suite Executive
    Executives with the word “Chief” in front of their title are the most senior persons within an organization. A few examples include Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Executives at this level are typically highly educated and experienced, with a vast knowledge of their particular area of expertise. C-suite executives have mid-level managers who report to them, and they strive to envision the future of the company where they work.
  • Customer Service Associate
    Customer service associates are front-end staff members who work with clients or customers regarding questions or problems the customer may encounter. A customer service associate can work from one business to another business or from one business to the consumer, depending on the services or products the company provides. Customer service roles typically require staff who can demonstrate a positive attitude and who can listen to client needs in an attempt to satisfy them. Problem solving and excellent communication skills are needed for individuals in this position.
  • Business Analyst
    Business analysts fill a go-between role that manages software requirements and delivers them to the information technology team. As a business analyst, it’s important to be able to model processes, provide cost-benefit analyses, and knowledge of the business structure. This role also needs to be personable and be able to think analytically. Because business requirements can become confusing, a person in this role must pay attention to detail and have strong communication skills.
  • HR Manager
    HR stands for human resources. The HR manager oversees staffing at a company including hiring, staff development, disciplinary actions, and employer-employee relations. Professionals with this title play a large part in facilitating a company culture whose policies are clear and consistently followed. HR managers must ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws regarding employee rights and should fairly adjudicate in cases of conflict between staff members or employees and their managers. Finally, HR managers should provide training to advance staff and ensure workplace competency.

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