Business Education in Illinois
Are you considering enrolling in a business degree program in Illinois? This particular major can lead to a wide variety of employment opportunities, making it a wildly popular choice for incoming students. While specific course expectations vary, most colleges and universities focus on developing management, finance, leadership, and marketing abilities. As one of the most sought-after academic disciplines in the United States, business degree graduates can anticipate acquiring a wide variety of knowledge and skills than can be easily transferred to almost any industry. This can make the prospect of finding and maintaining employment a lot less daunting.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in business and financial occupations is expected to increase by 8% from 2020 to 2030. This it is faster than the average for all occupations in the country and is anticipated to add approximately 750,800 new positions in the field. There are several factors impacting this growth, but the primary contributors include continued globalization, overall economic growth, and the use of market research to understand customer demand more clearly.
As there are numerous business-related jobs that fall under this employment category, it’s important to note that the outlook will vary depending on the occupation pursued. Some career fields are expected to perform better than others. Employment of market research analysts, for example, is projected to grow by 22% in the next ten years. Overall employment of purchasing managers, buyers, and agents, on the other hand, is projected to decline 4% over the same time period.
Professional and business services are the highest ranking industry in Illinois, accounting for $118.4 billion in revenue each year. Additionally, it’s important to note that almost all of the top ten industries in the state benefit from or depend on business professionals to some extent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial operations occupations accounted for 345,970 of the state’s jobs in May 2020. The annual mean wage for people in these jobs in Illinois was $80,390 that same year, which is well above the national median.
Prospective business professionals can find degree options at every level in Illinois. While colleges and universities around the world offer programs and online learning makes is possible to take classes anywhere where internet access is available, it’ is often recommended that students attend institutions near their intended workplace. Local schools are most familiar with industry norms in the area and often have established relationships with top employers. Additionally, these programs will better prepare graduates seeking state credentials or who plan to open their own businesses.
Earning a business degree in Illinois does not mean you are restricted to applying for one type of position afterward. In fact, there are many different employment opportunities available, with business professionals of all kinds in the field. Job titles and descriptions will vary, but many who perform this type of work focus their efforts on analyzing and improving the performance of companies and/or organizations. Career options can vary significantly, however, with business professionals performing various tasks in all sorts of different work environments, from office cubicles to client’s homes.
Find Your Online Business Program
Business professionals require some level of advanced education. While programs are available at every level - associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate – most professionals opt to earn bachelor’s degrees. This is because the mass majority of entry positions in the field have established this as the standard. As a general rule, the more education completed, the more employment options become available, though there is some question of return on investment for anything beyond a master’s degree. Additionally, professionals with advanced degrees tend to enjoy more job security and higher pay. Ultimately, you will need to select the degree type that will allow you to achieve your personal and career goals best.