How to Become a Business Professional in Iowa

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What Business Professional?

The term businessperson is a vague umbrella term which can refer to any person that works in a business. Often, those at the entry-level are not considered businesspeople until they move into a higher position. Indeed, many who use the term businesspersons are referring to those who are in management positions. However, this can still cover workers in a huge variety of industries and at various levels within corporate or non-profit organizations.

These professionals must be resilient and able to do their jobs under extreme stress. Even when the picture looks bleak, business professionals refuse to focus on the negative. Instead, they continue advancing their plans, along with fellow managers and co-workers. Stronger business managers have a good supply of patience and they should also have a strong sense of organization.

The most successful business professionals have the following qualities, which may help them to absorb negative events, get back up, and strategize their plans.

These qualities include:

  • Self-respect
  • Discernment
  • Self-control
  • Caring
  • Outward focus on other people
  • Toughness
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Business Education in Iowa

Iowa has a number of large industries such as construction and real estate, rental, and leasing.

The population of Iowa is just three million. Even so, its residents work hard to make the state’s many industries successful. Agriculture is the eighth-highest earning industry in the state. Combined with forestry, fishing and hunting, this industry brings $8.5 billion into the state’s coffers. Transportation and warehousing bring $6.4 billion into the state. So, as you can see, there are a huge number of options for students who are hoping to go into business in the state of Iowa.

Honestly, future business students who are thinking of going to school in their home state may be surprised at some of these numbers. Iowa is the biggest producer of hogs in the United States, but they have many more options than that for those who are looking to begin their careers.

All of these industries need business and finance professionals to keep the individual businesses operational. Business colleges in Iowa are educating future business professionals so that they will be ready to accept a position in businesses either in Iowa or in a different state.

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The employment of business graduates in Iowa appears to be solid. Business and financial operations occupations boasted an employment of 52.207 per 1,000 jobs. Breaking this down, insurance appraisers, and auto damage appraisers showed an employment rate of 0.027 per 1,000 jobs. Project management specialists/business operations specialists showed an employment rate of 7.084 per 1,000 jobs.

Associate Degree in Business (AS)

Some community colleges in the state offer Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration degrees for their students. Business students seeking a degree may be able to earn an associate degree in two years or less in order to put themselves on a path toward establishing the career they want.

After graduation, students can explore many career opportunities or they may choose to transfer to a four-year business degree program. Those with an associate degree will have an easier time gaining work experience and completing a bachelor’s degree, which may take as little as two years if you have already completed a two-year associate’s.

Students benefit from taking courses led by instructors with real-life experiences which they work to pass on to their students. Graduates choosing to begin their business careers may find positions as accountants, compliance analysts, financial analysts, in entrepreneurial endeavors, and more.

Bachelor's Degree in Business (BS)

A bachelor of business administration (BBA) provides a general business education while also preparing graduates for management positions. Students interested in entering an undergraduate business program may find a variety of options for a business degree in Iowa from local community colleges, as well as public and private colleges and universities.

These programs are mostly geared toward high school graduates who are looking to gain an education before entering the working world. However, some are also meant for professionals who have already begun their career and are now looking to advance their education.

Instructors within these programs are often former industry executives with real-world experience. Some of the business concepts students may learn from these subject-matter experts include managing a supply chain, managing projects, overseeing human resources, negotiating conflicts, and managing a diverse, global workforce.

Master's Degree in Business (MS or MC)

Master of Science in Business degrees can be completed in-person on evening or weekends or they can be found fully online, so you don’t have to leave your job or home to attend classes in another state or even another city. These programs are often customizable and interdisciplinary, which allows students to fulfill their educational needs and meet their long-term career goals.

The business environment today requires that graduates with master’s degrees have diverse experience. This experience may include investments, marketing, entrepreneurship, financial management, taxation, marketing analytics, or other subjects. Luckily, there are programs of all kinds, from all over the country if you can’t find what you’re looking for in your home state.

Earning an MBA or other master’s degree is a major accomplishment. Choosing a university with career coaching, support, and international study abroad opportunities can help an MBA student to develop their highest potential. Graduate students may take advantage of career fairs and guidance on best practices for their job searches. Career services also may offer company visits, soft-skill workshops (such as communication skills), and guest speakers.

Many MBA programs are focused on team learning- students may progress in a cohort, moving through the program with the same students, concluding with graduation.

PhD Degree in Business (PhD)

A PhD in business will provide students with the opportunity to choose a specialization that aligns with their interests. Coursework gives students the opportunity to reach competence in statistical methods, economic theory, behavioral science, and other options; students may also develop their expertise in both a major area and minor area. PhD students are required to develop their research and teaching skills.

Dissertation research is also an expected part of PhD coursework, as is the PhD core courses, and sometimes major and minor areas of study. As students begin to consider possible areas for career advancement, they may choose research positions in government or business. They may also choose to work in academic research or teaching.

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Become a Business Development Specialist in Iowa

As with all states, Iowa does not have any requirements for those who wish to become business professionals. You will not require licensure or specific certification to work in the state. Of course, if you wish to start a business of your own, you will need to register your business with the state, with appropriate tax status and everything else needed. However, the fact that nothing is specifically required by the state doesn’t mean that businesses in the state won’t respect or even require certain certifications.

A business certification is a visible proof of the business professional’s knowledge. Adding this to their experience can give them the edge they need to succeed in a competitive market. A business professional who wants to move up in their career would do well by earning particular certifications. The certification you need will depend on what industry you are in, but here are some examples of business-specific certifications to get you started.

  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
    This certification is intended for supply chain and related technology experts. It may be required for those working with end-to-end operations strategies, moving material from the supplier to the company, then to the consumer.
  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing
    This customer relationship marketing (CRM) platform allows businesses to handle the needs of their marketing and sales, as well as their help desk. This certification helps business professionals understand the use of social media, content creation, and additional inbound marketing methods to the benefit of their company. Those taking courses to earn this certification receive seven lessons, 34 videos, and eight quizzes.
  • Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
    This is an advanced certification for managers and business leaders who have more than five years of experience in business analysis. To qualify, business analysts need a minimum of 7,500 hours of business analysis experience spread out over the past 10 years; 900 of those hours are required to directly relate to four out of the six BABOK Guide knowledge areas. In addition, they’ll need 35 hours of professional development credits, which have been eared throughout the past four years, and two references.
  • Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)

    Oracle is one of the leading databases using the cloud to store data. This certification holds a high enough value that more than 2 million business professionals have earned this credential. Many job announcements specify that this certification is required for applicants.

    Oracle offers several certification opportunities that encompass both the on-premises software/hardware solutions as well as the cloud-based option. Oracle offers learning courses for free in several specialties.

Careers for Business Graduates

  • VP Operations

    This professional is responsible for supervising and managing the business. It is their responsibility to ensure the organization is functioning at its fullest potential. The VP of operations uses strategic ways of improving operational processes, ensuring the company succeeds.

    This leader provides processes to help employees and managers achieve profit and growth for the organization. They may offer guidance and mentorship to employees and other staff members.

  • Team Leader

    Team leaders monitor, lead, and supervise a group of employees to attain goals which contribute to the organization’s growth. They inspire and motivate members of their team, creating an environment which promotes positive communication and bonding.

    This professional offers guidance, training, instruction, and leadership skill, inspiring every member of the team to perform at their best. To do this, they develop a closely-knit team that works well together to maximize sale or customer assistance, depending on their departmental goals.

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  • Marketing Manager

    Marketing managers are responsible for the promotion of services, products, businesses, or brands. The marketing manager generates new business leads and supervises the marketing department staff. They are also responsible for managing marketing budgets and analyzing trends.

    Marketing managers must have extensive knowledge or marketing strategies and they need to be able to identify new business leads. A highly skilled marketing manager has expertise that easily translates into increased profitability and brand awareness.

  • Data Analyst

    Data analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and interpreting data sets so that the data answers a question or solves a problem. They may be employed in a variety of industries such as science, business, criminal justice, medicine, and government.

    They may find data that answers questions like “What patterns in human behavior are tied to financial fraud?”

    Data analysts carry out the following phases:

    • Identify data for analysis
    • Collect the data
    • Clean the data before analysis
    • Analyze the data
    • Interpret the analysis results
  • Project Manager
    Project managers take the lead on a project, overseeing its budget, team, and progress. They may take care of a variety of tasks for an individual project, then delegate other tasks to team members. The project manager supervises every aspect of the project, overseeing hiring team members and onboarding, managing resources, and scheduling.
  • Entrepreneur

    An entrepreneur works to find a gap in the existing economy and then create something that will fill that gap and allow their new business to prosper. Entrepreneurs may start one small family business, such as a bakery or pet grooming service, or they may have many big ideas that require tons of capital and make them plenty of money along the way.

    The entrepreneur puts their creativity, energy, and motivation to work to develop and make new products and services. They also take the majority of the risks while looking to make profit.

  • Chief Operating Officer (COO)
    A chief operating officer is an executive at the senior level. They are responsible for managing the daily administrative and operational activities of an organization. The COO may report directly to the chief executive officer (CEO), as they are often considered the second executive in the chain of command.

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