4 answers
Hilda
Student
Hopewell, New Jersey
1
Question
Updated
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What are business careers?
What are business careers? How are accounts managed. Why are consultants important?
#bussiness #sandtrix
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4 answers
Jerry Bires
career coach
27
Answers
Carbondale, Illinois
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Hilda, your question is so general that I hope to provide at least a partial answer. Let's take one company: Walmart. As of the end of FY2024, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million people worldwide. Among the 2.1 million are, likely, hundreds of different job functions. To say that a Walmart greeter, shelf stocker or cashier is a business career may be a stretch. But nearly all jobs within Walmart corporate can be considered business careers. They need professionals in finance, accounting, merchandising, marketing, store management, purchasing etc. Persons in those jobs, to me, have business careers. The janitor sweeping aisles after a particular store closes does not have a business career, per se. That person has a "job."
A consultant, in this example, may work for an advertising agency that Walmart has hired to put together a campaign in print, television, radio and social media in order for readers/viewers to think positively of Walmart and be informed of why it may be wise to shop there and support the business of Walmart. A consultant is hired because of an expertise that is outside the main function of the Walmart business. Another type of consultant may have experience in doing business in Brazil, where Walmart may want to operate. Such a consultant would know the legalities and the cultural implications of doing business in that country.
Also in this example there are likely Walmart professionals who manage accounts. Walmart wants to sell apples, lets say, so someone is reaching out to apple farms and contracting with them to provide Walmart with apples. Keeping that apple grower "happy" is to manage that account. So managing an account may include finding a particular supplier whose business supports Walmart (a maker of cardboard boxes or paper/plastic bags), engaging with that supplier, initiating a contractual relationship and then ensuring that the relationship between Walmart and the supplier flourishes.
I hope this helps. Good fortune to you.
A consultant, in this example, may work for an advertising agency that Walmart has hired to put together a campaign in print, television, radio and social media in order for readers/viewers to think positively of Walmart and be informed of why it may be wise to shop there and support the business of Walmart. A consultant is hired because of an expertise that is outside the main function of the Walmart business. Another type of consultant may have experience in doing business in Brazil, where Walmart may want to operate. Such a consultant would know the legalities and the cultural implications of doing business in that country.
Also in this example there are likely Walmart professionals who manage accounts. Walmart wants to sell apples, lets say, so someone is reaching out to apple farms and contracting with them to provide Walmart with apples. Keeping that apple grower "happy" is to manage that account. So managing an account may include finding a particular supplier whose business supports Walmart (a maker of cardboard boxes or paper/plastic bags), engaging with that supplier, initiating a contractual relationship and then ensuring that the relationship between Walmart and the supplier flourishes.
I hope this helps. Good fortune to you.
Jeff Baril
Manage Business Application Software Development and Administration
6
Answers
Little Elm, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Why are consultants important?" It’s a great question because it addresses why organizations bring in outside help. There are several key reasons why consultants play such an important role:
Specialized Skills and Expertise: Sometimes, organizations lack the specific skills or knowledge needed for a project or problem. Consultants bring specialized expertise that can fill these gaps quickly without requiring the organization to train staff or hire someone full-time.
An Outside Perspective: Consultants bring “fresh eyes” to a situation. When a project has failed, or a team has hit a wall, it’s easy to get stuck in old ways of thinking. A consultant provides an unbiased external perspective and can identify issues or solutions the internal team might overlook.
Credibility and Objectivity: Sometimes, leaders or teams have the right ideas but need an external voice to echo and refine them to gain traction. A consultant can provide that objectivity and validation, helping to move initiatives forward.
Temporary Accountability: Leaders are often under immense pressure to deliver results. A consultant can act as a “neutral party” for analyzing, recommending, or executing changes. This removes direct pressure from leadership and gives them a buffer if things don’t go perfectly.
Change Management: Change is hard, especially within large organizations. Consultants are often brought in as change agents—people who can challenge the status quo, introduce new ways of thinking, and help teams navigate the challenges of implementing change.
Scalability and Flexibility: Hiring a consultant allows organizations to scale up for short-term needs without committing to long-term costs. It’s a flexible, efficient way to bring in support only when needed.
Fresh Energy and Focus: Internal teams often juggle many responsibilities, making it hard to focus entirely on a specific initiative. A consultant can provide undivided attention to a project, injecting fresh energy and focus.
At its core, consultants help solve problems, build momentum, and drive change. Whether it’s bringing expertise, offering a new perspective, or simply validating an idea, consultants provide value that organizations often can’t create independently. Sometimes, that means saying the same thing someone already said—but hearing it from the outside makes all the difference.
Specialized Skills and Expertise: Sometimes, organizations lack the specific skills or knowledge needed for a project or problem. Consultants bring specialized expertise that can fill these gaps quickly without requiring the organization to train staff or hire someone full-time.
An Outside Perspective: Consultants bring “fresh eyes” to a situation. When a project has failed, or a team has hit a wall, it’s easy to get stuck in old ways of thinking. A consultant provides an unbiased external perspective and can identify issues or solutions the internal team might overlook.
Credibility and Objectivity: Sometimes, leaders or teams have the right ideas but need an external voice to echo and refine them to gain traction. A consultant can provide that objectivity and validation, helping to move initiatives forward.
Temporary Accountability: Leaders are often under immense pressure to deliver results. A consultant can act as a “neutral party” for analyzing, recommending, or executing changes. This removes direct pressure from leadership and gives them a buffer if things don’t go perfectly.
Change Management: Change is hard, especially within large organizations. Consultants are often brought in as change agents—people who can challenge the status quo, introduce new ways of thinking, and help teams navigate the challenges of implementing change.
Scalability and Flexibility: Hiring a consultant allows organizations to scale up for short-term needs without committing to long-term costs. It’s a flexible, efficient way to bring in support only when needed.
Fresh Energy and Focus: Internal teams often juggle many responsibilities, making it hard to focus entirely on a specific initiative. A consultant can provide undivided attention to a project, injecting fresh energy and focus.
At its core, consultants help solve problems, build momentum, and drive change. Whether it’s bringing expertise, offering a new perspective, or simply validating an idea, consultants provide value that organizations often can’t create independently. Sometimes, that means saying the same thing someone already said—but hearing it from the outside makes all the difference.
deborah kania, bfa, mba
Marketing
70
Answers
New Bern, North Carolina
Updated
deborah’s Answer
Hello Hilda! I appreciate your question about business careers, account management, and consultants.
Business Careers - There are many options for a career in business. Careers can follow the typical functions in business such as: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Research & Development, Engineering, Human Resources, Information Technology, etc. And, within each function there may be a specialized career. For example, in Accounting, you may be a specialist in Accounts Payable. There is also entrepreneurship and business ownership as careers.
Account Management - Accounts are relationships between a business and another business, or a business and an individual. To manage accounts you have to understand the needs of that account and fulfill their needs. Customer service skills are essential to being successful in account management. Some customer service skills include communication and problem-solving.
Consultants - Consultants are very important to businesses. They can help a business solve problems and help business explore new opportunities. Majority of companies time is spent running the business. And, it can be difficult to take time away from the day-to-day operations, so consultants can focus on specific needs that the company does not have the time - or the expertise - to address. Consultants tend to be specialists in a specific business function like I mentioned above.
I hope my answer is helpful to you. Best wishes!
Business Careers - There are many options for a career in business. Careers can follow the typical functions in business such as: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Research & Development, Engineering, Human Resources, Information Technology, etc. And, within each function there may be a specialized career. For example, in Accounting, you may be a specialist in Accounts Payable. There is also entrepreneurship and business ownership as careers.
Account Management - Accounts are relationships between a business and another business, or a business and an individual. To manage accounts you have to understand the needs of that account and fulfill their needs. Customer service skills are essential to being successful in account management. Some customer service skills include communication and problem-solving.
Consultants - Consultants are very important to businesses. They can help a business solve problems and help business explore new opportunities. Majority of companies time is spent running the business. And, it can be difficult to take time away from the day-to-day operations, so consultants can focus on specific needs that the company does not have the time - or the expertise - to address. Consultants tend to be specialists in a specific business function like I mentioned above.
I hope my answer is helpful to you. Best wishes!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1851
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you would like to develop your career in business.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many business related careers, eg accounting, finance, business administration, marketing, human resources, etc. you can find out more business related careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many business related careers, eg accounting, finance, business administration, marketing, human resources, etc. you can find out more business related careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!