jordan
I was told that in the business management field it's hard to make a career out of it unless you obtain your masters degree. My question to you all is 1. Is that true? and 2. Is business management a field that is hard to make into a career?
I've come to this site to get my questions answered by professionals to clarify all the things told to me by family members and other resources about getting a degree in this field. Although their advice is nice I just wanted to clarify this with professionals to see if I'd have to consider a different major. #college #business #career #management #major #degree
5 answers
Christa Semko
Christa’s Answer
I happened to study Business Adminsitration as my undergrad and then also pursued my MBA. The MBA was not a requirement for me in my chosen career path - Public Relations / Corporate Communications - however, it was something that I was personally passionate about pursuing. I've had roles that having those educational credentials served me well - as I was working with strategic business or financial leaders in supporting their communications strategies - but they were not necessarily required (just sometimes were useful conversational points with some of my leaders who had similar educational backgrounds.
I wish you success in your career journey!
ShaRon Bynum
ShaRon’s Answer
I have a BS and an MBA in Business Management. I have had a long success career in corporate america working for companies like American Express, General Electric, First Data Corporation, and done some consulting work for Hewlett Packer, Ally Bank, Belk Department Store and Bank of America so no it is not hard to have a career with the Business Management degree. You have the power to chart your own destiny to the top of any industry. Your degree shows employeers that you can learn. The degree doesn't determine your destiny, you do. GO to work be positive. Have a can do attittude and be determined to be a better person by learning from and helping others in every role you have.
I got the degrees because I had strong leadership skills and loved organizing people. I have had many roles, and all of them involved the basic principles of Business Management. I make a good salary and have had a great life as a result of this career choice. So if this is what you want to do, I say go for it! Good Luck
Mary Tyrrell
Mary’s Answer
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Does a Master’s Degree Pave the Way for a Business Management Career?
The question of whether a master’s degree is essential for a thriving career in business management often arises. While a master’s degree can equip you with specialized knowledge and skills that could be useful in certain business management trajectories, it isn't a universal prerequisite.
1. The Upside of Pursuing a Master’s Degree:
Deep-Dive Knowledge: A master’s degree in business management can endow you with specialized expertise in areas like finance, marketing, operations, or human resources, which could be a boon for specific roles.
Career Progression: Some organizations or sectors may favor or mandate a master’s degree for senior positions or leadership roles.
Networking Prospects: Undertaking a master’s degree can open up valuable networking avenues with professors, industry insiders, and peers, which could be a catalyst for career progression.
2. Significant Factors Without a Master’s Degree:
Hands-On Experience: Relevant professional experience, internships, and practical skills can sometimes outweigh academic credentials in certain business management roles.
Market Demand: The need for professionals in business management varies by industry and region, and some sectors might prioritize experience and skills over advanced degrees.
Professional Growth: Ongoing learning via certifications, workshops, seminars, and on-the-job training can also fuel career progression in business management.
Is Business Management a Challenging Field to Forge a Career?
Business management is a field that offers a wide array of career opportunities across diverse industries. While it can be as competitive as any other field, with the right blend of skills, experience, and networking, one can carve out a successful career in business management, even without a master’s degree.
Factors Driving Success in Business Management:
Skill Enhancement: Honing vital skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking is key to success in business management.
Networking: Cultivating professional relationships through networking events, conferences, mentorship programs, and online platforms can unlock career opportunities.
Lifelong Learning: Keeping abreast of industry trends, technological breakthroughs, and best practices via self-study or professional development programs is vital for career advancement in business management.
To sum up, while a master’s degree can offer certain advantages in the field of business management, it isn't a strict necessity for a successful career. Elements like experience, skill enhancement, networking, and lifelong learning are significant contributors to shaping a career in business management.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review offers valuable insights and research on various facets of business management and career progression.
Forbes: Forbes delves into topics related to business trends, leadership strategies, and career guidance in the corporate landscape.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides data on job prospects, salary details, and educational prerequisites for various roles within business management.
God Bless!
James Constantine.
Taylor Hanzlik
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Jordan, thanks for submitting a question. I graduated from Ohio University with a double major in Business Management and Management Information Systems (MIS). Although, my current role at PwC involves mostly my knowledge from my MIS major, I hope to actively use my management major as I move up within the firm. In my opinion, I don't think you have to have a Masters Degree in Business Management to get a good job. However, I always struggled understanding the people who only majored in Business Management. I say this because I always asked the question, "Well, what do you want to manage?" Sometimes I received an "I don't know," but someones I received a sporting goods store or a retail store. I would then ask why they weren't double majoring or getting a minor? For the guy who wanted to manage a sporting goods store, why didn't he double major or minor in sports management? For the girl who wanted to manage a retail store, why didn't she double major or minor in fashion merchandise? Finally, for the person who wasn't sure, he needed to take a step back and think about his interests. What did he like and what was he passionate about? Then he needed to take some introduction classes at college to help himself figure that out.
I received a double major in management and MIS so that I could hopefully one day manage within my firm. Management teaches and provides skills to help lead others, but what is the topic you are leading them on?
In the end, I think you've already made the right decision of going to college and getting a degree. You now have to decide what is best for yourself--no one can make that decision for you, not even your family.
I hope this helps and best of luck to you!