Bachelor Degree in Business Administration
Business Administration is probably the most versatile college program. It can be the best choice for those aiming to work in private industry, but who have not chosen a field yet. It’s also very useful for business owners, even for micro-entrepreneurs or freelancers, as this studies focus on how to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a business.
To administrate means to plan, manage and organize all the resources of a company to achieve some specific goals, which usually are profit-making goals. Most of them can’t be reached individually: a well coordinated group of people is needed instead. Management is essential to join forces and to keep a good flow of information.
More than instinct
Forget those stories about uneducated people becoming big tycoons! Both instinct and natural talent can help an entrepreneur on his way to success, but formal education is also required. A good manager should know a bit of almost everything. He or she needs to have the whole picture in mind in order to make appropriate decisions. Economics, Law, Labor Studies and even Psychology are sister disciplines of Administrative Science. Most universities combine them to offer heterogeneous contents. Accountancy, finance, marketing, sales strategies, e-commerce, business law, macroeconomics, international markets and human resources are some of the subjects involved. Therefore, the range of job opportunities is huge: retailers, product managers, auditors, consultants, staff for sales or purchase departments, import/export companies, etc… No wonder this degree is so popular: it allows you to find entry-level employment in virtually any industry!
The length of these studies can vary from one country to another. Belgium, for instance, has degrees of three or four years, while in Spain an average student will spend five years. Some colleges allow specialization, so one can become a Business Bachelor in Finance, Marketing or Human Resources.
Lifelong learning
Training programs are a must, too. Theory is OK, but business Administration is a degree with immediate practical applications, and a very competitive field. Choosing a college that offers good training opportunities, such as internships or mobility programs -like European Erasmus- is advised.
Market changes everyday, and so does human resources practice. A good manager should always stay up to the date. Books, congresses and courses are required through a lifetime career. A lifelong learning must be your purpose. Keep that in mind!
Perfect for… people with enterprising spirit, anyone willing to apply for manager positions, or even students still undecided about their career.
Don’t choose it if... you hate numbers and charts.
Match it with… Economics, Law, Psychology or a Master of Business Administration.