There are more than 30 million businesses in the United States. They are a vital part of the economy, generating jobs, creating wealth and tax revenue, providing a wide range of goods and services, and fostering innovation. A business education can help you gain insight into the role that business plays in our everyday lives and give you access to a broad array of business-related career opportunities.
If you are seeking comprehensive training, consider Noble Desktop’s “MBA” Business Certificate. This course provides accelerated instruction in the major skills taught in a collegiate MBA program without requiring multiple semesters of postgraduate study. You will gain insight into everything from data analytics to marketing strategies that can help you get your business off the ground. Ideal for anyone looking to start up a venture, this course will benefit your long-term professional goals and can also prepare you for managerial roles or positions on large project-management teams.
For more specific training, you might enroll in the Data Analytics Certificate. This program shows business professionals how to gather, read, and analyze data to make informed decisions aligned with long-term goals. You will learn the fundamentals of database management and the techniques needed to query and use data as a tool for evidence-based decisions. This program is valuable for anyone who wants to be more confident in long-term decision-making and for those who need to present data-driven insights to stakeholders and investors.
Another specialized option is the Digital Marketing Certificate, which teaches the tools and techniques required to build a brand identity and customer base online. Topics include practical strategies for advertising on social media platforms, data analytics tracking, and the use of advertising tools such as Google Ads. This course offers a comprehensive education in running online ad campaigns. For more focused instruction on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, consider the Social Media Marketing Certificate.
What Can You Do With Business Training?
Because business permeates so many aspects of life, the potential applications of business training are almost endless. Every industry—from finance to retail to healthcare—contains businesses, and within each industry, there are dozens of different business positions in areas such as management, human resources, finance, and marketing. Indeed highlights the value of a business education, noting, “With a background in business, you will be prepared to work in a range of settings in government, business, non-profit organizations, and more.” It adds, “Business majors [are] flexible, strategic and employable job seekers.”
Business training can also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to start your own enterprise. Being an entrepreneur can be risky, and by arming yourself with a business education, you can increase your chances of success. When you take a business class, you’ll build a strong foundation in areas such as finance, marketing, and human resources, all essential parts of running a company.
Most business jobs are associated with salaries that are significantly higher than average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a federal agency that tracks and analyzes information about the labor market, reports that the median annual wage for all business and financial occupations is almost $80,000. This is markedly higher than the median wage for all jobs, which is $48,000.
Common Business Jobs
Business roles span a huge number of titles and levels of seniority, from entry level to CEO. Common positions include Financial Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Human Resources Specialist, Project Manager, and Business Manager.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst examines data and makes recommendations that help a business increase profits. Key tasks include gathering and organizing information, analyzing data, creating reports, and presenting findings. Financial Analysts often specialize; for instance, they might work for large corporations or in the securities industry. According to BLS, over the next ten years, jobs in this field will grow by 8%, which exceeds the average U.S. job-growth rate of 3%. BLS reports that the median pay is about $99,000 per year.
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst conducts research to help businesses better understand their markets and customers. Responsibilities include identifying customer wants and needs and measuring the effectiveness of various marketing strategies. Market Research Analysts are expected to see 8% growth between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS, and have a median salary of almost $75,000.
Human Resources Specialist
A Human Resources Specialist helps manage a company’s workforce. Duties include recruiting and onboarding new employees as well as supporting current staff. Projected job growth for this occupation is 8% over the next decade, and the median salary is approximately $67,000.
Project Manager
Project Managers oversee many different types of projects across a wide variety of industries. This role involves planning, budgeting, managing resources, scheduling, and communicating with stakeholders and team members. BLS projects 7% job growth for Project Managers over the next ten years and finds that they enjoy a median salary of more than $98,000 annually.
Business Manager
Business Managers hold leadership roles within an organization. They supervise personnel and operations, maintain productivity and efficiency, and help the business achieve its goals. Business management is a high-paying career with strong projected growth. According to BLS, “Overall employment in management occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 1.2 million openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations.” The median wage in this field is about $116,000 per year.
What Will I Learn in a Business Class?
Business-class content varies widely; however, most courses cover similar foundational skills, including data analytics, finance, law and ethics, entrepreneurship, and leadership and management.
-
Data Analytics
- The process of collecting large amounts of information and analyzing it to make better business decisions
- Integral to many industries
- Helps organizations make smarter choices, operate efficiently, and uncover new opportunities
-
Financial Principles
- Covers core financial skills such as budgeting, reading financial statements, managing inventory, and forecasting
- Often includes learning about investing and managing risk
-
Business Law and Business Ethics
- Business law involves regulations around corporate structure, contracts, and investments
- Essential for avoiding violations in business operations
- Business ethics, while optional, build trust and support long-term success
-
Entrepreneurial Skills
- Focuses on running a business, with higher risk but potential for greater reward
- Includes identifying opportunities, developing ideas, conducting market research, and building a team
-
Leadership and Management Skills
- Encompasses effective communication and motivating people
- Involves adaptability, flexibility, and understanding team dynamics
How Difficult Are Business Classes?
The great thing about learning business is the variety of class options. These range from short courses you can complete in a day or two to longer, more comprehensive bootcamps or certificate programs. With so many choices, you can control the degree of difficulty based on what you’re trying to learn and how in-depth you want to go.
One challenge many people encounter is the inherent unpredictability of business. Regardless of how many classes you take or how many years you spend in the field, you’ll still face unexpected obstacles because business always involves risk. Despite this, the field remains accessible to almost anyone.
Other Things to Consider If You Plan to Pursue Business
Experience
Business classes are important, but if you plan to work in the field, you’ll also need real-world experience. Experience helps you understand others’ needs and shows you what works and what doesn’t. Employers often favor candidates with practical experience, which can be gained through internships or volunteering. Skills from other fields may also transfer; for instance, strong communication is valuable in any business role.
A Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio is a collection of your best work and provides potential clients or employers with proof of your skills and accomplishments. No matter what area of business you pursue, you’re likely to need a portfolio. Because it can take time to create a professional portfolio, start as soon as possible. You can build either a physical or an online version.
Resume
Your resume introduces you to potential clients or employers. Use it to showcase your skills and experience and to illustrate how you might fit into their organization. In most cases, a resume should be no more than one or two pages and should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. You can supplement your resume with a LinkedIn profile, where you can provide more details.
