Business careers

If you are a hard worker, creative, persuasive and like to work with different kinds of people, then a career in business may be for you. The business field is full of diverse careers. Take a look at these.

Accounting
A career in accounting requires an aptitude for numbers and math. Excellent computer skills are necessary, and communication skills are also very important.

Accounting courses focus on financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax accounting, government and nonprofit accounting. Expect to take economics, as well as some business courses, such as business statistics, business administration and ethics. Enroll in some computer classes to familiarize yourself with different programs. Communications courses are also important.

“To be successful as an accountant, a person must have an easy manner (but professional) with people and enjoy delving into financial reports, sometimes for hours on end,” says Gloria DiDiodato, manager of the Commerce Career Centre and Internship Program. Be prepared to work long hours during tax season if your accounting career focuses on taxes!

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related business field with numerous accounting courses. Most states require 150 credit hours of education at an accredited college or university prior to receiving certification. Being a CPA has its advantages when searching for a job. CPA’s have more education and experience than other accountants, and CPA’s have found their licenses helpful when searching for jobs and negotiating salaries.

Accountant salaries depend on how long they have been working, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for an accountant is approximately $55,000.

Entrepreneurs
If you are dedicated, focused and hard working, you may have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, you will wear many hats, including counselor, negotiator, salesperson, payroll clerk, secretary and janitor!

To be successful, entrepreneurs must understand all aspects of a business, including cash flow, the business cycle and the client base. Courses in business administration are highly recommended, as well as courses in marketing and communications. Check out colleges and universities that are affiliated with The Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (www.c-e-o.org).

Marketing
“Simply stated, marketing is the process of getting a product to the consumer,” says DiDiodato. However, there are many different forms of marketing, such as advertising and public relations.

You can also go into market research, which is concerned with why a sale was made.

Product management is another aspect of the marketing field. This career requires a broad understanding of business functions, including production, accounting and distribution.

When working in sales, you are representing the company and products to the consumers on a one-on-one basis. You must know the products, their performance standards and the competitors.

In retailing and merchandising, you will be selling, planning and forecasting for the company and its products or services. This department includes such titles as store manager, merchandising manager and buyer.

A career in marketing requires immense knowledge about every aspect of business. Look for courses that focus on marketing, including advertising and public relations, because these courses will help you deal with consumers and target audiences.

“To be successful in this field,” says DiDiodato, “you would have a creative flair, an ability to influence people’s purchasing decisions, excellent communication and interpersonal skills and thrive in a team environment.”

Advertising
Advertising exists to sell products, services and information. If you are bright, aggressive, competitive, willing to work hard and like working with exciting people, then advertising may be the career
for you.

People who work in advertising earn their incomes by planning, creating, producing and placing advertisements for their clients.

There are many different jobs in advertising. On the creative side, there are copywriters and art directors. On the sales side, an account executive manages the business and communications between the client and the agency.

You should focus your studies on communications, design, production, marketing and psychology. Basic advertising courses are helpful, as well as courses that focus on copywriting and media.

Most agencies require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree, and some may require a master’s degree. No matter what degree you have, you need to know how to communicate, even if you never directly write or present anything to a client.

According to Michael Ginestre, an adjunct professor of advertising at St. John Fisher College, students need to put themselves ahead of the competition by getting out of the classroom.

“An internship is the best way for a college student to establish contacts and make key impressions,” says Ginestre.

Public Relations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations will be one of the fastest growing fields between 1998 and 2008 that does not require a master’s degree or higher.

Virtually every industry and organization performs public relations, whether it is internally to employees, to stockholders, to target audiences and consumers or to other organizations.

Communications courses are extremely important for public relations students. Courses in English, management, psychology and sociology are also recommended.

“Writing is the most important skill for anyone in public relations,” says Jennifer Roberts, a professor of public relations at St. John Fisher College. “Take courses outside your communications classes to stretch your writing ability.”

Internships are also important for students, whether in public relations or another field, such as newspaper, radio or television. “Learn as much as possible about journalists,” Roberts says. “Public relations people must build trusting relationships with the media, so knowing what they need and how they operate really helps.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual salary for a public relations specialist is approximately $48,000. 

Janis Timian is an intern for The Next Step Magazine and a student at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y.

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