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Articles > Business >ÌýCareers in finance and business

Careers in finance and business

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Kathryn Uhles

Reviewed byÌýKathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,ÌýDean, College of Business and IT

Text: Today's job market business and finance
The current business climate presents just as many opportunities as challenges for students interested in the business and financial world. With supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, people who can help companies survive and thrive in this market can be very attractive to companies trying to weather the storm. Let's take a look at growth projections and salaries from entry-level to the fastest-growing jobs.

The outlook for finance and business professions

According to the , employment in business and financial operations is projected to growÌýfaster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 963,500 openings are projected each year, on average. That said, numerous trends may impact that projection for careers in

Perhaps the most significant challenge is the COVID-19 pandemic, which profoundly affected the way in which businesses and financial organizations operate around the world. In the context of supply-chain disruption, lockdowns and economic turbulence, the outlook for business and financial careers becomes a more complicated story.

The good news for people pursuing careers in finance and business was that many of the industry’s job functions could be done remotely.ÌýÌýFrom virtual conferences to work-from-home policies, new norms have allowed businesses to adapt to chaotic circumstances.

Employment projections for 12 finance and business careers

According to BLS, finance and business jobs vary in pay range, education requirements and general responsibilities. Here are 12 of the most popular.ÌýÌý

Please note that °®¶¹´«Ã½ degree programs may not directly align to all of these job outcomes.

Logistician

°¿±¹±ð°ù±¹¾±±ð·É:ÌýThe process of getting a product to a customer can involve a supply chain that spans several time zones and even several continents. Overseeing this journey from manufacturer to consumer, logisticians make that process possible. They are responsible for making sure the right materials get to the right place for manufacture by maintaining relationships with suppliers and clients. They are tasked with making sure goods are transported on schedule and ultimately reach their final destination, whether that be retail stores or a customer’s front door. They review the entire supply chain and suggest how to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Education requirements:ÌýThough some businesses hire logisticians who have achieved anÌýassociate degree in business, most look for applicants with at least a bachelor's degree in supply chain management,Ìýa Bachelor of Science in BusinessÌýor a degree in a related field.

Salary range: As of May 2024, logisticians , with a median wage ofÌý$80,880, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýAccording to BLS, employment of logisticians is , which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of °®¶¹´«Ã½. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. °®¶¹´«Ã½ does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to °®¶¹´«Ã½ students or graduates.

Market research analyst

°¿±¹±ð°ù±¹¾±±ð·É:ÌýThe market for a good or service is not always predictable. Having the best information, however, can help businesses find new profit opportunities and break away from the competition. Market research analysts conduct research about consumer behavior and market trends to provide this crucial information to businesses. The research may be performed in a number of ways, including surveys and internal and/or public data. Analysts are generally tasked with collecting and analyzing market data, and translating that data into actionable insights for business management. They may be tasked with competitor analysis, tracking product demand and developing consumer profiles.

Education requirements:ÌýAÌýbachelor’s degree in market research or a related field, like businessÌýor communication with a marketing certificate, is a common prerequisite for work as a market research analyst.

Salary range: As of May 2023, market research analysts , with a median wage ofÌý$74,680, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýAccording to BLS, employment of market research analysts is , faster than average for all occupations. About 88,500 openings for market research analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Financial examiner

°¿±¹±ð°ù±¹¾±±ð·É:ÌýStanding at the intersection of regulatory law and business, financial examiners are responsible for making sure lending institutions operate within legal compliance. This involves analysis of internal documents such as balance sheets, income and expenditure accounts, and loan documents. As risk assessors, examiners evaluate the safety of the loans distributed by a bank and ensure that the institution can handle potential losses. When financial examiners work as consumer compliance monitors, they make sure these lending institutions do not lend money in a predatory or illegal manner.ÌýÌýÌý

Education requirements:ÌýAÌýbachelor’s degree in businessÌýwith a specific focus on accounting is a common prerequisite for work as a financial examiner.

Salary range: As of May 2023, financial examiners , with a median wage ofÌý$84,300, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýAccording to BLS,Ìýemployment of financial examiners is , much faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,500 openings for financial examiners are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Meeting and event planner

°¿±¹±ð°ù±¹¾±±ð·É:ÌýEverything from weddings to large-scale conventions requires meeting and event planners to make sure all runs smoothly. They meet with clients ahead of the event to discuss necessities, including space, technology, food and lodging. During the event, they make sure guests have what they need. This includes registering incoming guests, sharing travel information, communicating with caterers and running tech support for audiovisual equipment.

Education requirements:ÌýAÌýbachelor’s degree in business or communicationÌýis a common prerequisite for work as a meeting and event planner, as well as experience in event planning.

Salary range: As of May 2023, it's reported event planners , with a median wage ofÌý$56,920, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýAccording to BLS, employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is , faster than the average for all occupations. About 16,500 openings for meeting, convention, and event planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Fundraiser

°¿±¹±ð°ù±¹¾±±ð·É:ÌýMany companies, particularly in the nonprofit space, depend on donations to fuel their operations. That’s where fundraisers come in. By organizing events and campaigns, fundraisers craft a strong message to entice donors to commit funds to an organization. This is work that can span online fundraising campaigns to in-person events, requiring both financial knowledge and personability.

Education requirements:ÌýThis role generally requiresÌýa bachelor’s degree in communication, business or a related field, such as aÌýbachelor’s degree in psychology.

Salary range: As of May 2023,Ìýfundraisers with a median wage ofÌý$64,160, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýLargely driven by the needs of nonprofits,Ìý employment of fundraisers is , faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,000 openings for fundraisers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Management analyst

°¿±¹±ð°ù±¹¾±±ð·É:ÌýWhen finance and business organizations want to improve internal efficiency, management analysts provide expert insight about how to do that. They will do internal research in the form of data and personal interviews to see where there are problems in need of attention. From this information, they suggest how to improve processes and procedures to lower costs and increase productivity.ÌýÌý

Education requirements:ÌýAÌýbachelor's degree in businessÌýis a common prerequisite for work as a management analyst, as well as related work experience.

Salary range: As of May 2023, management analysts , with a median wage ofÌý$99,410, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýAccording to BLS,Ìýemployment of management analysts is from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.ÌýAbout 95,700 openings for management analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Training and development specialist

Overview:ÌýEmployees don’t always come into a company with all the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Training and development specialists address this need byÌýoverseeing the training and developmentÌýof employees. This can be done through training manuals, courses, online programs and other instructional activities. The work of training and development specialists is important as it ensures employees have the necessary skills to collaborate toward business goals.

Education requirements:ÌýPeople seeking employment as training and development specialists should pursue a bachelor’s degree, particularly inÌýhuman resources, as well as relevant work experience.

Salary range:ÌýAs of May 2023,Ìýtraining and development specialists , with a median wage ofÌý$64,340, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýAccording to BLS, employment of training and development specialists is Ìýfrom 2023 to 2033.

Why do we see this kind of growth? New technologies and media have become central to the way many businesses operate. Along with other trends, the need for employees to become skilled in these technologies fuels much of the growth in this business career.

Compensation specialist

°¿±¹±ð°ù±¹¾±±ð·É:ÌýBusinesses have a dual interest in both attracting and keeping talented employees, while remaining financially healthy in their finance and business endeavors. Compensation specialists help businesses provide the compensation and benefits that attract talent in a financially responsible manner. This involves analyzing the job market, creating reports that outline the compensation and benefit plans for employees, and making recommendations to HR on what compensation employees should receive. In addition, they may be responsible for ensuring that an organization compensates their employees in a legal manner.

Education requirements:ÌýAÌýbachelor's degree in businessÌýis a common prerequisite for work as a compensation specialist.

Salary range: As of May 2023, compensation specialists , with a median wage ofÌý$74,530, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýAccording to BLS, employment of compensation, benefits and job analysis specialists is Ìýwhich is faster than average for all occupations. About 8,200 openings for compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Human resources specialist

Overview:ÌýHuman resources (HR) specialists manage the process of recruiting and placing new employees, as well as managing the relationships between employees. Their work is crucial for a healthy and productive work environment.Ìý

Education requirements:ÌýEmployment as an HR specialist will likely require aÌýBachelor of Science in Business degree with a Human Resources Certificate, or another degree in business,ÌýcommunicationÌýor a related field.

Salary range: As of May 2023, employment for human resource specialists , with a median wage ofÌý$67,650, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýAccording to BLS, employment of human resources specialists is , faster than average for all occupations.ÌýAbout 86,200 openings for human resources specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Accountant

Overview:ÌýWhen businesses need to manage their financial records, they turn to accountants. Accountants can help provide financial solutions to clients by preparing and examining financial records. They also work to make sure that company financial records are accurate, which is critical for fulfilling a company’s tax obligations.Ìý

Education requirements:ÌýTypically, accountants require at leastÌýa bachelor’s degree in accountingÌýor a related field. Certain roles, such as that of a Certified Public Accountant, require additional education and specific certification(s).

Salary range: As of May 2023, accountants , with a median wage ofÌý$79,880, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýEmployment of accountants and auditors is , faster than the average for all occupations. About 130,800 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Financial analyst

°¿±¹±ð°ù±¹¾±±ð·É:ÌýSuccess in finance and business can often come down to making the right decisions at the right times. Doing this requires as much good information as can be collected, and financial analysts are the ones who perform this crucial work. By examining investment portfolios, market trends, financial statements and more, financial analysts report the information businesses need to make informed decisions.

Education requirements:ÌýMost entry-level positions require aÌý.ÌýEmployers often also recommend industry certification, such as the

Salary range: As of May 2023, financial analysts , with a median wage ofÌý$99,010, according to BLS.

Job outlook:Ìý,Ìýemployment of financial analysts is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 30,700 openings for financial analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Cost estimator

Overview:ÌýThe time, finances, material and labor required to make a product or service can quickly outpace the resources at a company’s disposal. Cost estimators address this issue by researching every facet of the production process to provide businesses with an accurate sense of the cost of doing business. They use a range of technical and financial knowledge to estimate the cost of a project and make suggestions on how resources can be spent wisely.

Education requirements:ÌýAlthough it’s possible to become a cost estimator without a degree but with significant industry experience, a bachelor's degree in business finance, or a related field likeÌýproject management,Ìýis typical.

Salary range:ÌýAs of May 2023, cost estimatorsÌý, with a median wage ofÌý$74,740, according to BLS.

Job outlook:ÌýEmployment of cost estimators is , according to BLS. Despite declining employment, about 18,000 openings for cost estimators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Explore education in finance and business fields

°®¶¹´«Ã½ offers many online options to enhance interest in finance and business careers. Some options include a bachelor's in business, a bachelor of finance degree, and an online MBA program.

Contact °®¶¹´«Ã½ for more information.

Headshot of Michael Feder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®¶¹´«Ã½ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

Headshot of Kathryn Uhles

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,ÌýKathryn Uhles has served °®¶¹´«Ã½ in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining °®¶¹´«Ã½, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.

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This article has been vetted by °®¶¹´«Ã½'s editorial advisory committee.Ìý
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Headshot of Felicia Evans - MBA 2008, wearing a black blazer and a smile
Headshot of Felicia Evans - MBA 2008, wearing a black blazer and a smile
Headshot of Felicia Evans - MBA 2008, wearing a black blazer and a smile

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