Business is the organized effort of individuals to produce and sell, for a profit, the goods and services that satisfy society's needs. The business sector offers a broad spectrum of career paths and job titles, including roles like business analyst, financial analyst, marketing manager, supply chain manager, and human resource manager. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, business, and financial jobs are projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 715,000 new jobs. Given this growth and the dynamic global economic landscape, learning business fundamentals equips individuals with valuable strategic planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, making them attractive to employers across numerous industries.
Top In-Person & Virtual Business Classes
Business Courses at Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop is a leading design and coding school in New York City. Founded in 1990, Noble Desktop offers hands-on classes and certificate programs in web design & development, graphic design, motion graphics, data science, UX, and digital marketing. Emphasizing a practical, hands-on learning approach gives students the necessary skills to jump-start their careers in the dynamic fields of digital design, programming, data science, and online marketing. Noble Desktop offers career-support services for students; all classes are available in person or through live online instruction.
Data Analytics Technologies Bootcamp
- Price: $1,949
- Duration: 51 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
The Data Analytics Technologies Bootcamp at Noble Desktop equips students with the skills to analyze, visualize, and report on data using tools such as Excel, SQL, Python, and Tableau. Through hands-on projects, students can gain practical experience in real-world data analytics tasks, encompassing data cleaning, data modeling, SQL querying, automation with Python, and data storytelling through Tableau visualizations.
Data Analytics Certificate
- Price: $4,995
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
At Noble Desktop, students pursuing the Data Analytics Certificate undertake comprehensive training in critical technologies such as Excel, SQL, and Python, encompassing technical and statistical applications. The course equips students with practical skills to manipulate, analyze, and interpret data, prepares them for future data analysis roles, and can be completed flexibly in-person in New York City, live online, or self-paced.
Data Analytics Foundations
- Price: $595
- Duration: 12 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
Noble Desktop's Data Analytics Foundations course equips students with essential analysis, visualization, and decision-making skills. The course encompasses comprehensive training on using Excel, SQL, and Tableau to organize data, build compelling visualizations and employ statistics to derive empirical evidence.
Business Courses at NYC Career Centers
NYC Career Centers is a dedicated technology and programming training center that provides students with professional development resources and hands-on skills training. When enrolled in an NYC Career Centers course, students can learn a range of skills ranging from basic computer literacy to in-demand technical proficiencies, like Python, machine learning, web design and development, and graphic design. In addition, students will receive career development support, including intensive interview coaching and job placement assistance, to increase employability and facilitate successful career transitions.
Intro to Financial Accounting
- Price: $325
- Duration: 6 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
The Intro to Financial Accounting course at NYC Career Centers offers students a solid grounding in understanding and interpreting financial statements, which include balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Taught by industry professionals, this comprehensive course will acquaint students with the basics of accounting, specifics of revenue recognition, and comprehension of accounts receivable and payable.
Project Management Bootcamp
- Price: $449
- Duration: 12 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
At the Project Management Bootcamp at NYC Career Centers, students gain a comprehensive understanding of project management principles with a focus on organization and effective communication. The course covers essential concepts such as project initiation, plan development, project execution, risk management, and project closure. It provides a multifaceted education for those eager to enhance their skills.
Project Management Level I: Initiation & Planning
- Price: $249
- Duration: 6 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
In the Project Management Level I: Initiation & Planning course at NYC Career Centers, students will gain a foundational understanding of project management methodologies, including project initiation, planning, executing, and closing. They also learn to create a comprehensive project plan and manage tasks using practical tools such as Gantt Charts, allowing them to lead and control projects in a real-world context effectively.
Project Management Level II: Execution, Controlling, & Closing
- Price: $299
- Duration: 6 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
The Project Management Level II: Execution, Controlling, & Closing course at NYC Career Centers delves deeper into advanced project management techniques, focusing primarily on project execution, control, and closure procedures. Students will understand these phases comprehensively, learn how to optimize project performance, manage stakeholder expectations, and effectively close out a project, ensuring they have the necessary skills for effective, end-to-end management of complex projects.
Business Courses at General Assembly
General Assembly is a global learning community fostering proficiency in today’s most in-demand skills—from coding, data science, and UX design to digital marketing, product management, and more—taught in a unique, immersive, and non-traditional format. Through robust training resources and expert instruction, General Assembly equips students to embrace the future of work, whether they are looking to reskill, upskill or kickstart a new career. General Assembly aims to foster a sense of empowerment through continuous learning and development.
Data Analytics Course
- Price: $4,500
- Duration: 40 hours
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Data Analytics course at General Assembly is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to make strategic decisions. The course focuses on using Excel functions and SQL syntax for database management, practicing statistical analysis, and developing visuals and presentations to communicate data effectively.
Agile and Scrum Bootcamp
- Price: $200
- Duration: 5 hours
- Locations: Several (see school website)
At General Assembly's Agile and Scrum Bootcamp, students will learn in-depth about Agile principles and practices, Scrum frameworks, and how to implement them into their work effectively. Students will participate in hands-on exercises and learn about project management, workflows, Agile meetings, and problem-solving techniques, preparing them to lead their teams more efficiently.
Data Analytics Bootcamp
- Price: $250
- Duration: 7 hours
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Data Analytics Bootcamp at General Assembly is an intense, full-time program designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to analytics. Over several weeks, students will be trained to use industry-standard tools like Excel, SQL, Python, and Tableau to analyze data, use predictive modeling techniques, develop data-driven solutions, and effectively communicate their findings in real-world settings.
Project Management Bootcamp
- Price: $250
- Duration: 6 hours
- Locations: Several (see school website)
General Assembly's Project Management Bootcamp is a comprehensive one-day course designed to immerse participants in the fundamentals of project management. The course includes lessons on risk management, communication plans, effective stakeholder management, work breakdown structures, and project charters. The course aims to equip students with the skills to effectively initiate, plan, execute, control, and close any type of project.
Business Courses at Practical Programming
Practical Programming is a dynamic technology training provider designed to equip students with valuable coding skills. By participating in these classes, students can delve into the intricate world of Python, data science, machine learning, and web development, thus propelling their technical understanding to greater heights and opening the door to a range of high-paying career opportunities. All of the courses offered by Practical Programming are hands-on, career-focused learning experiences that aim to teach students practical, real-world coding and technology skills.
Python for Data Science Immersive
- Price: $1,495
- Duration: 30 hours
- Locations: Chicago, NYC, Live Online
Practical Programming's Python for Data Science Immersive course offers in-person and live online classes that equip students with the skills to analyze and visualize data using Python's data science libraries. The curriculum covers topics from the basics of Python to machine learning, ensuring students learn exploratory data analysis, data cleaning, feature extraction and selection, model building, and interpretation.
Python for Finance Immersive
- Price: $1,895
- Duration: 30 hours
- Locations: Chicago, NYC, Live Online
The Python for Finance Immersive course at Practical Programming is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of Python programming and its application in finance. Throughout the program, students will delve into the fundamentals of Python dictionaries and classes, and they’ll work with real-world financial data, learning how to process, analyze, and visualize it using an exploratory data analysis approach.
Algorithmic Trading with Python
- Price: $895
- Duration: 12 hours
- Locations: Chicago, NYC, Live Online
At Practical Programming, the Algorithmic Trading with Python course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of applying Python programming skills to algorithmic trading. The curriculum covers critical topics such as testing and optimizing strategies, backtesting, risk management, and various automated trading concepts. The course aims to equip students with the specialized skills to create, test, and implement algorithmic trading strategies.
Business Courses at ONLC Training Centers
ONLC Training Centers provide a comprehensive array of professional and technical training courses spanning numerous fields of expertise. Students can benefit from diverse learning opportunities, including in-demand courses in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, programming languages like Python and Java, cybersecurity, project management, and business analysis.
Project Management Professional Certification Exam Preparation
- Price: $2,995
- Duration: 5 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Project Management Professional Certification Exam Preparation course at ONLC Training Centers prepares students to tackle the demanding requirements of the PMP certification exam. Throughout this course, students will learn the essentials of project framework, project integration management, risk identification and master crucial techniques in managing cost, quality, procurement, and stakeholder engagement.
Business Courses at Brainstation
BrainStation is a cutting-edge, global tech school renowned for its immersive and comprehensive programs. Students at BrainStation can get an education in fields such as data science, digital marketing, product management, and web development, with curricula designed to cultivate critical 21st-century digital skills.
Data Analytics Certificate
- Price: $3,250
- Duration: 30 hours
- Locations: Several (see school website)
Brainstation's Data Analytics Certificate Course is an immersive, project-based learning experience to provide a comprehensive introduction to data analytics. Participants will gain hands-on experience in data collection, SQL, data visualization, and Tableau while developing critical thinking and decision-making skills by working through real-world business issues.
Business Courses at Training Connection
Training Connection is a premier institution that offers many comprehensive courses that enable students to acquire new skills or hone their existing capabilities. They provide professionally developed courses in various fields ranging from digital media and graphic design to business skills such as Project Management and Leadership, allowing students to tap into their potential and polish their proficiencies in a welcoming and conducive learning environment.
Project Management
- Price: $895
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: Los Angeles, Chicago
The Project Management course at Training Connection, offered by The Training Connection, provides learners with a comprehensive education on effectively managing and completing projects. Through interactive, hands-on exercises, students will acquire critical skills such as defining project goals and objectives, developing schedules, managing risks, and understanding the role and importance of effective communication in project execution.
Business Writing with Positive Impact
- Price: $350
- Duration: 1 day
- Locations: Los Angeles, Chicago
The Business Writing with Positive Impact course at Training Connection offers interactive, hands-on exercises that train students to write concise, focused, and persuasive documents. Students will learn how to tailor their messaging to influence a specific audience, find the right voice for different situations, and use planning tools for professional writing.
Business Courses at Certstaffix Training
Certstaffix Training is a leading computer and IT training course provider that allows students to augment their knowledge and skills in various technological areas. Their extensive subjects include Python, SQL, Excel, Adobe Suite, and many others. These courses are delivered by expert instructors in a live, interactive online environment, giving students a hands-on learning experience.
Project Management Essentials
- Price: $1,335
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
Project Management Essentials at Certstaffix Training is an immersive training program designed to teach students the fundamentals of project management, including practical strategies for planning, executing, and closing projects. Students will enrich their skillset by learning key aspects such as initiating a project, developing a project plan, managing and controlling project work, and successfully closing a project.
Project Management Fundamentals
- Price: $450
- Duration: 1 day
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Project Management Fundamentals course at Certstaffix Training equips students with comprehensive knowledge and skills to efficiently manage and execute projects of all sizes. Delving into key components of project management like project initiation, planning, execution, control, and closeout phases, the course prepares learners to balance project constraints, enhance project performance, and use standard project management tools.
Business Courses at New Horizons
New Horizons is a professional training center that continuously encourages students to improve their IT, leadership, and business skills. Within its vibrant and forward-thinking environment, students can expand their knowledge in various areas, including coding, cybersecurity, project management, and graphic design.
Project Management Essentials
- Price: $1,785
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
New Horizons' Project Management Essentials course is designed to equip attendees with many basic project management skills. From defining project goals to identifying project life cycles and examining project management processes, this course provides an exceptional grounding in the fundamental concepts of effective project management.
Change Management
- Price: $395
- Duration: 1 day
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Change Management course at New Horizons aims to equip students with an in-depth understanding of navigating and implementing change in business environments successfully. It will guide them on key areas like building a change management strategy, recognizing leaders' roles during change, and managing resistance, with a particular focus on case studies, interactive discussions, and hands-on exercises.
CompTIA Project+ Certification
- Price: $2,475
- Duration: 5 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The CompTIA Project+ Certification course at New Horizons is designed to provide students with essential project management skills, encompassing the entire project life cycle. Students will learn project basics, project constraints, communication, change management, and project tools and documentation, equipping them with practical skills to initiate, manage, and close projects successfully.
Business Courses at Thinkful
Thinkful is a comprehensive online learning platform that equips students with industry-relevant skills for today's workforce. Providing mentor-guided courses in coding, data science, design, and product management, Thinkful integrates practical, hands-on learning with professional development to support students' career progression.
Data Analytics Immersion
- Price: $12,250
- Duration: 4 months
- Locations: Live Online
Thinkful's Data Analytics Immersion Course is a full-time, five-month training program that develops students into proficient data analysts – equipped with knowledge of Python and its libraries, SQL, data visualization, statistics, and machine learning. Besides equipping students with practical data wrangling and storytelling skills, the course promotes career advancement, offering 1-on-1 mentorship, robust career support, and job placement assurance.
Data Analytics Flex
- Price: $4,500
- Duration: 6 months
- Locations: Live Online
In the Data Analytics Flex course at Thinkful, students learn to understand, clean, and analyze data to make data-driven decisions using tools like Excel, Tableau, Python, and SQL. With study plans that are flexible and adjustable, the course provides in-depth, one-on-one mentorship to students and a project-based curriculum that empowers them to apply what they learn and produce a professional portfolio.
Business Courses at Wall Street Prep
Wall Street Prep is an online learning platform providing specialized financial training programs. It empowers students and professionals to master financial modeling, investment banking, corporate finance, and private equity skills, ensuring they are adequately equipped for high-powered finance careers.
Financial Planning & Analysis Bootcamp
- Price: $1,699
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Live Online
The Financial Planning & Analysis Bootcamp at Wall Street Prep offers an immersive learning experience in financial analysis and corporate finance modeling, aiming to equip students with the practical skills required in the financial planning and analysis profession. Students will delve into building financial models and interpreting financial statements and gain insight into budgeting, strategic finance, and corporate valuation methodologies.
Private Equity Bootcamp
- Price: $1,699
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Live Online
The Private Equity Bootcamp at Wall Street Prep is a comprehensive course designed to equip aspiring private equity professionals with the tactical skills and insight needed for the industry. In this interactive and practical course, students learn how to build financial and valuation models, perform due diligence, structure deals, and understand the merger and acquisition process.
Introduction to Project Finance Modeling
- Price: $1,699
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Live Online
The course, Introduction to Project Finance Modeling at Wall Street Prep provides students with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical concepts and practical techniques of project finance modeling. It covers financial structuring, cash flow waterfall, debt and equity financing, and risk analysis, equipping students with key skills to build and analyze project finance models.
Business Courses at Training the Street
Training The Street offers practical, hands-on, instructor-led financial training programs for students aiming to enhance their skills in corporate valuation, financial modeling, and related fields. The courses are designed to transform theoretical knowledge into real-world expertise, preparing the students for their roles in the finance industry, particularly in investment banking, private equity, portfolio management, business development, and corporate finance.
Principles of Capital Markets
- Price: $2,500
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: NYC
The Principles of Capital Markets at Training the Street training course provides learners with a deep understanding of how global capital markets operate and how market participants interact in these markets. In a comprehensive overview of equity markets and instruments, debt markets and fixed income instruments, and financial derivatives, students will learn to master the principles, including mathematics behind securities pricing, market structures, and key market players' roles.
Financial Statement Analysis/Accounting
- Price: $3,750
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: NYC
In the Financial Statement Analysis/Accounting course at Training the Street, students will learn valuable techniques to read financial statements, critically interpret financial results, understand the nuances of accounting policies, and comprehend the valuation implications. This comprehensive course equips students to evaluate company performance beyond simple ratios, allowing them to understand the economic realities of businesses and make better investment decisions.
Business Courses at Dallas Data Science Academy
Dallas Data Science Academy is a renowned institution offering comprehensive training in data science. Catering to beginners and seasoned professionals, students can delve into various topics, from statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization to significant data handling, equipping them with practical skills crucial for tackling real-world data-related challenges.
Business Data Analysis
- Price: $700
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The "Business Data Analysis at Dallas Data Science Academy" course scrutinizes various skills, including Python, SQL, Excel, and Tableau, to draw actionable insights from business-related data. Brought to you by the Dallas Data Science Academy, this comprehensive program will educate the students on Data Wrangling, Exploratory Data Analysis, and Data Visualization, enabling them to make informed, data-backed decisions for their respective businesses.
Business Courses at CTS Training
CTS Training offers extensive professional skills enhancement courses, focusing on impactful technical skills, sought-after certifications, and career development strategies. Students engaging with CTS Training can expect to immerse themselves in diverse learning opportunities, from mastering project management methodologies and understanding strategic IT concepts to exploring the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, cultivating both practical and theoretical knowledge to excel in their respective fields.
Data Analytics
- Price: $2,295
- Duration: 5 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Data Analytics course at CTS Training provides students with essential knowledge and skills in analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing data effectively. In a friendly and engaging manner, participants delve into critical topics such as Python programming, structured query language (SQL), Microsoft Power BI, Machine Learning, and data presentation, allowing them to make data-driven decisions proficiently upon completion.
Business Courses at Georgetown School of Continuing Studies
Housed in the heart of Washington, D.C., the Georgetown School of Continuing Studies offers a vibrant learning community where students can scale new heights in their respective careers. Here, students can pursue a wide array of programs that range from professional certificates, bachelor's and master's degrees, to more custom offerings in numerous fields such as leadership, real estate, technology, and business —empowering them to keep pace with the ever-changing world and meet the evolving demands of their industries.
Data Analytics Bootcamp
- Price: $6,995
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Data Analytics Bootcamp at Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies is an immersive, part-time program designed to help students develop the necessary skills in data analysis. With a comprehensive curriculum covering topics from Excel and SQL to machine learning and data visualization, students can thoroughly understand how to extract meaningful insights from data.
Principles of Finance
- Price: $1,055
- Duration: 18 hours
- Locations: Several (see school website)
Principles of Finance at Georgetown's School of Continuing Studies is a course that introduces students to fundamental financial concepts, such as the time value of money, risk and return, capital budgeting, and financial statement analysis. The course teaches how these concepts are applied to making investment decisions and exploring the relationship between risk and return, equipping students with the skills necessary to make informed financial decisions.
Business Courses at AcademyX
AcademyX offers comprehensive training programs on software, graphic design, web development, digital marketing, and more. Enrollees can look forward to highly interactive, practical, and in-depth teaching sessions that will instill the necessary skills and tools to drive operational efficiency and excel in today's technology-driven industries.
Business Writing
- Price: $475
- Duration: 6 hours
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Business Writing course at Academy X equips attendees with practical strategies to enhance writing skills for professional correspondence, including reports, business letters, emails, and proposals. Students will learn to refine their approach to writing, allowing them to express ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively while understanding the proper tone and style for various business settings.
Business Courses at UCLA Extension
UCLA Extension is an esteemed program dedicated to professional development and personal growth within the University of California, Los Angeles community. Offering various dynamic courses from Business, Arts, and Engineering to Public Health encourages students to enrich their professional knowledge, explore new interests, and stay ahead of emerging trends in their respective fields.
Accounting for Non-Accountants
- Price: $765
- Duration: 11 weeks
- Locations: Several (see school website)
Accounting for Non-Accountants at UCLA Extension is a foundational course designed to teach essential accounting concepts and procedures to business professionals with a background. Throughout the course, students will learn how to apply basic accounting terminologies, understand income statements and balance sheets, interpret financial reports, and make informed business decisions based on financial information.
Principles of Financial Accounting
- Price: $765
- Duration: 5 weeks
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Principles of Financial Accounting course at UCLA Extension offers a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals necessary for developing a well-rounded understanding of financial reporting. Students will delve into the accounting cycle, income determination, asset valuation, liabilities, equities, and financial statement analysis, ensuring they're well-equipped for real-world financial capacities.
Fundamentals of Project Management
- Price: $999
- Duration: 11 weeks
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Fundamentals of Project Management course at UCLA Extension comprehensively explores the Project Management Institute's fundamentals while immersing students in modern project management strategies. Students will gain invaluable skills in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects, which will help them successfully navigate and manage any project, regardless of its complexity.
Business Valuation
- Price: $765
- Duration: 11 weeks
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Business Valuation course available at UCLA Extension thoroughly explores the theories and practical methodologies for valuing small-to-medium businesses. In this comprehensive course, students will learn key strategies such as income, market, and asset-based approaches to business valuation while understanding how to evaluate financial statements, forecasts, and business plans critically.
Financial Statement Analysis
- Price: $765
- Duration: 11 weeks
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Financial Statement Analysis course at UCLA Extension equips students with the essentials of analyzing the financial statements of corporations for financial management, investment, and lending purposes. It imparts critical skills such as understanding the nature and purpose of financial statements, interpreting industry statistics, evaluating company performance, estimating future company earnings, and performing a valuation of companies and stocks.
Business Courses at Emory Continuing Education
Emory Continuing Education, a branch of Emory University, offers many engaging courses for adult learners and professionals looking to broaden their skills or venture into new fields. From digital marketing, coding, and web design to creative writing, project management, and paralegal studies, this reputable institution provides diverse academic opportunities designed to foster continuous learning in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Project Management Certificate
- Price: $3,980
- Duration: 62 hours
- Locations: Atlanta
The Project Management Certificate at Emory Continuing Education offers a comprehensive curriculum that develops essential project management skills. Students will learn how to manage project resources, facilitate communication and collaboration between team members, apply Agile methodologies, navigate organizational influences, and mitigate risk, setting them up for success in various professional environments.
Business Intelligence
- Price: $3,495
- Duration: 56 hours
- Locations: Atlanta
The Business Intelligence at Emory Continuing Education course offered by Emory University's Continuing Education Department serves to equip students with the necessary skills to transform raw data into meaningful insights useful for business strategies. Throughout the course, students will gain proficiency in data analysis tools like Excel and SQL, learn to design, develop and implement data warehouses, and understand the role of data visualization in communicating business intelligence.
Big Data & Data Analytics
- Price: $4,495
- Duration: 80 hours
- Locations: Atlanta
The Big Data & Data Analytics course at Emory University's Continuing Education department equips students with comprehensive practical knowledge of big data, predictive models, and data-driven business strategies, enabling them to make informed decisions. The course offers hands-on experience with relevant tools such as Hadoop and Spark and covers areas like machine learning, data visualization, statistical analysis, and data mining.
Project Management: Scope Tools & Techniques
- Price: $295
- Duration: 4 hours
- Locations: Atlanta
Emory's Project Management: Scope Tools & Techniques course is designed to equip students with essential strategies to define, validate, and control project scope. Participants will learn how to decompose the project deliverables into manageable tasks, create a Work Breakdown Structure, and understand the tools needed to validate and control the scope of a project.
Project Management: Risk Tools & Techniques
- Price: $295
- Duration: 4 hours
- Locations: Atlanta
In the course Project Management: Risk Tools & Techniques, students delve into the challenges and complications that arise surrounding project management, focusing on identifying, assessing, and managing risk. Throughout the course, students enhance their problem-solving skills, learn risk response strategies, and use essential project management tools, equipping themselves with the skills to mitigate issues and steer projects toward success.
Key Information about Learning Business Skills
When studying business skills, students will delve into marketing principles, operations management, financial accounting, and strategic planning. Beginners can learn business concepts, though the complexity of some topics may challenge those with no prior exposure to commerce or economics. The amount of time required to learn business skills varies greatly, influenced by factors such as an individual's previous experience, the pace of learning, and the depth to which one wishes to understand the topics.
It would be beneficial to have a good grasp of basic maths, a fundamental understanding of economics, and a rudimentary familiarity with global events before starting Business studies. Additionally, access to specific software such as Microsoft Excel or a similar spreadsheet program will be required for data analysis and modeling; these can be obtained through purchase or subscription from software developers' official websites.
Career Paths & Job Outlook for Business
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business, and financial sector jobs are predicted to see a 10% increase in job openings (over 700,000) over the next decade. According to Indeed, starting salaries for business-related positions fall within the range of $45,000 to $60,000 annually. For more experienced roles in business, the salary can range between $70,000 to $100,000 or more. Various roles, such as Business Analyst, Project Manager, or Marketing Specialist, utilize business acumen to drive growth, efficiency, and profitability in various industries.
What Can You Do With Business?
Depending on the specific industry, sector, and function, one can use business principles toward various goals. For instance, an entrepreneur starting a tech company may utilize business modeling tools such as the Business Model Canvas or SWOT analysis to devise a solid business strategy. They would employ their business finance knowledge to forecast revenue, calculate profitability, and manage cash flow using financial modeling software like Excel or specialized SaaS platforms like Quickbooks.
In a corporate setting, a marketing executive could leverage various frameworks, such as the 4Ps or Porter's Five Forces, to create strategic marketing plans. Utilizing marketing automation tools like Hubspot or Salesforce, they can implement successful email marketing campaigns, drive lead generation, and increase customer engagement.
A human resources manager might use HR management software like Workday or BambooHR to keep track of employee data, manage payroll, and administer benefits. By understanding labor laws and leveraging their skills in employee management, they can also create effective hiring plans and employee retention strategies. In operations, one might use process mapping and Six Sigma methodologies to streamline business processes, reduce wastage, and improve efficiency. This might involve using project management tools like Asana or Trello to manage daily operations effectively.
In business consulting, professionals might use their analytical skills and strategic thinking to identify problems and provide solutions to businesses. They might use frameworks like PESTLE analysis and tools like Tableau or Google Analytics for data visualization and analysis. They can also guide businesses on strategic planning, operational efficiency, and organizational design.
Research and Data Analysts in business might use statistical and machine learning libraries in Python or R, such as NumPy, Pandas, and Scikit-Learn, to analyze large amounts of data and drive business insights. These are just a few examples, and the capabilities offered by businesses are extensive and diverse. Ultimately, the outputs one can create with business will depend significantly on one's role, industry, and the specific tools or frameworks they choose to use.
Top Business Tools For Beginners
- Microsoft Office Suite: The most basic business tool includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Word is for documentation, Excel is for data analysis and management, PowerPoint is for presentations, and Outlook is for emails.
- Google Workspace: Another widely used business tool that includes applications like Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Drive for email, document creation, data management, presentations, and cloud storage, respectively.
- Trello: A project management tool that allows you to organize tasks, assign them to team members, and manage workflows.
- Slack: A business communication tool that allows you to create channels for different teams or projects, direct message individuals and groups, and share files.
- QuickBooks: An accounting software that helps manage and track income, expenses, invoices, and other financial transactions.
- Salesforce: A customer relationship management (CRM) tool that helps businesses manage their relationships and interactions with existing and potential customers.
- MailChimp: An email marketing tool for creating and sending newsletters and automated marketing campaigns.
- Adobe Photoshop: A graphic design tool for creating and editing images, designing marketing materials, and doing graphic design work.
- Zoom: A video conferencing tool widely used for online meetings, webinars, and digital conferences.
- LinkedIn: A social networking platform for professionals. It helps in networking, recruiting, company branding, and keeping up to date with industry trends.
Business Comparison to Other Tools & Fields
Individuals working in the business and financial sector often use related subjects like economics, marketing, finance, and the programming language SQL. Economics provides an essential context for business decisions, helping professionals understand market trends and economic forces. Marketing is integral to promoting and selling products or services in a business, while finance helps manage and allocate resources efficiently.
SQL (Structured Query Language) is a programming language mainly used for managing data in business, enabling businesses to retrieve specific information from massive databases quickly and efficiently. Although these fields and programming languages are distinct, they all aim to enhance business operations and decision-making.
Business Advantages
Business skills offer versatility, lucrative potential, and skills that are transferable to other fields. With a degree or career in business, individuals have the flexibility to work in virtually any industry, broadening their horizons and job prospects. The potential for high income and growth is also substantial in business, which prompts the development of critical skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, and communication that are transferable to other fields.