What Can You Do with an Associate in Business Administration?

A great way to start a professional career in the business sector is by earning an associate degree in business administration.

After completing a business administration associate program, graduates can choose from various jobs ?or further their education to advance their business careers.

If you're thinking about entering the business sector, keep reading to find out what you can do with an associate in business administration.

What Is an Associate Degree in Business Administration?

An associate degree in business administration is a program offered by colleges and universities that is designed to teach students the fundamentals of business.

Depending on the school and the goal of the degree, you might encounter programs with the following names:

• Associate of Arts in Business Administration (AA or AABA)
• Associate of Science in Business Administration (AS or ASBA)
• Associate of Applied Business (AAB)
• Associate of Business Administration (ABA)

Associate degrees in business generally prepare students for entry-level positions in fields that include accounting, real estate, sales, and advertising.

What Do You Learn in an Associate in Business Administration Program?

The topics explored in an associate in business administration program can vary from school to school.

Topics commonly include:

• management
• finance
• statistics
• human resources
• entrepreneurship
• business analytics
• accounting
• marketing

Other subjects students could include are economics, business law, and sales. Students might also be required to complete liberal arts coursework.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Associate in Business Administration?

Generally, earning an associate degree in business administration requires earning about 60 credits.

With a full-time commitment, completion could take about two years, which is half the amount of time needed to complete the average four-year, 120-credit bachelor's program.

Many programs allow students to transfer in credits, which could help them graduate sooner ?sometimes in just over a year.

Students who enroll on a part-time basis might require more than two years to earn their degree.

Associate in Business Administration Careers

An associate degree in business administration opens doors to a variety of careers. Here is a look at eight jobs you could acquire with this degree.

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants or secretaries take on clerical and organizational duties in a business.

Common responsibilities include answering phones, managing incoming and outgoing mail, maintaining filing systems, scheduling appointments, arranging meetings, and updating calendars.

While an associate degree in business administration is not always necessary for this role, having a degree in business can help candidates stand out from the pack.

Customer Service Associate

Customer service associates or representatives work directly with customers to provide information about an organization's products and services and manage orders.

Duties often include processing bills and payments, addressing customer questions and concerns, managing returns, and sending calls to supervisors when needed.

Education requirements generally start with a high school diploma but sometimes include a degree in business or communication.

Insurance Sales Agent

Insurance sales agents sell insurance policies to customers and may even reach out to potential customers to expand their client base.

Responsibilities include explaining insurance policy features, assisting with the claims process, keeping track of client records, and interviewing clients to choose the right coverage.

Though insurance companies might hire agents with a high school diploma, it's common for candidates to have a degree in business.

Real Estate Broker or Agent

A real estate broker or sales agent assists clients with renting, buying, and selling properties.

Both positions take clients to see properties, advise on market conditions and prices, advertise properties, and manage negotiations between buyers and sellers.

Brokers and agents can start their careers with a high school diploma but could benefit from a degree in real estate or business administration.

The difference between the two roles is: brokers must acquire a license to manage their own real estate business while agents must work with brokers.

Purchasing Manager

A purchasing manager buys services and products that organizations are able to resell or use.

Duties include evaluating suppliers, interviewing vendors, visiting plants to evaluate products and services, attending trade shows, negotiating contracts, and working out agreements.

While a bachelor's degree is preferred for this role, some businesses might accept a high school diploma or associate degree in an area like business, finance, or supply management.

Advertising Sales Agent

An advertising sales agent ?or advertising sales representative ?contacts potential clients and makes presentations to sell advertising space.

Agents and representatives work with individuals and businesses. They provide advertising cost estimates, deliver advertising proofs, and create promotional plans.

A high school diploma might be sufficient to start this role, but many businesses prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or advertising.

Bookkeeper or Auditing Clerk

A bookkeeper or auditing clerk maintains financial records for organizations.

Some duties include recording financial transactions, using bookkeeping software, updating statements, checking for accuracy, and producing balance sheets.

Candidates might only need a high school diploma to start, but often, an associate degree or higher in business or accounting is preferred.

Sales Manager

A sales manager is in charge of directing sales teams. Managers often create training programs, set goals for sales teams, and analyze data.

Additional responsibilities include creating budgets, addressing customer complaints, evaluating sales data, projecting sales, and deciding how to acquire new customers.

While a bachelor's degree is a common requirement for the role, a high school diploma or associate degree with a focus on business, finance, economics, marketing, or management could also work.

Is an Associate Degree in Business Administration Worth it?

Depending on your specific academic and career goals, earning an associate degree in business administration is a great choice.

One benefit is your ability to save money. According to the NCES, the average cost per year of tuition and fees in 2021-22 for two-year public schools was $4,000 compared to $9,700 for four-year schools.

Another perk is your ability to start your career faster since associate degrees typically take two fewer years to complete than bachelor's degrees.

When it comes to career expectations, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that business and financial occupations will grow faster than average from 2022 to 2032.

And, of course, if you ever want a job in the business sector that requires more education, you can continue your academic journey by earning a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration.

Earn Your Associate in Business Administration Today

If you're ready to start a career in the business field, earning an associate degree in business administration offers a great start. There's no better time to enroll in a degree program and jumpstart your dream career.