What Careers Do a Degree in Small Business Management Prepare Students For?

<p>You can earn a degree in small business management at the associate's, bachelor's or master's levels. All of these degree programs include general business courses and courses in small business principles, entrepreneurship and finance. These programs can prepare you for careers in small business or in management in a variety of small and large organizations. The career you can have may depend on the level of degree you earn. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutTheseOccupations">Important Facts About These Occupations</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th>Sales Manager </th><th> Human Resources Manager</th></tr> <tr><td> Mean Salary (2021) </td><td> $127,490 </td><td> $126,230</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 5% growth </td><td> 7% growth</td></tr> <tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Advertising Sales Agent, Market Research Analyst, Purchasing Agent </td><td> Administrative Service Manager, Labor Research Specialist, Training/Development Manager</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Leadership, customer-service, and analytical skills </td><td> Interpersonal, organizational, and speaking skills</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CareersInSmallBusiness">Careers in Small Business</h3> <p>A Small Business Management degree could lead to one of many careers in a small company, including the following: </p> <ul><li><b>Entrepreneur:</b> Start your own company and sell a product or idea. Small Business Management training covers business and management topics that that will help you succeed. </li><li><b>Small Business Financial Services Manager:</b> Work as a consultant for a small business to keep track of finances and to make sure the company is making money and not losing it. A background in finances or accounting could also be useful for this position. </li><li><b>Small Business Sales Manager:</b> Sell a product or idea to interested parties, develop potential client and customer lists and market the product. </li></ul><h3 id="section---CareersInManagement">Careers in Management</h3> <p>A degree in small business management can lead to a number of management positions within different industries and businesses. These can include large, small, already-established or just getting off the ground businesses. Possible careers include: </p> <ul><li><b>Local Store Manager:</b> Find a career in a small local store or restaurant managing employees, organizing the goods, marketing and advertising products and growing the business. </li><li><b>Production Manager:</b> Organize the business plan and production so the product is getting out on time, in pristine condition to where it needs to go at the pace at which it needs to be produced. </li><li><b>Human Resources Manager:</b> Determine the best people for different positions within a small or large company, how much they should be paid and how best to train them to complete their specific responsibilities. </li><li><b>Contract Administrator:</b> Write and review contracts to make sure they are in line with the business plan and will advance the business. Look for and contact potential clients.</li></ul>