Am I Job Marketable With A College Business Education?

“Remember, it isn't the dreamers who have good lives- it's the doers. Remember also what I call the three P's of success: passion, planning, and perseverance.” ~Homer Hickam

“Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential.” ~John Maxwell

“Have a dream. Have a passion. Know that there's no such thing as an overnight success.” ~Christiane Amanpour

“No one succeeds without effort… Those who succeed owe their success to perseverance.” ~Ramana Maharshi

“Success in life is founded upon attention to the small things rather than to the large things; to the everyday things nearest to us rather than to the things that are remote and uncommon.” ~Booker T. Washington

At least every two weeks, I am asked by Juniors (grade 11s) and graduating Seniors (grade 12s), "Mr. Armstrong, can you help me? My friends tell me that business degrees are a waste of time and don't prepare college students for the job market or specific careers."

I shake my head in disbelief. I then ask the individuals, "What knowledge or skills do you have presently that prepare you for the job market or a specific career?"

The vast majority, 98% or more, of the students answer, "I have no knowledge or skills for the job market."

Using bullet points, categorized by each business major, here is a short list of possible marketable careers that college students have built job marketable knowledge and skills:

Accounting:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Auditor
• Tax Advisor
• Forensic Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Budget Analyst
• Accounts Payable/Receivable Manager
• Corporate Controller
• Internal Auditor

Entrepreneurship & Innovation:

• Startup Founder
• Business Consultant
• Product Manager
• Venture Capital Analyst
• Innovation Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Growth Hacker
• Social Entrepreneur
• Corporate Strategy Analyst
• Small Business Owner

Finance:

• Investment Banker
• Financial Planner
• Hedge Fund Manager
• Insurance Underwriter
• Private Equity Analyst
• Financial Examiner
• Treasury Analyst
• Risk Manager
• Credit Analyst
• Portfolio Manager

Hospitality Management:

• Hotel Manager
• Restaurant Manager
• Event Planner
• Travel Agent
• Food and Beverage Manager
• Resort Manager
• Guest Relations Manager
• Cruise Director
• Casino Manager
• Conference Center Manager

Human Resource Management:

• HR Generalist
• Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Training and Development Manager
• Compensation and Benefits Manager
• Employee Relations Manager
• HR Consultant
• Diversity and Inclusion Manager
• Labor Relations Specialist
• HR Information Systems Manager
• Organizational Development Specialist

Management:

• General Manager
• Operations Manager
• Project Manager
• Management Analyst
• Executive Director
• Business Analyst
• Quality Control Manager
• Plant Manager
• Chief Executive Officer
• Compliance Officer

Marketing:

• Marketing Manager
• Brand Manager
• Social Media Manager
• Market Research Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Digital Marketing Specialist
• SEO Specialist
• Content Marketing Manager
• Advertising Manager
• Product Marketing Manager

Supply Chain Management:

• Supply Chain Analyst
• Logistics Manager
• Procurement Manager
• Warehouse Manager
• Operations Manager
• Distribution Center Manager
• Inventory Control Manager
• Supply Chain Consultant
• Supply Planner
• Purchasing Manager

These career paths reflect various marketable job/career opportunities available to college graduates in each field.

With more excellent knowledge, skillsets, and experience, comes greater responsibilities and more opportunities for career advancement.