Decide which career is best for you by selecting a career that matches your personality and interests. For example, if you are considered a creative person consider the career options available in marketing. Visit the career services department at your school to receive career coaching and take a career interest test to help determine which business area suits your personality. Participate in career planning events at your school and take advantage of seminars to learn more about each career. Network with family and friends to find business professionals that can share their work experiences and responsibilities and provide you with practical career advice.
Finance and accounting majors have the highest overall employment growth among business majors. Over the years 2008 to 2018, financial examiners are projected to grow by 41 percent; financial advisers are estimated to increase by 30 percent; positions in accounting are projected to increase by 22 percent. Advertising, marketing and sales managers are expected to grow by an average of 13 percent; managers such as human resource managers are projected to grow by 22 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Graduates with a major in economics have the highest starting salary among other business majors. Economics majors have a starting average salary of $48,800 followed by finance majors with an average beginning salary of $47,500. Accounting majors earn an average salary of $44,600; business management and marketing majors had a beginning salary ranging between $37,000 to $42,000. Students must also consider the mid-career average salary when deciding on a major. As an example, while accounting majors earn a starting salary of 16 percent greater than marketing majors, the average mid-career salary for both majors is almost the same, according to PayScale.
Review the various job responsibilities of each major or career to determine what appeals to you. Economics majors are employed as analysts, consultants and advisers in the areas of finance, banking, management and marketing. Finance majors may be employed in commercial or investment banking, insurance or financial planning. Marketing majors are found in advertising and promotions, brand management, new product development and sales management. Accounting majors may choose a career path as a financial accountant, auditor, financial planner, tax examiner or controller. Management majors may work in industries such as sports, hotel, human resources, banking and sales. Remember that job responsibilities may often overlap as seen with accounting and finance majors.