CAREER CONNECTIONS

"Business professional" is one of the most flexible categories of employment, offering diverse work opportunities and environments. With training and experience, business graduates can pursue careers in many fields, including accounting, marketing, and management. Most business professionals are tasked with analyzing and improving organizational operations and performance.

The job outlook for business professionals is quite strong. As the economy diversifies and market globalization continues to change how people do business, the demand for business professionals has expanded. According to BLS employment data, business and financial occupations are projected to grow faster than the average occupation between 2019-2029.

While most of these professions require at least a bachelor's degree, earning a master's degree can lead to more financially rewarding careers. BLS employment data indicates that business management occupations earn the highest median annual wages of all occupational groups at over $105,000. The median annual wage for business and financial occupations is nearly $70,000 — much higher than the average for all occupations.

While some business professionals earn a general business degree and specialize through job experience, schools often also offer concentrations that help learners focus their training in a specific field. While not exhaustive, the following list explores some of the most popular business concentrations and their corresponding careers.

This year close to 50 students at Northwestern High School are enrolled in a Business Pathways course. Students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to test the waters and gauge their interest in the business field by enrolling in an entry-level Accounting I course. Accounting is the language of business and actual bookkeeping is practiced as student work through real-world business transactions. “What I like most about teaching this course is that students come into this class with very limited background knowledge on the subject. It is amazing to see the critical thinking and growth that takes place throughout the year,” says teacher Carrie Becker. Accounting II is also offered for students looking to dig deeper.

For students who are looking to possibly pursue a business degree in college, Northwestern partners with Stark State College to offer several online CCP Business classes. Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Principles of Management and Microsoft Excel are a few of the introductory courses offered. Senior student Ellie Bond says “This has been a great opportunity for me to earn college credit for free while still meeting my high school graduation and eligibility requirements.” Recent graduates have expressed their appreciation for the schedule flexibility and support they received while in high school. It’s possible that the next leaders in business and finance are starting their careers right here in our school!

Story submitted by : Carrie Becker

Accounting

While most business degrees cover accounting fundamentals, this concentration better prepares students for careers in financial accounting and management accounting. Students learn different types of accounting, exploring things like tax and corporate accounting. These courses teach learners to analyze finances, make strategic business recommendations, and adhere to complex laws and regulations.

Business Development

A business development concentration focuses on the growth and guidance of organizations of different shapes and sizes. Students examine the entrepreneurial mindset and learn about consumer behaviors, leadership strategies, and innovations that lead to success. Equipped with these skills, graduates can seek careers in business management, consulting, and analysis.

Finance

Finance students tackle more advanced financial concepts than those found in general business degrees. They learn how to use complex instruments and techniques to help businesses make sound financial decisions. The specialization emphasizes financial planning, operational problem-solving, and organizational evaluation. After graduation, a finance concentration can lead to financial management, accounting, and consulting careers.

Management

A management concentration focuses on strategic decision-making and helping businesses grow and improve. Students learn to develop strategies, assess employee performance, and implement operational changes and improvements. Graduates acquire the skills to take on many management positions, such as financial management, marketing management, and training and development management.

Marketing and Advertising

Learners in marketing and advertising concentrations examine the entire promotional process. Students gain skills and knowledge in market research, consumer behaviors, product branding and planning, and campaign strategizing. They also explore the financial aspects of marketing and advertising, including the evolution of marketing in the modern age. This concentration leads to careers in sales, marketing, fundraising, market research, and operations analysis.

Economics

Students in an economics concentration learn about the complex components of the global marketplace, including state and national economies, individual households, financial markets, and businesses. They acquire skills in financial reporting and learn to assess financial risks and opportunities for organizations. Graduates with this training can pursue business careers in management, finance, and accounting.

Ohio Business Week is the premier business and entrepreneurship camp where high school students tackle real world challenges while having a real college experience.

Click to register - https://ohbizweek.corsizio.com/c/6025abd03869e46e27aa71ea/register