Careers in business

Occupations in the Business Management and Administration career area relate to planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the functions essential to efficient and productive operations. The Business career area includes skills and experiences needed for leadership positions in all career areas, and entrepreneurship.

Positions in this career area are needed in all types of organizations – for-profit corporations, private-owned businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies. Duties vary depending on the industry and size of the organization.

Talk with people in different work settings to explore what is expected of people working in marketing, accounting, human resources, management, support positions, and other roles.

Trends in business

Remote work

Opportunities to work from home or in a hybrid model (part time remote, part time in the office) are increasing. Expectations and perceptions of remote work continue to evolve.

Sustainability

Corporate social responsibility is expanding, such as practicing energy efficiency, sourcing materials sustainably, ethical labor practices, and promoting more diverse candidates into leadership roles. (Source: CareerOneStop)

Digital skills

Job candidates in all types of occupations are expected to have strong digital skills to use various software programs and adapt to new technologies on the job.

Diversity, inclusion and equity

Most businesses recognize the importance of equitable and welcoming workplaces. Candidates should be prepared to work with and for people with marginalized identities, and demonstrate respectful communications and work practices.

Salary and career information

These are samples of some of the positions CEHD graduates enter. Find out more about these and occupations.

Business Manager

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + 5 years work experience
Median wage: $98,100

CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Chief Information Officer (CIO) | Executive Director | Executive Vice President (EVP) | President

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + 5 years work experience
Median wage: $189,520

Compensation and Business Manager

Benefits Coordinator | Compensation Director | Employee Benefits Manager | Payroll Manager

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + 5 years work experience
Median wage: $131,280

Human Resources Assistant

HR Administrative Assistant | Human Resources Associate | Personnel Clerk

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $45,930

Human Resources Specialist

Corporate Recruiter | HR Coordinator | HR Generalist | Human Resources Representative (HR Rep) | Personnel Officer

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $64,240

Investment Fund Manager

Fixed Income Portfolio Manager | Investment Analysis Vice President | Portfolio Manager

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + 5 years work experience
Median wage: $139,790

Management Analyst

Business Analyst | Business Consultant | Organizational Development Consultant

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + 5 years work experience
Median wage: $95,290

Marketing Specialist

Market Analysts | Communications Specialist | Market Research Analyst | Market Researcher

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $68,230

Public Relations Specialist

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $67,440

Marketing Specialist

Market Analysts | Communications Specialist | Market Research Analyst | Market Researcher

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $68,230

Purchasing Manager

Commodity Manager | Materials Director | Procurement Manager | Purchasing Director | Strategic Sourcing Director

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + 5 years work experience
Median wage: $131,350

Training And Development Specialist

Computer Training Specialist | Corporate Trainer | Leadership Development Specialist | Learning and Development Consultant | Trainer

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + some work experience
Median wage: $63,080

Data notes

Minnesota data shown, unless otherwise noted.
Education Requirements = Degree, credential or training needed to enter the occupation. National standard used; Minnesota employers might have different requirements.
Work Settings = Environment where work is performed. Represents types of employers most often employ this occupation.
25% Wage = Representative of an entry-level wage for workers with less than four years’ experience in the occupation. The point at which 75% of workers earn more and 25% of workers earn less.
Median Wage = Represents typical salary for workers with at least five years of experience in this occupation. Half of all workers in this occupation earn less, the other half earn more.
Data Sources (retrieved April 2024): CareerOneStop | O*NET | Occupational Outlook Handbook | DEED Career & Education Explorer

Explore academic programs

Use our program selector tool to identify a degree program that can lead you to a career in your desired field.

Career trajectories of CEHD alumni

DEED’s Graduate Employment Outcomes in Minnesota tool shows data on University of Minnesota alumni who are working in Minnesota. Academic program names are a compost of related programs in Minnesota colleges; the wage data is specific to UMN graduates.

Undergraduate programs

Hourly Median Wage Trend for 2016 Graduates (updated through 2022) of Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Wages in 2017 (1 year after graduation): $32.73
Wages in 2020: $42.24

Human Resources Management and Services

Wages in 2017 (1 year after graduation): $25.94
Wages in 2020: $34.37

Graduate programs

Hourly Median Wage Trend for 2016 Graduates (updated through 2022) of Graduate degrees/certificates from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus