Commerce makes the world go round, so if you are studying business with the intent of making a lot of money after school, you’re on the right track. However, there are many fields which fall under the broad umbrella of this academic discipline – below, we’ll go over some its more lucrative sectors.
1) Marketing
This sector of business is one of the sexiest majors out there, as it deals with the art of persuasion. Marketing is a lucrative skill to have in today’s economy, as attention spans are shorter than they ever have been.
With customers increasingly flocking to the web and Netflix, where commercials can be skipped with ease, the ability to seize a viewer’s interest has become a valuable commodity.
Depending on the role you target after graduation, the outlook is a positive one, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects between 10 to 20% growth in the number of openings for these positions over the next decade.
With average salaries (bonuses notwithstanding) ranging between $63,000 and $127,000 for those in the midst of the marketing careers, those who have a knack for capturing people’s attention stand to do well in this field.
2) Accounting
Looking to get on a career track that’s rock solid in terms of its dependability and necessity to business? While it may not be the most exciting field, firms the world over will always have a need for accountants who know their way around a spreadsheet.
If math is your strong suit, this is the major for you – by using equations, you can help boost the profits of a start up, or find extra tax savings for a Fortune 500 company.
Unlike more outgoing professions, many responsibilities in this profession can be handled from your desk – this means accounting is especially well-suited to those who are more introverted in nature.
With a predicted 11% growth rate in open positions over the next decade and an average annual wage of $68,000, this is a solid career option for detail-oriented individuals who seek a stable income.
3) Sales
Like to live life on the edge? Gregarious and extroverted? If so, making sales your business major will not only suit your personality perfectly, you also stand to earn sacks of money over the course of your career.
Here’s why: marketers can only get customers and potential clients to pay attention – it’s up to salespeople to close the deal. Once your company has piqued their interest, it’s on you to break down exactly how your product or service will completely transform their life or the performance of their business.
Do this successfully frequently enough, and not only will you be rewarded with an attractive base salary, but many places will pay out commissions and performance bonuses. At the end of the year, this can add up to a hefty stack of cash.
Employment growth in this area is projected to be a bit more modest, with a 5% increase in openings over the next decade. Salaries range widely – some are quite low ($48,000 or lower), but this doesn’t take incentives into account.
If you are selling complex scientific instruments or machinery to other businesses, you stand to earn much more – many positions pay close to, if not more than six figures as a base salary.