Business administration involves the performance, management, and administrative functions of business operations. Many companies have multiple departments and personnel that can fall under the business administration heading. Business administration can encompass:
- Finance: The finance department manages money (both incoming and outgoing) and other financial resources for a business.
- Economics: An economist monitors and predicts economic trends.
- Human Resources: A human resources department helps to manage human capital and benefits. They plan and direct many key administrative functions of a business.
- Marketing: The marketing department develops campaigns to bring in customers and improve brand awareness.
- Advertising: The advertising department finds ways to promote a business or the business's products and services.
- Logistics: This department works to get products to consumers by coordinating people, facilities, and supplies.
- Operations: An operations manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a business.
- Management: Managers may supervise projects or people. In a hierarchical organization, managers may work in low-level management, middle-level management, and top-level management.
Business Administration Education
Some business administration jobs require advanced degrees; others require no degree at all. This is why there are many different business administration education options. You could benefit from on-the-job training, seminars, and certificate programs. Some business administration professionals also choose to earn an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or even a doctoral degree. The education option you choose should depend on what you want to do in a business administration career. If you want a job at the entry-level, you may be able to begin work while you get an education. If you would like to work in management or a supervisory position, some formal education may be required before a job appointment. Here is a breakdown of the most common business administration education options.