Riding a Business Career? Rein in Your Career Success By Taking The Right Path!

So, you’ve got your business career launched with a bachelor’s degree. Now, there are career path choices that can make a huge difference in both personal satisfaction as well as earning potential. And, if you’re inclined towards pursuit of the C-suite, making the right choice can mean almost 100% higher income.

True enough, we’re not all driven by the same things. But if you’re determined to get the largest return on your education investment you can, there’s definitely things to consider. Those include:

Is your bachelor’s degree enough or should you pursue a master’s degree?
What specific career path do you want to choose?
Are you looking to simply lock in a good position, or are you driven to lead?

Here’s a brief look at how to take the reins of your business career and take it home to your version of the winner’s circle.

What Specific Career Path?

Forty years ago, a generic degree in business may have been enough. It would usually get you in most doors. Nowadays, specialization is not only the norm, but it’s recommended. But with choosing a specialization, you may be limiting future opportunities and income. Here’s what you should research:

What’s the potential employment demand?
How much education is needed to achieve your ultimate career goal?
How much of a consideration is compensation?

Bachelor’s Degree Enough?

In today’s competitive job market, an improving economy hasn’t changed the reality that 33% of companies now require a master’s in positions that were historically filled by those with a bachelor’s degree. If you landed that first job with a four year degree, kudos to you. But with each career shift, you’ll be missing at least a third of potential opportunities.

That’s not good news for those who are tired of being a (poor) full time student, tapped out on tuition dollars, or unwilling to take on more student loan debt. If that’s you, you still have options. Consider an online MBA. Online education has become a viable mainstream option, and is both more affordable and flexible.

C-Suite Part of Your Goals?

Not everyone is suited for executive level positions. Nor does everyone have a desire to achieve that in their career. But if you do, it’s a sure thing you’ll need an MBA. As well, you’ll have to carefully plot and navigate your way up the corporate ladder.

Here’s some key findings from a recent study conducted by Campbellsville University:

Even as entry-level workers, accountants have options to further their careers much quicker than many other professions with licensing and certification. With an MBA, they leave school able to jump into any senior financial position.
An MBA in Information Technology can get you to the top of the ladder instantly. It can also earn you the highest salary among any MBA concentration.
Because more and more businesses are going global, those with MBAs in International Business will more than likely have their pick of the litter when it comes to job offers.

Taking care to make education and career choices that work for you is important. Check out the infographic below for a great visual representation of how various business career paths differ in income and required education. The bottom line is that it’s your choice, but choose wisely!