5 Things You Can Do With a Business Degree

If you’ve ever wondered whether the phrase “business degree” seemed either too general or overwhelming, you’re not alone. Thousands of undergraduates wonder what to do with a bachelor’s degree. After the bachelor’s, do you go straight for the MBA? Or is the bachelor’s degree the end of your journey in higher education?

If you’ve been wondering what to do with your undergraduate degree, here are a few things you should know that will make the impending job search that much more bearable.

Consider post-graduate work.

The undergraduate degree is a stepping stone for many individuals. In fact, MBA programs around the country are constantly looking for top talent. If you’re interested in an MBA (a Masters of Business Administration), there are a few steps you’ll need to follow. First, you’ll want to take the GMAT. The GMAT is a specialized testing program for MBA graduate degree candidates. It can help you stand out as you apply to a college of business. The GMAT differs from the GRE in a few key ways, especially because it’s geared towards management-oriented career paths like an MBA program.

Undergraduate students should also spend their senior year requesting letters of recommendation. This can make the graduate school admissions process much easier. On top of that, depending on your GPA and some additional information, you can consider an accelerated program. Accelerated programs give you rapid access to the key information you need to succeed. They aren’t for every undergraduate student but an accelerated graduate business degree can be a boon to many. Ask other prospective students about the accelerated MBA program to see if it’s right for you.

Hospitality management needs careful leadership.

If you’re a foodie and you want to put your undergraduate business degree to good use, consider breaking into the hospitality industry. Whether you start a food truck or work alongside restaurant equipment manufacturers, your degree will be put to good use. When you’re looking for a partnership for a restaurant supply store, it’s a good idea to do a location-specific search. If you live in the city of Seattle, Google something such as “restaurant equipment Seattle.” You can also haggle the price point to get a more affordable price on your restaurant supply goods.

This is a great field if you don’t have the highest cumulative GPA or if you simply love high-quality food. Restaurant owners need to have commercial kitchen knowledge, focus coursework on hospitality, and have the discipline to put forth excellent customer service each meal. And don’t forget about haggling restaurant supply prices for a new set of bakery pans, glassware, and small wares.

Open a salon.

What would you do if you had an entire salon at your disposal? Do you think your undergraduate coursework could prepare you for this line of work? Whether you’re buying new hair salon chairs and reception chairs or you’re setting up a partnership for discounts on salon products, there’s plenty of use for a business degree in a hair salon. You’ll need to know how to manage hair salon technicians, navigate footrest options, and develop business plans for acquiring and installing salon equipment. While running a beauty salon may not sound intensive, it requires a keen eye for business. A prospective student looking at a business degree or even a master’s degree program could succeed in this field.

Become a consultant.

While you may need some graduate courses or a master’s program to succeed as a consultant, it’s a great option if you want some additional freedom and isn’t as interested in the traditional nine-to-five. From offering suggestions for installers to helping business owners offer affordable prices for their services, a consultant can have a large amount of sway in various fields. It’s a less-structured business model but if you have the spark, it can pull in top dollars.

Learn about financial analysis.

In the same vein as a business consultant, many financial analysts possess a master’s degree and also help guide a business as a key decision-maker. Of course, in this capacity, you’ll be more focused on numbers. This is why that master’s degree can get you a foot in the door.

The possibilities for how you use a business degree are nearly endless. Do some experimenting, find your niche, and see where your degree path takes you.