Business degree jobs: Career paths for graduates

From finance and marketing to management and consulting, a business degree can take you in a lot of directions. That’s why it’s one of the most popular (and practical) majors out there.

In this guide, we’ll break down some of the top business degree jobs, including entry-level roles to get your foot in the door, high-paying careers to aim for and specialized paths if you’re focusing on areas like business administration, management or finance.

Getting a business degree gives you a solid mix of real-world skills like leadership, communication, problem-solving and even data crunching, that employers are always looking for. 

You’ll learn the basics of how money moves (economics), how companies keep track of it (accounting), how they grow (marketing) and how they run smoothly (organizational behavior).

Whether you’re going for a general business degree or focusing on something specific like marketing, finance or international business, you’ll open the door to tons of career options after graduation.

Here are some of the most popular and rewarding careers with a business degree:

• Average salary: $81,000/year
  

• Key skills: Data analysis, forecasting, financial modeling
  

• What they do: Financial analysts help businesses and individuals make smart investment decisions. This is one of the most in-demand business administration jobs, especially for finance majors.

• Average salary: $135,000/year
  

• Key skills: Market research, branding, digital strategy
  

• What they do: Marketing managers plan and oversee campaigns to attract customers. Ideal for those with a creative edge and strategic mindset.
  

• Average salary: $64,000/year
  

• Key skills: Communication, conflict resolution, employee engagement
  

• What they do: HR specialists handle recruitment, benefits, and employee relations. This is a popular option for those interested in organizational development and people management.

• Average salary: $95,000/year
  

• Key skills: Strategic planning, business operations, client relations
  

• What they do: Consultants help companies improve performance and solve problems. It’s a fast-paced, high-impact role often filled by business graduates.

• Average salary: $77,000/year
  

• Key skills: Budgeting, financial reporting, tax compliance
  

• What they do: Accountants work in public firms, corporations, or as independent professionals. It’s one of the most stable and structured business degree jobs.

If you’re about to graduate or just earned your degree, there are plenty of entry-level business jobs that can help you launch your career and build valuable experience. Here are a few great options to consider:

• Sales Representative: Connects with customers to sell products or services and build lasting client relationships.
  

• Business Analyst: Analyzes data and business processes to help companies improve efficiency and make smarter decisions.
  

• Marketing Coordinator: Supports marketing campaigns by managing logistics, content, and communications to boost brand awareness.
  

• Operations Assistant: Helps keep daily business activities running smoothly by coordinating tasks and supporting different departments.
  

• Customer Success Associate: Works closely with clients to ensure they’re satisfied and getting the most value from a company’s products or services.

These positions often serve as a stepping stone to higher-paying roles, and many offer on-the-job training and career advancement opportunities.

If your goal is to maximize your earning potential, consider these high-paying business jobs:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Often requiring years of experience, CEOs can earn well into six or seven figures.
  

• Investment Banker – High stakes and high rewards, especially in corporate finance.
  

• IT Project Manager – Merging business and tech, these roles command salaries upwards of $100K.
  

• Product Manager – Oversee development and marketing of products, especially in tech sectors.

Depending on your concentration, here are some specific paths:

• Finance Majors: Financial planner, investment analyst, corporate accountant
  

• Marketing Majors: Brand manager, SEO specialist, digital marketing strategist
  

• Management Majors: Operations manager, project coordinator, general manager
  

• International Business: Global supply chain analyst, trade compliance officer

Beyond traditional office roles, a business degree can lead to careers in:

• Entrepreneurship – Start your own business or consultancy.
  

• Nonprofit Management – Combine business skills with social impact.
  

• Real Estate – Work in property management, commercial development, or as a broker.
  

• Supply Chain Management – Ensure products move efficiently from manufacturer to consumer.

Read: 20 unique interview questions to impress your employer

If you're thinking about majoring in business, the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business is a standout option. 

Located in the heart of a vibrant, opportunity-rich city, Lindner offers high school students a direct path to real-world experience, personalized career support and nationally-ranked academic programs.

Here’s what makes Lindner a great choice for future business majors:

• Co-op and internship opportunities: UC’s cooperative education (co-op) program gives you the chance to work with top companies, sometimes for a full semester, while still in college. It’s a great way to build your resume and get a head start in the business world.
  

• Cutting-edge curriculum: Whether you're interested in marketing, finance, management, or entrepreneurship, Lindner has a range of majors and concentrations to help you shape your future career.
  

• Supportive community: From your first year, you’ll be supported by advisors, peer mentors, and career coaches who want to see you succeed.
  

• Modern facilities: Lindner’s state-of-the-art building includes collaborative workspaces, innovation labs and tech-equipped classrooms designed for hands-on learning.
  

• Strong job placement: Lindner grads leave campus ready to launch their careers. Many students land full-time job offers even before graduation.

Choosing a business school is a big decision, and Lindner is a place where you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive — both in college and beyond.

3. Get involved on campus

Join UC business student organizations and don’t miss career fairs — they’re perfect for networking and meeting recruiters.

4. Use UC Career Services resources

Take advantage of resume workshops, LinkedIn profile reviews and mock interviews offered by UC’s Bearcat Promise Career Studio to tailor your application materials and sharpen your skills 

5. Practice business interview skills

Prepare for common interview formats used by business employers, including behavioral questions and case interviews. UC’s Career Studio offers great practice sessions and resources to help you feel confident.

Read: Politely declining a job offer: What to say and how to say it

A business degree is more than just a diploma, it’s a gateway to a wide array of career options.

Whether you're aiming for a corporate career, want to launch your own startup or dream of climbing the executive ladder, there are countless business degree jobs to explore. With the right experience, skills and strategy, you can turn your business education into a thriving, fulfilling career.

Want to learn how a business degree from UC can open doors for you? Schedule a campus visit or connect with an admissions advisor at Lindner College of Business now!