Business

From chief executive officer to file clerk, and all jobs in between, these career overview articles describe “general business” careers. These jobs require organization, management skills, and a good business sense. Read any of the articles below to learn the training requirements, salary expectations, employment outlook and more!

Job Descriptions and Careers, Career and Job Opportunities, Career Search, and Career Choices and Profiles

Administrative Assistant Job Description, Career as an Administrative Assistant, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school plus training Salary: Median—$34,970 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Administrative assistants work for managers and executives. Some organizations do not distinguish between executive secretaries and administrative assistants. In organizations that distinguish between the two, administrative assistants tend to spend more time on long-range assignments.…

4 minute read

Business Analyst Job Description, Career as a Business Analyst, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Business Analyst Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $74,000 per year Job Outlook Very good Basic Job Description Business analysts have a very wide range of jobs. Most importantly, they are used to determine the needs of a company. They will interview management and analyze documentation to help determine these needs. They will observe company practices and procedures to deter…

4 minute read

Business Development Manager Job Description, Career as a Business Development Manager, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Master?s degree Average Salary $83,000 per year Job Outlook Very good A business development manager helps companies to expand their business by reaching out to new customers and developing new plans and strategies to help each department run more effectively. They are also responsible for conducting research on the specific roles of each department, product development, and…

4 minute read

Business Machine Operator Job Description, Career as a Business Machine Operator, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Poor Business machine operators run equipment such as duplicators and copiers that perform routine office tasks. An office that regularly produces a large volume of printed material may have its own copying department. Copying machine operators make copies of reports, charts, drawings, letters, and circulars.…

4 minute read

Claims Adjuster Job Description, Career as a Claims Adjuster, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school; license Salary: Median—$44,080 per year Employment Outlook: Good Claims adjusters ascertain how much money people are entitled to receive on their insurance claims. Most claims adjusters work for property-liability insurance companies. Property-liability insurance covers such losses as fires, thefts, and accidents. People who buy this insurance protect t…

4 minute read

Claims Examiner Job Description, Career as a Claims Examiner, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Two- or four-year college Salary: Median—$33,669 per year Employment Outlook: Good Claims examiners review claims made against insurance companies. Examiners, who are sometimes called reviewers, are employed by life and health insurance companies. Claims examiners are responsible for approving or rejecting claims or arranging settlements. Unlike claims adjusters, who…

3 minute read

Correspondence Clerk Job Description, Career as a Correspondence Clerk, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Median—$29,340 per year Employment Outlook: Poor Offices that receive large quantities of mail and e-mail depend on correspondence clerks, or correspondents. These clerks answer letters and e-mail that do not require the personal attention of an executive. Some replies are routine, allowing the correspondent to send a form letter or e-mail. For re…

3 minute read

Cultural Advisor Job Description, Career as a Cultural Advisor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Postsecondary education Salary Median: $70,000 per year Employment Outlook: Good Cultural advisors work with individuals from different cultural heritages and identities and facilitate the coexistence of people in a culturally diverse community. Cultural advisors play various roles, and may work alongside professionals belonging to the fields of health services or education…

3 minute read

Customer Service Representative Job Description, Career as a Customer Service Representative, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Median—$27,020 per year Employment Outlook: Very good Customer service representatives are employed by all types of companies to field questions and concerns from customers. They typically work at the front desk of a local office branch or at a cubicle in a corporation's call center. They may communicate with customers over the phone, by e-…

4 minute read

Data Entry Keyer Job Description, Career as a Data Entry Keyer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Median—$23,250 per year Employment Outlook: Poor A large and ever increasing amount of information is stored on computers. Banks store information on every check written against their customers' accounts. State governments record information on drivers' licenses and motor vehicle registrations. Insurance companies keep records of the…

3 minute read

Directory—Institutions Offering Career Training

The information in this directory was generated from the IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) database of the U.S. Department of Education. It includes only regionally or nationally accredited institutions offering postsecondary occupational training in computing, business, and office occupations. Because college catalogs and directories of colleges and universities are readily a…

220 minute read

Entertainment Talent Scout Job Description, Career as a Entertainment Talent Scout, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree or apprenticeship Average Salary $54,000 per year Job Outlook Very good Talent scouts in the entertainment industry work for various companies to recruit talented individuals to star in movies, Broadway plays or play on professional sports teams. Scouts can work for movie production companies, sports teams or for various producers in the music industry. Mos…

5 minute read

File Clerk Job Description, Career as a File Clerk, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Median—$21,029 per year Employment Outlook: Poor File clerks are the guardians of a company's important documents. They are responsible for creating and maintaining an efficient and accessible filing system. Clerks gather material from the company's departments, sort it, and arrange it. While some offices still use a paper file and f…

3 minute read

Financial Services Broker Job Description, Career as a Financial Services Broker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $68,000 per year Job Outlook Good Financial services brokers work as the middle man between customers who are looking to invest money in stocks or other funds, or those who need assistance working with other financial investments and decisions. They work with clients to develop investment strategies and buy stocks that are based on their fina…

4 minute read

Franchise Owner Job Description, Career as a Franchise Owner, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary Varies ? see below Job Outlook Good A franchise owner is someone who starts their own business. Instead of coming up with their own idea and starting from scratch, they buy the rights and blueprint of a business that already exists and is willing to have multiple locations. Franchise owners familiarize themselves with the routines and traditi…

5 minute read

General Manager Job Description, Career as a General Manager, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$77,420 per year Employment Outlook: Good A general manager directs and coordinates the operations of a small business or a department in a company. Medium-sized and large companies are divided into production, sales, promotion, purchasing, and other departments, and a general manager is typically in charge of each of these divisions. In a smal…

4 minute read

Business Getting Into Computers and Office - PLANNING YOUR CAREER, EVALUATE SPECIFIC JOBS, FINDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES, MARKETING YOURSELF, PRESENTING YOURSELF IN AN INTERVIEW

Good jobs do not magically appear. Anyone who has been in the job market knows that landing the right job takes planning, preparation, perseverance, and patience. This is true whether you are looking for your first job, reentering the job market, trying to get a new job, or planning a mid-career change. This essay is designed to guide you through the process of finding a job, from helping you defi…

44 minute read

Health Club Owner and Manager Job Description, Career as a Health Club Owner and Manager, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s or Master?s degree Average Salary $80,000 per year Job Outlook Very good Health club owners and managers oversee the day to day activities that go on in the health club establishment. They manage all the staff including physical fitness trainers, nutrition specialists, spa service providers and other employees that perform services they provide. They are also resp…

4 minute read

Information Broker Job Description, Career as a Information Broker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $64,000 per year Job Outlook Very good An information broker is a business or individual that researches information for business. They are commonly hired to research patents, copyright information, or market research. However, they are able to conduct just about any type of information research necessary. Information brokers are not technica…

5 minute read

Insurance Policy Processing Clerk Job Description, Career as a Insurance Policy Processing Clerk, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $34,000 per year Job Outlook Good Insurance policy processing clerks work under insurance agents to perform a variety of tasks and keep paperwork regularly updated. They review and process insurance applications, make changes to a customer?s insurance information or terms, cancel insurance policies, compile records and data for lapsed or past…

5 minute read

Insurance Underwriter Job Description, Career as an Insurance Underwriter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$48,550 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Insurance underwriters evaluate applications for insurance policies. They assess the degree of risk to the insurance company of the person or property listed on the application. An insurance "risk" is the probability that the applicant will have to collect under the terms of the policy. By…

3 minute read

Internet Entrepreneur Job Description, Career as an Internet Entrepreneur, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Varies—see profile The Internet—a worldwide network of computer networks—offers businesses and individuals a relatively inexpensive way to communicate with a global audience. The development of the Internet over the past forty years has opened an entirely new medium for comm…

5 minute read

Business Looking Into Computers and Office - TODAY'S OFFICE, THE BUSINESS WORK FORCE, TRENDS IN BUSINESS, THE WORLD OF FINANCE

Henry Ford revolutionized industry in 1913 when he constructed a factory in which each worker assembled just one part of a car before sending it down a production line to another worker. Up to that point, automobiles were made from the ground up by a team of highly paid workers. As a result, automobiles had been an expensive means of transportation, a toy for the wealthy. Ford's innovation …

40 minute read

Mail Clerk Job Description, Career as a Mail Clerk, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: None Salary: Median—$23,650 per year Employment Outlook: Poor Mail clerks sort and deliver mail that comes to business offices. They prepare mail to be turned over to the post office or to a private shipping company. Mail clerks work for government agencies, insurance companies, advertising agencies, schools, mail order firms, and almost every business that receives …

3 minute read

Mail Service Worker Job Description, Career as a Mail Service Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Fair Many nongovernmental agencies provide express delivery service of mail and packages in the United States and abroad. These shipping companies will guarantee overnight or express delivery, or customers are refunded their money. They also offer some additional mail-related services. Many employees are need…

3 minute read

Management Analyst and Consultant Job Description, Career as a Management Analyst and Consultant, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Advanced degree plus experience Salary: Median—$63,450 per year Employment Outlook: Good Management analysts, sometimes referred to as management consultants, provide corporations and government agencies with the expertise needed to solve management problems quickly. These problems may result from rapid expansion, business relocation, technical innovations, or compet…

5 minute read

Meeting Planner Job Description, Career as a Meeting Planner, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$39,620 per year Employment Outlook: Very good Meeting planners are professional decision makers who manage all facets of meeting preparation and presentation. Depending on their employer, meeting planners may be known as association executives, corporate meeting planners, or independent meeting planners. An association execut…

3 minute read

Messenger Service Worker Job Description, Career as a Messenger Service Worker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: None Salary: Median—$20,190 per year Employment Outlook: Poor The efficiency of every business depends in part on the flow of letters, paperwork, and packages. This flow may be between departments in the same company and building or between businesses in different locations. It is the job of a messenger service worker to make pickups and deliveries of some of this ma…

4 minute read

Network Administrator Job Description, Career as a Network Administrator, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$58,190 per year Employment Outlook: Excellent A network administrator oversees computer networks to ensure that they function smoothly. A network consists of a grouping of computers that communicate with each other or a central computer known as a server, on which computer files, programs, and other information are stored. A …

5 minute read

Office Clerk Job Description, Career as an Office Clerk, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Median—$22,770 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Office clerks do many jobs that are basic to office work. Clerks make up payrolls and bills. They enter data on a computer, scan documents, sort mail, answer e-mail, and file papers and reports. Clerks work in government offices, insurance companies, and hospitals. They work for department stores, m…

3 minute read

Office Manager Job Description, Career as an Office Manager, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$41,030 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Office managers supervise administrative support workers, such as office clerks and secretaries, and coordinate administrative support activities. They work in all types of business and government offices. Office managers may head the entire office in a small firm or administrative support operations in…

4 minute read

Office Planner Job Description, Career as an Office Planner, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$40,670 per year Employment Outlook: Good Office planners, also known as office designers or facilities engineers, design the layout of office spaces. They create new offices or redesign existing facilities, taking into account factors such as the site's functions, staff interactions, traffic flow, and the machinery that is used. Office …

4 minute read

Operations Research Analyst Job Description, Career as an Operations Research Analyst, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$60,190 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Operations research analysts are problem solvers. They try to find more efficient and effective ways to run operations such as factories, telephone networks, traffic systems, and other concerns. For example, analysts might determine how to time traffic lights to produce fewer traffic jams. Operations re…

4 minute read

Order Clerks Job Description, Career as a Order Clerks, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High School Diploma Salary: Median? $12.66 per hour Employment Outlook: Fair The responsibilities of order clerks revolve around taking orders for or from an organization. They are a necessity in all organizations, and are involved in documenting the specifications of items to be purchased. Order clerks obtain customer details and ensure that the orders placed by them are d…

3 minute read

Organizational Developer Job Description, Career as an Organizational Developer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$61,769 per year Employment Outlook: Excellent Organization development is usually considered to be a specialized branch of management consulting. Organizational developers help corporate clients plan and implement programs to increase their organization's efficiency. They also help clients institute policies that enable their organizati…

3 minute read

Outplacement Consultant Job Description, Career as an Outplacement Consultant, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$52,800 per year Employment Outlook: Excellent World competition and increased technology have taken their toll on middle managers. Companies now find that they have to operate with fewer managerial personnel. In the past when these managers lost their jobs, they received only financial compensation. More recently companies have been using the …

3 minute read

Procurement Clerks Job Description, Career as a Procurement Clerks, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High School Diploma Salary: Median- $15.91 per hour Employment Outlook: Fair Procurement clerks are employed to prepare purchase orders for desired items. They send the orders to suppliers. It is also their duty to notify the relevant department at their organization of the placement of orders. Their main job is to ensure that the purchase arrives on schedule as well as mee…

3 minute read

Receptionist Job Description, Career as a Receptionist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Median—$21,840 per year Employment Outlook: Very good Most people form an impression of a company the instant they walk through the front door. If visitors are greeted by an alert and pleasant receptionist and are then efficiently directed to their destination, they will have the feeling that the company is well run. On the other hand, if the rece…

3 minute read

Business Resources—Computers and Office

Careers in International Business, 2nd ed., Edward J. Halloran. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003. Complete Book of Business Schools 2004, Nedda Gilbert. Princeton, NJ: Princeton Review, 2003. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting Your Own Business, 4th ed., Edward Paulson. Indianapolis, IN: Alpha Books, 2003. Encyclopedia of Business Information Sources, Detroit: Gale, updated regularly. Great …

3 minute read

Resources—General Career Information

American Salaries and Wages Survey, 8th ed., Helen S. Fisher. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2005. America's Fastest Growing Jobs: Detailed Information on the 140 Fastest Growing Jobs in Our Economy, 8th ed., Michael Farr. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Publishing, 2004. America's Top 101 Jobs for College Graduates, 6th ed., Michael Farr. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Publishing, 2005. America…

21 minute read

Secretary Job Description, Career as a Secretary, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Fair Secretaries perform several office tasks within one job. They do word processing and data entry. They may take shorthand. Secretaries also file papers, answer telephones, schedule appointments, and handle mail for their employers. Secretaries are employed by business, professional, governme…

4 minute read

Small Business Owner Job Description, Career as a Small Business Owner, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies—see profile Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Good Small business owners manage their own companies. Small businesses include not only retail stores such as gift shops and bookstores but also real estate, advertising, and employment agencies; self-service laundries; manufacturing firms; and franchise operations such as fast food restaurants an…

6 minute read

Software Trainer Job Description, Career as a Software Trainer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$44,570 per year Employment Outlook: Very good A software trainer is a type of training specialist who teaches individuals how to use computer applications or programs such as spreadsheets, desktop publishing programs, or computer network systems software. The nature of the job requires knowledge of computer software programs and strong communi…

4 minute read

Sports Management Professional Job Description, Career as a Sports Management Professional, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor's degree and years of sports experience Salary Varies—see profile Employment Outlook Good From high-profile major league and international contests to local professional and amateur events, spectator sports are an increasingly popular source of entertainment. The multibillion-dollar sports industry offers employment opportunities for management, market…

4 minute read

Sports Talent Scout Job Description, Career as a Sports Talent Scout, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $54,000 per year Job Outlook Good Talent scouts in the sports industry work for various companies to recruit talented individuals to play on college or professional sports teams. Scouts can work individually as a freelance recruiter, or for a university sports team or professional industry such as the NFL. Most scouts work by traveling to hig…

5 minute read

Statistical Assistant Job Description, Career as a Statistical Assistant, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Median—$31,390 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Statistical assistants establish and check numerical facts in many different areas of business, government, and industry. Statistical assistants compile and record data and make computations. Statistical assistants work for insurance companies, banks, and stock brokerages. They also work for researc…

4 minute read

Statistician Job Description, Career as a Statistician, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$58,620 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Statisticians collect and analyze mathematical data to solve problems and make predictions on future outcomes. They apply their knowledge to many different fields, including manufacturing, government, science, engineering, and public health. Using statistical techniques, statisticians can make forecasts…

3 minute read

Store Manager Job Description, Career as a Store Manager, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training High school and on-the-job training minimum; college preferred Salary Median—$48,880 to $57,512 per year Employment Outlook Good Store managers are responsible for supervising employees and running their store at a profit. To attract a clientele and move merchandise, managers make sure that their store offers products and services that satisfy the needs and desires of…

4 minute read

Telephone Operator Job Description, Career as a Telephone Operator, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Median—$28,392 per year Employment Outlook: Poor Although the majority of telephone calls are dialed directly, some calls require the assistance of a telephone operator. An operator may be needed to place a collect call, supply a telephone number in a distant city, or find out the cost of a call. Two types of telephone operators provide these serv…

4 minute read

Telephone Service Representative Job Description, Career as a Telephone Service Representative, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school Salary: Median—$27,020 per year Employment Outlook: Good Telephone service representatives work for telephone companies. They deal directly with the public, handling requests for new telephone services and answering questions about bills or payments. Customers typically contact them through a toll-free telephone number. During the course of their conversa…

3 minute read

Top Executives Job Description, Career as a Top Executives, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median? $85,230 per year Employment Outlook: Good The main aim of top executives is to formulate policies and devise strategies that are in line with the specified goals and objectives of their organization. Top executives can have a range of varying titles such as chief executive officer (CEO), president, chief operating officer (COO), administrator, or oth…

4 minute read

Union Business Agent Job Description, Career as an Union Business Agent, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Fair Union business agents represent the interests of the members of their labor union. They are elected by the members and paid by the union to speak on its behalf to both management and the public. Business agents work at the level of the union local. The term "union local" refer…

4 minute read

Word Processor Job Description, Career as a Word Processor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High School Salary: Median—$28,030 per year Employment Outlook: Poor Word processors set up and prepare reports, letters, mailing labels, and other materials on a computer using a keyboard and word processing software. The word processor uses word processing commands to format the material and instruct the machine to correct spelling or grammar errors, number pages a…

3 minute read