Business administration is a broad discipline. And it’s a field with many fantastic career opportunities for upcoming business grads. While a degree looks great on a resume, experience in the field is also necessary. Here are some excellent entry-level jobs with a business administration degree.
Entry-level business administration jobs are perfect for business graduates looking to gain experience. An entry-level position typically doesn’t need too much experience. And there are not as many responsibilities as mid-level or management roles.
Plus, with entry-level jobs, you usually gain some valuable hands-on training programs.
Graduates hoping to launch a successful career in business tend to start out in these jobs. So, in this post, we’ll dive into five entry-level jobs for business administration majors. Each of them is ideal for those with a business administration degree.
Related article: 20 Best Online Schools for Business Administration
Business Administration Degree Entry Level Jobs
| Career | Average Annual Salary |
| Human Resources Assistant | $41,777 |
| Social Media Marketing Coordinator | $41,285 |
| Accounting Clerk | $40,382 |
| Purchasing Assistant | $41,593 |
| Executive Administrative Assistant | $53,109 |
| Sales Manager | $127,490 |
| Insurance Underwriter | $76,390 |
| Financial Analyst | $81,410 |
| Financial Clerk | $44,760 |
| Payroll Clerk | $40,029 |
1. Human Resources Assistant
A Human Resources Assistant (HR Assistant) helps in a company’s HR department. They support the Human Resources Specialist. They do clerical work like answering telephones and writing correspondence.
Maintaining personnel records is another part of what a Human Resources Assistant does. This includes keeping track of employee address changes and performance reviews. Human Resources Assistants also help with recruiting. They post job ads and pre-screen candidates.
HR Assistants usually inform applicants of the final job acceptance decision. And they may serve as a training assistant for newly hired employees. They sometimes compile each role’s job description and write up new procedures.
The median pay for Human Resources Assistants is $41,777 per year or $17.48 per hour. But the top 90 percent in this field can earn over $60k a year.
The annual salary in this role can also vary depending on location. For example, Human Resources Assistants in D.C earn 20 percent more than the national average.
2. Social Media Marketing Coordinator
A Social Media Marketing Coordinator is an excellent introductory job. They may also be called Social Media Specialists. Their goal is to increase a company’s visibility through social media channels.
The main task of a Social Media Marketing Coordinator is to attract more business. They determine effective marketing programs and create fresh content for social media sites. They also coordinate promotional activities. They need to have excellent organizational skills to keep track of each site. But the typical day for a Social Media Marketing person is never boring.
The median pay for Social Media Marketing Coordinators is $41,285 per year. But, this can vary significantly depending on the skills you have.
For example, workers with google analytics knowledge may make up to $67,000 annually. And those with web design skills could earn up to $53,000. Social media marketing is a relatively new field that is growing quickly. In fact, the job growth rate through 2029 is expected to be six percent, which is higher than average.
See Also: What Career Options Do I Have with a Marketing Degree?
3. Accounting Clerk
Accounting clerks are part of a company’s accounting department. Their job is to help with clerical and administrative duties. They can find work in both private and government agencies.
Generally, an accounting clerk handles basic office tasks. These include reporting and bookkeeping. Accounting Clerks also process bills and receive payments. Other responsibilities include telephone answering and producing financial reports. Naturally, they must also maintain accurate financial records.
According to Payscale, the median pay for Accounting Clerks is $40,382 per year. Over the next decade, 170,200 annual openings are projected for accounting clerks.
Related Program: Can I Get an Online Accounting Degree?
4. Purchasing Assistant
Purchasing Assistants support business operations. They are also referred to as Procurement Clerks. They order products or materials for a company. Often, they report to a project manager.
The Purchasing Assistant also manages relationships with suppliers, vendors, or wholesalers. They keep track of supplies and products and restock as needed. They also track shipments from manufacturing locations to their destinations. They frequently run financial reports and inventory records.
The median pay for Purchasing Assistants is around $41,593 per year. But this can vary depending on where you live and work.
For example, Purchasing Assistants in Seattle make 20.1% more than average. And those in New York City make 13.6% more than the national average salary.
You May Also Like: What Does a Purchasing Agent Do?
5. Executive Administrative Assistant
Executive Administrative Assistants provide administrative support to an office or company leader. Most executive assistants schedule meetings, keep records, plan events, etc.
Executive Assistants make sure the office runs smoothly. Administrative Assistants may supervise clerical staff. But they work with senior leaders the most.
The median pay for Executive Administrative Assistants is about $53,109 per year. Yet, the base salary in this role can go up to $75,000 annually, depending on the company you work for.
Certain skills can also make you more marketable, thus increasing your salary. These include leadership, investor relations, and more. Executive Administrative Assistants may work with private organizations or in public administration.
Other Notable Entry-level Business Administration Jobs
These five entry-level jobs for business majors are an excellent starting point. Yet many other jobs also fit the bill.
Here are a few more entry-level business degree jobs that can also give you some solid experience in the field. These jobs typically need a Business Administration Bachelor’s degree.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers oversee all aspects of a company’s sales process. They develop and put in place sales strategies tailored to their team’s strengths. They interact with employees and potential customers. In short, they are the head of the sales team.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for Sales Managers is $127,490 per year or $61.30 per hour. Clearly, it is one of the highest-paying entry-level business management jobs.
The career outlook for sales managers is good. The projected percent change in employment from 2020 to 2030 is an increase of seven percent.
Insurance Underwriter
An Insurance Underwriter analyzes the risks associated with insuring assets and people. Then, they determine insurance rates for accepted risks.
Currently, the median pay for Insurance Underwriters is $76,390 per year or $36.73 per hour.
There are 8,300 expected openings for insurance underwriters each year through 2029.
Financial Analyst
Finance Analysts help companies and individuals make wise investment decisions. They analyze market trends, news, and strategy for a company. Common tasks include financial reporting and assisting the financial manager. Clearly, these professionals need strong analytical skills.
The median pay for Financial Analysts is about $81,410 per year. That’s $39.14 per hour.
The expected growth in employment through 2030 is six percent.
Related: 20 Best Online Schools for Finance
Financial Clerk
Financial Clerks are financial pros who do various administrative tasks. These include maintaining financial records and handling bills. They may report on investment activities or other financial information. Financial clerks must also report to the financial manager.
The median pay for Financial Clerks is $44,760 per year or $21.52 per hour.
Positions in this role are expected to decline by two percent over the next decade. Yet the career outlook is still pretty good. 121,000 jobs will still be open each year through 2030.
Payroll Clerk
Payroll Clerks make sure employees are paid correctly and efficiently. They keep accurate records of current employees’ salaries and job activities. They are also responsible for maintaining updated tax forms.
According to Payscale, the median pay for Payroll Clerks is $40,029 per year.
Those with additional skills have the opportunity to earn more. Those skills include benefits administration, payroll tax compliance, and others.
See Also: 20 Best Online Schools for Business Associate’s Degree
Colleges With Online Business Administration Degree Programs
Many accredited universities and colleges offer business administration degrees. And some of them offer fully online programs. These allow students to earn a business degree from home.
We’ve researched schools that offer online business administration bachelor’s degrees. Here are the best ones we found:
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Online Bachelor of Arts in Business – Business Administration
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university. Located in Arizona, this school focuses on teaching, research, and service. It was founded by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature in 1885.
With 150,000 students, ASU is one of the largest public universities in the nation.
ASU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Business gives students the critical thinking skills to work in business. And it readies them for business administration degree jobs. Plus, it prepares them for graduate business administration degrees.
Along with business basics, students learn to build strategies for the future. The curriculum for this bachelor’s degree focuses on managing and creating value from a manager’s point of view. Some of the courses required are:
- Business Operation and Planning
- Leading Organizations
- Organization and Management Leadership
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Online Bachelor of Business Administration
Located in Starkville, Mississippi State University (MSU) is a public land-grant research university. It is formally known as Mississippi State University for Agriculture and Applied Science. It enrolls more students than any other university in Mississippi.
The university was established in 1878 as Mississippi Agricultural & Mechanical College. The first class was taught in 1880. MSU participates in the National Sea Grant College Program. It is also a National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program member.
Mississippi State University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration degree. This bachelor’s degree teaches students to interact and collaborate in today’s global business environment.
Participants learn the ins and outs of various business aspects. For example, planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and budgeting are covered. Students are also taught how to organize these resources. Some of the courses administered are:
- Legal Environment of Business
- Management Information Systems
- Organizational Communications
University of Illinois
Springfield, Illinois
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U of) is a public land-grant research university. It is located in Champaign and Urbana. Founded in 1867, it is the flagship university of the University of Illinois.
The school enrolls over 56,000 students. Thus, it is one of the nation’s largest public universities.
Students can complete the Management, BBA degree program online. It is designed to teach students the skills to be problem solvers. It also teaches them how to be excellent communicators and forward-thinkers.
A business major in this bachelor’s degree program learns that developing people is the best way to gain a competitive edge. Some of the courses in the curriculum include:
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- Economics for Administration
- Leadership And Motivation
Related: Is an Online Business Degree a Good Choice?
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts
Online Bachelor of Business Administration
Amherst, Massachusetts, is home to the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass). It is the only public land-grant university in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The school was founded in 1863 as an agricultural college. And it is the flagship university of the University of Massachusetts system.
The online Bachelor of Business Administration degree program at UMass is highly flexible. This program equips students with the tools to succeed in the business sector. The curriculum teaches business basics and sustainability. It also covers social responsibility.
Students study topics related to their majors. Plus, they take electives that complement their courses. This online bachelor’s degree program offers the choice of five majors:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Operations & Information Management
See Also: Is a Business Administration Degree Worth It?
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Online Bachelor of Arts or Science in Business Administration
University of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university. It is located in Gainesville, Florida. It was founded in 1853 and is one of the oldest members of the State University of System Florida.
An enrollment of 57,841 makes it the 5th largest university in the United States. The school offers two online degree programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
In 2022, UF’s online bachelor’s programs were ranked the best in the country by US News & World Report. UF was also rated #2 for the best online bachelor’s program in business.
The program offers students a broad academic background across various business disciplines. It also prepares them for a variety of career options.
The program covers accounting and economics, finance, marketing, and more. Business Administration graduates at UF are ready for various careers and graduate school. Some of the courses included in the curriculum are:
- Problem Solving Using Computers
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Survey of Calculus
University of Wisconsin System
Madison, Wisconsin
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
The University of Wisconsin System comprises 13 universities across Wisconsin. The enrollment of 174,000 makes it one of the largest systems in the United States. It was established in 1971 with the merger of UW and the state colleges.
The school offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. Students complete the program through UW’s Extended Campus.
This flexible program gives working adults a broad and well-rounded management education. Yet, it is presented in a self-paced, online format. Students learn basic business management skills they can use in any field or career. Some of the courses in the curriculum include:
- Supply Chain Management
- Global Business
- Organizational Behavior & Leadership
Accreditation for Business Administration Degree Programs
Accreditation is vital when choosing an online degree program. And many of the programs listed here are accredited by AACSB.
AACSB stands for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International. It represents the highest accreditation any Business Degree program can hold.
AACSB accreditation is considered the gold standard for business schools. As a result, many employers look for this accreditation when screening candidates.
Do you want to pursue an online business degree program? it’s wise to search for AACSB accreditation.
This concludes our article on entry-level business administration jobs.
