Business is a broad industry that encompasses roles found in virtually every type of organization.
FOCUS AREAS
Accounting
Accounting is one of the key functions of any business. It is the process of preparing and analyzing financial statements and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. There are several different types of accountants including government accountants, corporate/management accountants, public accountants, forensic accountants, and tax accountants. Internal auditors, external auditors, and information technology auditors would also be considered part of the accounting field. Accountants typically work in an office setting for public accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Customer Service
Customer Service professionals work as a liaison between the business and the customer. They work to resolve complaints, process orders, and provide information about the business’ products and/or services. Customer services professionals work in nearly every industry. Some sample job titles include customer service representative, call center representative, customer care specialist, client relations specialist, guest service agent, customer success manager, and customer services manager.
Finance
The financial sector is immense, with many different types of job possibilities. Professionals in this industry may work in corporate finance, financial planning and advising, banking, investments, or insurance. Sample job titles that fall under the finance field include compliance officer, loan officer, financial analyst, financial advisor, financial manager, financial planner, investment manager, investment banker, portfolio manager, securities trader, and actuary. Most financial professionals work for financial institutions, banks, and insurance companies.
Human Resources
Human Resources (HR) focuses on managing an organization’s employees. They handle various responsibilities, including recruitment and placement; training and development; diversity, equity, and inclusion; benefits and compensation; employee relations; and compliance. They also create company policies. Within a small company, HR professionals might serve as generalists. Within a large company, HR professionals often specialize in certain areas such as sourcing and hiring, compensation and benefits, HR operations. Typical position titles include Senior HR Manager, Payroll Manager, HR Analyst, HR Assistant, Recruitment Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager, HR Recruiter, HR Generalist, HR Specialist, HR Administrator, and HR Administrative Assistant. HR professionals are employed in all industries.
Marketing
Marketing is the promoting and selling of products and/or services. Nearly every business invests in marketing. The most popular types of marketing include marketing research, content marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) marketing, video marketing, direct marketing, social media marketing, influencer marketing, guerilla marketing, database marketing, event marketing, and product marketing. Sample position titles include Advertising and Promotions Manager, Marketing Assistant, Marketing Coordinator, Marketing Manager, Marketing Research Manager, Social Media Coordinator, Content Strategist, Media Planner, Director of Digital Marketing, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing Manager.
Operations
Operations involves managing the inner workings of a business to ensure it runs efficiently. Seven function areas of operations management include operational planning, finance, product design, quality control, forecasting, strategy, and supply chain management. Operations management is key in running a successful business. Common position titles include Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, and Supply Chain Manager. Operations managers work in business, for government agencies, and for non-profit organizations.
Sales
Sales extends across every business and every industry. Sales professionals are responsible for selling goods or services that meet customer needs. A sampling of position titles include Cashiers, Real Estate Agents, Travel Agents, Advertising Sales Agents, Insurance Sales Agents, Sales Agents, Inside Sales Representatives, Outside Sales Representatives, Sales Development Representatives, Sales Engineers, Account Managers, and Account Executives.
SAMPLE EMPLOYERS THAT WORK WITH BSU
- Arbella Insurance
- Enterprise
- EY
- Fastenal
- PwC
- Staples
- Wayfair
- W.B. Mason
RESOURCES
American Accounting Association
The American Institute of CPAs
Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance
National Association of Black Accountants
The Association for Financial Professionals
American Marketing Association
The National Minority Business Council, Inc.
American Management Association
Association for Supply Chain Management
Northeast Human Resources Association
The National Association of African Americans in Human Resources
