Jobs Overview Transcript

 

A degree from the Business Management department can prepare you for many careers. If you earn your associate’s degree in Business Administration or Economics, you will be prepared to transfer to a four-year institution and work toward earning your bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in business or economics can open all kinds of doors in business and financial sectors—far too many to cover them all here. A more detailed listing will be presented further along in the orientation.

The other Business Management programs, however, have more focused paths. For example, if you earn your Accounting Clerk certificate or your Accounting Technology associate’s, you could qualify to work as an accounting clerk or junior accountant. Students of retail management can go on to manage or supervise a retail location. And students who earn their bachelor’s degree in Merchandising Management through OSU are prepared to pursue a career as a merchandise manager or agent. This video will give a brief overview of these four main career paths.

Accounting clerks keep track of all the money that goes in or out of a business. They record data on any expenditures, receipts, and accounts payable and receivable, checking this data for accuracy. Accounting clerks also produce financial reports for the company.

Accountants are usually the managers of accounting clerks; they work with the data compiled by accounting clerks. Based on their findings, accountants submit reports to management suggesting ways to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve profits. Accountants are also in charge of a company’s taxes. Many accountants may choose to specialize in certain areas. At LBCC, for example, you can choose to study accounting with a focus in the healthcare industry.

Retail managers are responsible for how their stores are run and marketed to the public, so they often have a large impact on determining their stores’ success. They are generally responsible for personnel decisions, including hiring, firing, and training. They also take care of ordering and displaying merchandise. Retail managers or supervisors also supervise their employees, resolve any difficulties that may arise, and address customer complaints.

A merchandise manager or agent determines which products to buy from which suppliers. They research suppliers’ quality, price, and customer service, often attending trade shows or touring facilities. When they have chosen a supplier, merchandise managers analyze financial data to negotiate a price. Merchandise managers have a great deal of influence over the success of their company.

Students interested in any of these jobs should have a detail-oriented mind combined with excellent analytical, mathematical, and organizational skills. You should be prepared to spend a large part of each day sitting at a desk, since these careers involve at least some time in the office. Accountants and accounting clerks will spend most of their day there, while retail managers spend more time on the floor, and purchasing managers may travel as part of their job. Employees in all of these areas should be prepared to work at least full-time, often logging overtime during high demand periods in the fiscal or retail calendars. Many accounting clerks, accountants, and purchasing managers choose to become certified. Though certification is not necessary, it may help you obtain a higher level position or wage.



If you’re interested in pursuing one of these or a related job, follow the links at the side to continue the orientation and learn about Business Management’s different degree options.