Get Matched With Business Programs
What Business Major are You Interested In?
In North Dakota, mining, quarrying, and extraction of oil and gas is the top-earning industry in the state. This industry earned $6.7 billion, making North Dakota 12th out of every state across the US. Even so, this revenue was just 2% of the state’s entire economy in 2004, though it had increased to 16% by 2014.
However, as much money as this industry has earned, other industries employ more people than the logging and mining industries. Some of these are the transportation, trade, education, and finance industries. And another vital industry is agriculture, especially considering that 90% of the land in North Dakota has been used for farming.
As mentioned, there are a huge number of careers that might make you a business professional. These are mostly jobs that will keep you in an office, but those who own working farms and keeping track of the expenses, equipment costs, and income are also businesspeople.
A business professional can’t be afraid of taking risks when they are working to make their business or department more successful. They take risks without ruining their business by assessing which ones will be worth it in the long run. This may be true of HR managers taking a risk on a new employee, sales managers taking a risk on new products, and more.
Compare Popular Online Business Programs
Online Business Education in North Dakota
Students who want to earn a business degree in North Dakota should be aware how rich the state is in resources and should keep in mind that a business degree could give them access to careers in any major or minor industry in the region. After all, a businessperson is anyone working in the running and upkeep of a business, though the term is usually used to describe office workers and those in HR, finance and accounting, management, etc.
It’s hard to describe to you what your responsibilities will be once you are working as a business professional because it depends so heavily on your industry and your specific position. Various roles will deal with their own business challenges and require their own expertise to help them overcome those challenges.
Find Your Online Business Program
The most common roles are found in the following fields.
- Sales
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Operations and Production
- Supply Chain
- Analysts
- Management/Project Management
- Executive
Online Associate Degree in Business (AS)
Online community colleges are the most common options for those looking to earn an online associate degree. Those who choose to earn a business degree will expand their knowledge of the business field and complete general education courses which will give them a well-rounded education and prepare them for further education if they choose to earn a bachelor’s degree. Students can enroll in Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees in general business, business management, and more. If you are hoping to save money on an associate degree program and transfer your credits to a bachelor’s, you must make sure that the school you choose accredited so that you are able to transfer your earned credits. Or you can apply what you learn directly to an entry-level position.
These degree programs focus on a general business curriculum and understanding business in the current environment. Some of the courses you might take include Fundamentals of Public Speaking, College Algebra, College Composition, Business & Technical Writing, Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, etc.
Entry-level positions that graduates may find include administrative assistant, customer service associate, assistant store manager, sales support specialist, executive assistant, retail sales worker, sales associate, and more.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Business (BS)
Online degrees at this level are available as a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Arts (BA). Their focus can be general business, business administration, human resources, marketing, etc. That means that this is a good time to choose a focus for your future business career. Online options are also available from many institutions, making it easier for those who have professional or personal obligations to meet to still complete the education they need. Classes through online options may be synchronous, meaning all students must be online at the same time for regular lectures, or asynchronous, meaning that students can watch videos and complete work whenever they like, as long as they meet certain deadlines.
Career opportunities with these degrees include those in accounting, small business ownership, auditing, sales, banking, real estate, business analysis, marketing, appraising, investment, insurance, finance, human resources, and hospital administration. Where you end up depends on the degree you earn, the experience, you earn, and certifications you choose.
Online Master's Degree in Business (MS)
There are many options when it comes to online graduate programs in business. You may earn a master’s in general business or management or any other field you wish. Or you could earn a master’s of business administration (MBA), which is a common degree for those in business to choose. Not only does it provide an overview of in-depth business knowledge, but you can usually choose a concentration that will let you continue to specialize in your field, such as human resources or marketing.
Current students working on their undergraduates and professionals who have been working in business for years can both choose to earn graduate-level degrees. However, MBAs often require some work history before you can gain entry to the program. This is an important fact to take into consideration if you are planning to earn a graduate degree in order to become a business consultant in North Dakota or to move up in your current company.
These programs stress the most current management strategies that business professionals can use in their organization and prepare graduates to continue their learning at the doctoral level.
Online PhD Degree in Business (PhD)
A school of business at a university is where you will usually find business focused PhD programs. You may find them focused on transportation and logistics, HR, and more. Students benefit from interdisciplinary learning approaches and gain access to academic and research-focused roles. They may also gain a reputation for having a high level of expertise and use this to find work in consulting. These degrees are often specialized to the interests of the student around a central theme, so be sure to discuss your goals with the school before signing up for any program.
Find Online Business Schools
Become a Business Development Specialist in North Dakota
There are no general business licenses required, though you might need a CPA license for certain jobs, a cosmetology license to open your own salon, to register your business with the state if you want to run your own business, etc. And earning a business certification can help a business professional improve or just prove their skills to prospective employers. These certificates can get you noticed by hiring managers, headhunters, and organizations looking for someone with your skills. Here are just some options for those who might want to grab a certification to distinguish their resume.
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
This certification may help a project manager who is at the outset of their career or who wants to advance to a higher role. Candidates must pass an exam, which has 150 questions. They should also have 1,500 accumulated hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education. - Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
The exam for this certification tests on supply chain management and related technology; it also covers strategies to aid smooth end-to-end delivery operations. A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, one other approved certification, and a minimum of three years of business experience in a related role are mandatory. - Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
Business analysts who earn this certification have demonstrated their mastery of the processes required in this profession. This certification is classified as advanced and it is aimed at leaders and managers who have more than five years of experience in business analysis.
Candidates should have a minimum of 7,500 hours of experience over the past 10 years; 900 hours must relate to four out of the six BABOK Guide areas of knowledge. A minimum of 35 hours of professional development credits must have been earned within the past for years.
Careers for Business Graduates
- VP of Operations
This professional is responsible for directing the structures within the organization and guiding the processes that help make sure the organization’s objectives are being met. At this level, the vice president should take a central role as they shape the organization’s values. - Operations Manager
This professional makes sure that everything is operating smoothly, every day. They strive to meet customer expectations by operating in a cost-effective manner, improve both processes and procedures, and more. Part of their job is to focus on best practices, ensuring the entire organization is using the same metrics. They may also make sure an organizations work processes are legally compliant. - Business Development Director
The main responsibility of this professional is to assist their organization to increase its profitability by finding business opportunities and growing and improving the organization’s presence within the marketplace. They build relationships with vendors, distributors, and customers and find new opportunities to increase revenue. A big part of their responsibilities is to carry out market research and analysis. - Human Resources Specialist
The main focus of the human resource specialist is to recruit job applicants and screen those who best meet the requirements for the position. Another part of their responsibilities may include taking care of compensation and benefits, employee relations, and training.
They will discuss hiring needs with employers, check references and background of job applicants, interview applicants, tell applicants about the job and benefits, hire qualified applicants, maintain employment records, process paperwork, run orientation for new employees, etc.
Search Programs Offering Business Majors
- Team Leader
Team leaders are responsible for supervising team members, helping them to meet goals and metrics to help the organization increase profitability and growth. This professional inspires and motivates members of their team by developing an environment that encourages positive communication, shows flexibility, and encourages team members to bond.
Those team leaders who are able to demonstrate a track record of positive sales and team motivation will be most successful in this role.
- Data Analyst
This tech professional gathers and analyzes data throughout the entire business. Their goal is to provide information to managers or other team members so that they are able to make sound decisions.
They interpret data, use statistical techniques, and analyze results. They also develop data collection systems and strategies which improve statistical efficiency and quality. They may also maintain databases.
- Project Manager
Project managers lead new projects in development. This role can exist within many industries, from tech to government or construction organizations. Generally, they are responsible for planning out a project, developing a schedule and timeline of each phase, carrying out each phase, and managing the budget. They are the liaison between every stakeholder and also troubleshoot issues in the project. Soft skills include people skills, strong organization, and being detail oriented.