What Can You Do With a Business Management Degree?

If you’re curious about how businesses run and how different departments work together to reach their goals, you might be drawn to the field of business management. It’s a broad area that touches many parts of the business world, from marketing and finance to operations and strategy.

Whether your interests lean toward marketing, finance, or operations management, studying these areas may offer a closer look at how different parts of a business connect to achieve results.

What You May Study in Business Management

A bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Rasmussen University may include coursework¹ in areas such as accounting, business law, financial decision making and risk management, operations and management. The curriculum typically emphasizes critical thinking skills, data-driven decision making, and transferable skills such as professional communication; abilities that may be relevant across many career paths.

For those studying business management, these courses may provide exposure to how different business functions interact within a professional business setting.

Typical Career Paths To Explore With a Business Management Degree

Banking and Finance

In the financial sector, individuals with a background in business management may be involved² in reviewing financial statements, supporting financial analysis, or assisting with risk management and corporate finance activities. Tasks in this field may include interpreting information, contributing to evaluations, and helping to develop strategies that align with organizational goals. Attention to detail and analytical skills may be common³ in this area.

Customer Service

Customer service representatives typically⁴ work directly with clients, answering phones, coordinating schedules, or supporting a sales team. These experiences may provide insight into how a company’s products and services connect to its strategic goals. Individuals working in customer-facing environments may also participate in incentive programs, contribute to problem solving, and gain exposure to organizational behavior and business operations.

Healthcare Administration

Within healthcare, the principles of business administration may be applied to maintain smooth operations. Responsibilities in this area may include⁵ managing budgets, coordinating teams, supporting health insurance processes, and ensuring compliance with regulations. A background that includes exposure to operations management, business strategy, and strategic planning may be relevant to administrative coordination in healthcare organizations.

Human Resources

Human resources managers and HR managers typically focus⁶ on recruitment, development, and employee engagement. Professionals in this area may support⁶ programs that align individual career goals with organizational needs or help develop strategies for employee satisfaction and retention.

Logistics and Manufacturing

In manufacturing and logistics, logisticians typically⁷ work to oversee product acquisition, monitor resources and product risk, and maintain business growth objectives. Understanding processes such as negotiating contracts, quality assurance, or supply coordination may be part of this field. Exposure to business management concepts may help individuals interpret how operational decisions connect to broader strategic goals.

Operations

Operations positions may focus⁸ on the coordination of daily activities, process improvement, and team management. Individuals in business operations may contribute to maintaining sound management practices and aligning work with strategic planning. Roles in this area may appeal to those interested in analyzing workflows, supporting financial goals, or examining ways to refine business functions to increase effectiveness.

Marketing and Sales

Typical career paths in marketing or sales may involve⁹ activities such as market research, creating marketing plans, supporting digital marketing initiatives, or assisting with sales goals. Individuals may work with marketing managers, sales representatives, or sales managers to align messaging with business objectives. Those with a background in business management may also encounter opportunities to learn about business consultant work, where they can observe how organizations develop strategies and reach audiences through targeted marketing efforts.

Project Management and Supply Chain

Project management and supply chain positions may involve¹⁰ organizing timelines, monitoring budgets, and overseeing the movement of goods or information. Exposure to business management concepts may provide insight into how different departments collaborate to reach strategic goals. Some individuals interested in management positions or executive roles, such as chief executive officer, may also choose to pursue additional specializations or degrees, such as a master’s degree or associate degree, depending on their interests and experience.

Exploring Where Business Knowledge May Lead

Understanding what you can do with a business management degree begins with recognizing the variety of settings where business knowledge may be applied. From areas like banking and finance, human resources, and marketing to operations and project management, studying business concepts may offer insight into how organizations function and make decisions.

Whether you’re exploring entry-level positions or observing how upper management approaches business growth, those with an interest in business management may find that their studies provide a broad perspective on how organizations operate in today’s business world.

¹Rasmussen University, Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, at https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/business/business-management/bachelors/ (accessed Nov. 5, 2025).
²Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm#tab-2 (accessed Nov. 5, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
³Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm#tab-4 (accessed Nov. 5, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
⁴Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Customer Service Representatives, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm#tab-2 (accessed Nov. 5, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
⁵Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-2 (accessed Nov. 5, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
⁶Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm#tab-2 (accessed Nov. 5, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
⁷Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Logisticians, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm#tab-2 (accessed Nov. 5, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
⁸NW Recruiting Partners, Operations Manager Job Description, at https://nwrecruitingpartners.com/manufacturing/operations-manager-job-description/ (accessed Nov. 5, 2025).
⁹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-2 (accessed Nov. 5, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
¹⁰Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Project Management Specialists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm#tab-2 (accessed Nov. 5, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.