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Business Management and Administration career cluster

Business Management and Administration career cluster

Business Management and Administration career cluster

Careers in the Business Management and Administration cluster relate to planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Careers in leadership, management, and support roles are needed by all types of organizations to operate successfully.

What are trends in business and administration?

  • Jobs exist in for-profit corporations, not-for-profit organizations, and government.
  • Executives direct operations and business strategy for a company or division of an organization, while managers report to executives, lead parts of their division, and manage front-line employees.
  • Administrative support workers are at the front line for bookkeeping, clerking, customer service, and data entry that many departments require to function.
  • Self-employment careers are part of this cluster—from selling handmade products online to operating large scale businesses that employ dozens of workers.

Quick facts

Employment numbers

In the United States, nearly 16 million people work in management and business operations jobs, while more than 19 million work in office and administrative support occupations.

Business management job growth

Large growth in business management occupations is expected over the next ten years.

Salary highs and lows

Management occupations are in the highest paid occupation group, while office and administrative support occupations are in the ten lowest-paying occupational groups.

Corporate social responsibility

Corporate social responsibility is expanding, such as practicing energy efficiency, sourcing materials sustainably, ethical labor practices, and promoting more diverse candidates into leadership roles.

Would a career in business management and administration be a good fit for me?

Do you have strong organizational skills? Are you comfortable taking on responsibility and motivated by the promise of advancement? Then a career in business management and administration may be for you. Here are some points to keep in mind:

  • Corporations often recognize hard work and achievements with benefits such as salary increases, stock options, bonuses, and the chance to work on new challenges.
  • Management careers typically require some knowledge of accounting, marketing, data analytics, and relationship management.
  • Large corporations are more prone to reorganizing and laying off employees than smaller businesses.
  • Knowing how to use data to improve business decisions is a top in-demand skill in virtually all industries.

What are some careers in business management and administration?

Jobs in this cluster are found in virtually every industry and type of organization. Some careers, such as operations managers and meeting and event planners, have variable qualifications depending on the industry and specific employer.

Entrepreneurs are included in this cluster; they create new businesses and take on both the chance to earn rewards and the risk of losses. Entrepreneurs often generate new ideas, services or products, and ways to reach potential buyers.

Check out some careers in business management and administration below. Click any link to find out more about a career, including average wages, employment projections, training requirements and more.