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First, some facts. Of the Business graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 623 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Business graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-2%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 22% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Business graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 74% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from Colorado State University with a Bachelor's degree in Business. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONInbound Sales Specialist Constant Contact Sep 2020 - May 2021 Business Development Representative  Premier Roofing Company May 2020 - Sep 2021 Assistant Store Manager Ouray Grocery Sep 2021 - Present Business Development Representative UpKeep Oct 2022 - Present Business Development Representative SecuriThings Apr 2024 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing a broad range of career paths taken by graduates from various universities with degrees in Business, it's clear that many pursue roles that align directly with business principles, while others venture into fields that may utilize some business skills or knowledge but do not fully leverage their educational background. The most prevalent roles among these graduates are those in management positions, such as Operation Managers, Account Managers, and Sales Managers. These positions typically require a strong understanding of business management practices, financial analysis, marketing strategies, and customer relationship management, confirming candidates' academic training in business theories and practical applications.
However, there's a notable diversity in job relevance to Business degrees. For instance, positions in retail and customer service, such as Sales Associates or Customer Service Representatives, often rely on basic interpersonal skills rather than formal business strategies. Many graduates find themselves in roles that maintain minimal direct correlation with their degree, such as teaching, technical roles, or administrative positions where the overlap with core business knowledge is limited. Although these experiences can contribute to the development of transferable skills like communication and organization, they do not substantially engage with the principles of business management, marketing, or finance that were the focus of their studies.
Overall, while a good portion of the jobs are relevant to Business degrees, it's apparent that not all paths taken by these graduates correspond tightly with their academic undertakings. Yet, those who enter business-centric roles, particularly in management, marketing, and finance, tend to successfully apply their educational backgrounds to foster both personal and professional growth within their organizations.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Business graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of business graduates reveals a mixed bag. Many individuals kick off their careers with roles closely aligned with their business education, often in entry-level positions such as customer service representatives, interns, or analysts. Take the example of graduates from Penn State University in 2014; they began with an internship and moved into managerial roles in the retail sector. Similarly, graduates from Arizona State University usually enter as interns or analysts, progressing into more substantial positions over time. This initial phase often involves gaining practical experience before hitting mid-level positions within their companies.
However, as we look at these careers five or ten years later, there’s a noticeable distinction in success rates. For many graduates from strong institutions or established companies like Amazon or J.P. Morgan, the trajectory tends to be upward, with individuals rising to senior managerial roles or specialized positions like financial analysts and program managers. Yet, for others, especially those from less prominent universities or disciplines, career paths can stagnate, becoming intertwined with non-business fields or lower-paying jobs far removed from their educational backgrounds. For instance, some graduates from universities like Southern Nazarene University or Missuouri Baptist University transitioned into roles in unrelated fields or lower managerial roles that don’t match their business degree potential.
Ultimately, the data suggests that while business graduates start on a relatively even playing field with internships and entry roles, the long-term outcomes can diverge widely. Those linked with top companies and robust career development programs tend to thrive, while others may find themselves in roles that do not leverage their degrees effectively. Hence, the quality of the educational institution and the initial job placements indeed have a profound impact on the success of a business graduate’s career trajectory.
A Bachelor’s degree in Business can be pretty manageable for a lot of students, especially if you have a knack for things like math, economics, and communication. Some classes can be a little tough, especially if they dig deep into finance or advanced statistics, but for the most part, it’s a mix of theory and practical stuff that you can relate to everyday life. Many people find it easier than some other degrees that require lots of heavy reading or complex lab work. Just stay organized, keep up with your assignments, and you should be just fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Business.
So, checking out these alumni and their career paths, it's pretty clear that they fall into a mixed bag when it comes to potential earnings. For instance, the grad from Central Washington University who climbed through the ranks at Amazon is likely raking in some serious cash now as a Senior Manager. On the flip side, the Skidmore grad who's been a songwriter and group leader might not be pulling in the same level of income, especially if those gigs don't come with a big paycheck. So, it really depends on the companies they work for and the roles they choose afterward. It’s all about how high you climb and what industries you find yourself in.
Looking at their progressions, many have moved into managerial or specialized roles, suggesting they’re making decent salaries, especially in industries like tech and finance. However, some careers, like those in education or non-profits, might not pay as well in early stages. Overall, those who have steadily climbed the ladder in corporations like Amazon or finance are probably doing well financially, while others might need to hustle harder to catch up. The key takeaway? Your choice of industry, company, and career path can seriously impact your earning potential after college.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Business. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Business (ordered by the average relevance score of their Business graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Bellevue University
|
71 | 13 |
 University of Phoenix
|
61 | 45 |