First, some facts. Of the Business Administration graduates from Eastern Illinois University 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 12 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Business Administration graduates from Eastern Illinois University have a lower likelihood (-6%) 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 25% 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 Administration graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 88%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2017 from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Business Administration. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONVolunteer Services InternSarah Bush Lincoln Oct 2017 - Dec 2017 Commercial Recruiter RHM Staffing Solutions Jan 2018 - May 2018 Inside Sales Representative Castle Metals May 2018 - Sep 2019 Procurement Specialist Catalyst Acoustics Group Sep 2019 - Jan 2021 Purchasing Supervisor Catalyst Acoustics Group Jan 2021 - Jun 2021 Purchasing Manager Catalyst Acoustics Group Jun 2021 - Jun 2022 Inventory Manager Catalyst Acoustics Group Jun 2022 - Present Business Project Manager Catalyst Acoustics Group Jan 2023 - Present Purchasing Manager Catalyst Acoustics Group Jan 2024 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the careers of people who graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Business Administration, it's clear that many of them have ventured into roles that don't always align neatly with their academic background. A good chunk of these graduates ended up in positions such as electricians, food preparation specialists, and even volunteer roles, which typically require specialized skills that fall outside the realm of business management. For instance, jobs like Electrician and Research Technician focus heavily on technical or operational aspects that aren’t directly tied to the core business principles they studied. Others took on roles like Corporate Sponsor or Apprentice Electrician, which while they may involve some networking or operational oversight, don't make full use of the broader business strategies, management skills, or financial acumen that a Business Administration degree aims to provide.
However, there are definitely opportunities where these graduates have made strong connections to their field of study. Roles in management at Enterprise Holdings and positions like Commercial Real Estate Broker or Managing Broker demonstrate a clear application of business principles, such as operational management, customer service, and financial strategy. Some individuals progressed to roles like Business Project Manager, where utilizing business administration principles is crucial. It's encouraging to see that while many graduates may not be using their degree in traditional business roles, there is a subset who are carving out successful paths that are very much aligned with their academic training, particularly in management and strategic positions within various industries.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Business Administration graduates (this is across all Business Administration graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Eastern Illinois University):
The graduates from Eastern Illinois University who majored in Business Administration seem to have taken a varied range of paths after college. For many, their first jobs are often entry-level positions that align with their studies, like insurance specialist roles or sales associate positions, which allow them to gain practical experience in customer relations and business management. Over time, some of these individuals progress into more specialized roles, like commercial real estate broker or managing broker, which suggests that the degree provides a solid foundation for upward mobility in related fields. But it’s a mixed bag; while a significant number seem to stay within relevant industries, others have veered off into different areas like electrical work or even becoming independent travel agents. This indicates that while a Business Administration degree opens doors, graduates sometimes explore unexpected career shifts.
Looking at their trajectories five or ten years down the road, it becomes clear that many are able to climb the corporate ladder fairly successfully. Positions such as area rental manager or manager of operations demonstrate that several graduates have managed to snag management roles in their fields. Others, like the graduates who have moved into procurement or purchasing management, reflect the versatility of their degree, adapting it to various business needs across industries. However, some paths reveal a more unconventional route, with a handful taking on roles outside the traditional business sphere entirely, which might indicate the degree's flexibility rather than a strict adherence to business-related careers. Overall, it seems that while many alumni do find relevant careers that build on their education, there are also notable deviations that highlight personal interests and opportunities that arise along the way.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Eastern Illinois University is pretty manageable if you're dedicated and willing to put in the effort. The coursework covers a range of topics like marketing, finance, and management, so it’s not just one-dimensional, which can keep things interesting. Some people find it easier because the classes often emphasize group projects and real-world applications, making it feel more practical and engaging. But, like any degree, there are still challenges, especially if you hit tougher subjects like accounting or economics. Overall, it’s more on the moderate side—definitely doable, but you’ll need to stay on top of your studies!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Business Administration.
Looking at these Business Administration grads from Eastern Illinois University, it seems like they've been on a bit of a mixed journey when it comes to making decent money. Some have definitely climbed the ladder and landed solid roles, like the Managing Broker and Corporate Sponsor positions which usually come with nice paychecks, while others have taken more entry-level or service industry jobs that typically don’t pay as well, like the Sales Associate at American Eagle or Food Server. If you look at careers in fields like consulting, real estate, and management, they likely have better earning potential, but those starting out in retail or less specialized roles might struggle a bit more financially. Overall, it seems like while some are doing well, others might still be working their way up to more lucrative opportunities.
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 Administration (this is across all Business Administration graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Eastern Illinois University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Business Administration (ordered by the average relevance score of their Business Administration graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: