What can I do with my degree?
Is there a demand for graduates in these fields?
How does the Business Department prepare students for careers in business?
What can I do with my degree?
A degree in Business opens the door to a wide variety of career opportunities. Possible careers include accountants, loan officers, retail store managers, sales managers, financial managers, production managers, customer service managers, and more.
Western graduates hold management positions in several private and public corporations locally, in the Kansas City area, and across the nation, and many own their own businesses.
A business degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate or law school.
Is there a demand for graduates in these fields?
Yes. Careers in the business fields are expected to grow over the next five to seven years. An increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and increased scrutiny of company finances will drive growth of accountants, auditors, and financial analysts.
Employment of advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012, spurred by intense domestic and global competition in products and services offered to consumers.
Management positions are projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012. Additionally, increased investment by businesses and individuals is expected to result in faster-than-average employment growth of financial analysts and personal financial advisors through 2012. Both occupations will benefit as baby boomers save for retirement and as a generally better educated and wealthier population requires investment advice.
(Excerpted from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-2005.)
How does the Business Department prepare students for careers in business?
Students earning Business degrees develop strong communication, critical thinking and data analysis skills that help prepare them for demanding business careers. The Applied Learning requirement for all business majors prior to graduation provides a hands-on experience which adds to our graduates’ skill bank.
Additionally, students are assigned to a faculty advisor in their major business area (Accounting, Finance, Management, or Marketing) who monitor their academic progress toward graduation. The advisors also assist students with career development and planning issues.