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Job outlook for business specialists in the United States
Business specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected business specialist job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 63,300 new jobs for business specialists are projected over the next decade.
Business specialist salaries have increased 9% for business specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 18,639 business specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 95,909 active business specialist job openings in the US.
The average business specialist salary is $73,521.
Are business specialist jobs in demand?
Business specialist job and salary trends over time
Business specialist jobs over time
Business specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 18,639 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 12,721 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 12,636 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 19,187 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 18,116 | 0.01% |
Average business specialist salary over time
Business specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $73,521 | $35.35 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $70,722 | $34.00 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $69,065 | $33.20 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $68,556 | $32.96 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $67,606 | $32.50 | +1.3% |
Business specialist jobs by state
Most common states for business specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 310 | 45% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 218 | 35% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 249 | 33% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 205 | 28% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 365 | 27% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 288 | 27% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 155 | 27% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 769 | 25% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 440 | 23% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 199 | 23% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,328 | 22% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,208 | 22% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 228 | 22% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 647 | 21% |
| 15 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 284 | 21% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,090 | 20% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,251 | 18% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 554 | 18% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,011 | 17% |
| 20 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 504 | 17% |
Most common cities for business specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilmington | 6 | 8% | $86,374 |
| 2 | Lewiston | 2 | 6% | $77,500 |
| 3 | Bethesda | 2 | 3% | $85,757 |
| 4 | Fairfield | 2 | 3% | $88,656 |
| 5 | Portland | 2 | 3% | $78,236 |
| 6 | Ann Arbor | 2 | 2% | $77,240 |
| 7 | Boston | 4 | 1% | $84,662 |
| 8 | Portland | 4 | 1% | $97,535 |
| 9 | Miami | 3 | 1% | $56,336 |
| 10 | Aurora | 2 | 1% | $65,449 |
| 11 | Birmingham | 2 | 1% | $53,557 |
| 12 | Fort Lauderdale | 2 | 1% | $56,588 |
| 13 | Modesto | 2 | 1% | $89,208 |
| 14 | Phoenix | 6 | 0% | $70,433 |
| 15 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $69,214 |
| 16 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $88,413 |
| 17 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $61,826 |
| 18 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $65,509 |
| 19 | Jacksonville | 2 | 0% | $58,443 |
Business Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of business specialist experts
Penn State University - Harrisburg
University of Richmond
Salem State University
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
University of Nevada, Reno
University of Central Arkansas
Alverno College
Creighton University
Lake Michigan College
Kansas State University
University of Indianapolis
Westminster College
The Ohio State University
Mount Mercy University
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Drexel University
North Carolina State University
University of Pittsburgh - Bradford
Albertus Magnus College
Marymount Manhattan College
Faiza Abbas
Lecturer of ManagementPenn State University - Harrisburg
School of Business Administration
What skills stand out on Business Specialist resumes?
Faiza Abbas: Business associates are usually members of a team that works together to acquire and retain clients. They are the face of a business and its first connection with people; therefore, much emphasis is placed on hiring the right person. Although the job description of a business associate will vary from one company to another, there are certain skills preferred by all recruiters. A Business Management degree might be the prerequisite, but some skills will make your resume stand out. These include good communication skills to connect effectively with clients, teamwork, a positive outlook, problem-solving capabilities, use of appropriate social media, conflict management, and emotional intelligence.
What soft skills should all Business Specialists possess?
Faiza Abbas: In recent years employers have placed a high value on soft skills. Soft skills, also called human skills or behavioral skills, take years to master. The technical know-how of a job can take an employee only so far. To become a star employee, you need skills that might be hard to measure but critical for success. Some of the important in-demand soft skills are:
-Critical thinking
-Collaboration
-Communication
-Perseverance
-Adaptability
-Emotional Intelligence
According to LinkedIn's 2019 Global Talent Trends report, 89 percent of recruiters say when a hire doesn't work out, it usually comes down to a lack of soft skills. An engineer might have the best solution for her client, but if she misses deadlines or doesn't take action on time, upset clientele might cost her the job. The beauty of soft skills is that they're highly transferable. Creativity, responsibility, and communication skills can be applied to any job.
A recent Yale University study found that people with emotionally intelligent supervisors-those who are self-aware and empathetic-were happier, more creative, and more innovative. On the flip side, 70 percent of the employees whose managers were identified as having little emotional intelligence said their main feelings toward work were negative.
What skills will help Business Specialists earn the most?
Faiza Abbas: In the current coronavirus scenario or post-Covid time, there are some skills that organizations are willing to pay for; many organizations have a pay-for-knowledge compensation system that bases salaries and wages on the repertoire of skills that an employee possesses and not on job classifications. Having these skills will enable you to earn more than others at the same job level.
-An understanding of how organizations operate
-Strong communication skills (oral and written)
-Analytical and critical thinking
-Problem solving
-Decision making
-Logical thinking
-Presentation and report writing skills
What hard/technical skills are most important for Business Specialists?
Faiza Abbas: Business Management or Business Administration degree and some experience
-Know the business and its products and services. As a business associate, you need to be an expert in your company's offerings to sell them to prospective clients. Work with your organization to expand your knowledge, skills, and abilities, so you can provide answers to your clients.
-Computer skills and Microsoft Office
-Analytical skills like Data Mining and Data Presentation, Diagnostics, Creativity
-Presentation skills like Graphic Design and Data Visualization
-Marketing skills
-Certifications relevant to your field
-Fluency in digital communications
-Critical thinking skills
What skills stand out on Business Specialist resumes?
Keith Webb: Academically, we prepare our students for numerous opportunities, whether they are pursuing opportunities as business analyst interns, investment banking interns, consulting interns, etc. Generally, relevant experience is a plus. However, transferable skills stand out as well.
What soft skills should all Business Specialists possess?
Keith Webb: Oral and written communication skills are critical. Also, the ability to work within a team orientation, flexibility, and adaptability, to name a few.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Business Specialists?
Keith Webb: Truly depends on the role; a student needs to know how to model (Discounted Cash Flow, Weighted Average Cost models) for investment banking. For consulting, understanding the case interviewing process is a must; Excel is huge, and many employers are looking for students who know Python, SQL R, etc.
What skills will help Business Specialists earn the most?
Keith Webb: While it depends on the industry, I believe students who develop and enhance their skill set in data analytics will ultimately reap significant incomes and longevity.
Zlatinka Blaber Ph.D.
Associate Professor of AccountingSalem State University
Accounting & Finance Department, Bertolon School of Business
What skills stand out on Business Specialist resumes?
Zlatinka Blaber Ph.D.: In my opinion, the skills that recent university graduates need to succeed professionally in a time of the pandemic, i.e., mostly remote office work, are 1) communication skills, 2) research skills, 3) data analytics skills, and 4) adaptability. A newly hired graduate in an accounting firm or in the accounting department of a non-accounting firm needs to write concisely, to the point, and error-free. Bad writing projects a weak professional (and company) image to clients, suppliers, and others. Communication skills do not extend only to writing emails and reports; asking questions when clarification is needed also is very important for a smooth work process. No one is born knowing everything, but one can research topics of interest and learn new things. Nowadays, there are plenty of library books, magazines, databases, search engines, online forums, massive open online courses (MOOCs), such as Udemy, EdX, and Coursera, and other resources available at our fingertips. Knowledge has never been available so widely and so cheaply, often for free. I call this the democratization of knowledge. Curiosity is an important characteristic of acquiring new knowledge and skills. New knowledge and skills lead to upskilling, especially if acquired regularly. The future belongs to those willing to get out of their comfort zone, upskill, and adopt a lifetime learning worldview. This is a matter of values and priorities. We see lifetime learning in action in business, too - Netflix and SpaceX, for example, have adopted innovative business models that no one had thought of before, and they have not stopped innovating. These companies did not rest on their laurels. Likewise, graduates need to be proactive, do research, and find the answers the company is looking for. "Data" is all around us and is valuable. Learning the basics of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Tableau, or Microsoft Power BI and getting certified in them can be very useful, too. For more advanced software features, the makers of these programs have online classes, support, and user manuals. Learning data analytics skills may take some time, but it will save a lot of time and effort in the long run. Finally, adaptability.
My native country, Bulgaria, for example, has seen an influx of workers from Latin America, North America, the rest of Europe, and other places since the mid-2000s. Big Western pharmaceutical and software companies, among others, have offshored their offices there because the cost of labor and the income taxes are lower than those in Western countries. A low cost of labor corresponds to a low cost of living, too. Today, recent graduates should stay open-minded as to the location of their employer. We live in a global village that constantly changes. Sometimes, one's ideal job is far away from home. Accepting a job opportunity abroad requires flexibility and the long term in mind. It may come with nice surprises - a generous foreign earned income tax credit (for U.S. citizens working abroad), college debt forgiveness or postponement (for jobs with the Peace Corps and the Fulbright Commission, for example), new places to see, new languages to learn, and new friends to make. When one door shuts, another one opens.
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management & AnalyticsUniversity of Nebraska- Lincoln
Supply Chain Management & Analytics Department
What skills stand out on Business Specialist resumes?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Recently, data management and analytics skills with a global understanding of business operations, including supply chain management, have stood out.
What soft skills should all Business Specialists possess?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Collaborative management and leadership skills are most important.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Business Specialists?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Data processing, modeling, and analyses are important technical skills.
What skills will help Business Specialists earn the most?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: In almost all business disciplines, data analytics skills help most to stand out for salary negotiations.
Jim McClenahan
Director of Career and Corporate OutreachUniversity of Nevada, Reno
College of Business
What skills stand out on Business Specialist resumes?
Jim McClenahan: It continues to be a balance of soft skills and technical skills. Perseverance and Grit are things to highlight. Adapting to changing environments is something not advertised, but everyone is looking for with the times we are in. With adapting to change, empathy is very important. For students, employers want to see levels of engagement. A high GPA is not enough. What clubs were you involved in? What part-time jobs did you hold? Finally, technical skills will never go out of style. A little coding is nice, and Excel mastery in any position dealing with data is vital.
What soft skills should all Business Specialists possess?
Jim McClenahan: As I said, soft skills are desired more than ever. Angela Duckworth describes Grit as "Perseverance, effort, and skill." We can teach the skill; the other two have to come with the new hire. Empathy is important as someone grows in their career-you can't be an effective leader and not have empathy in your skillset.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Business Specialists?
Jim McClenahan: Sometimes this is job-dependent. Generically, Excel is the go-to tool for entry-level data analytics. Knowing one coding language, typically Python is a great start if your career ranges into the technical side. Business development and sales are the most demanded skills and experiences with the jobs we see. Not traditionally classified as hard skills, but not really soft, they underly so many things students see in first careers.
What skills will help Business Specialists earn the most?
Jim McClenahan: It depends! The highest-paying jobs that are outside of STEM or advanced degrees for new grads are always in Sales and Business Development. In areas like commercial real estate, that needs to be paired with data analysis and Excel. Outside of those areas, accounting majors typically have the highest average salaries.
Anthony McMullen
Associate Professor of Business Law and Director of Forensics, vUniversity of Central Arkansas
Accounting Department
What skills stand out on Business Specialist resumes?
Anthony McMullen: This will depend on the specific field. Business is an incredibly broad area. Anyone with a business type of degree will at least obtain basic knowledge in accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing. These skills should be highlighted. But when thinking about a resume, workers should think about (and participate in) experiences that allow them to use these skills. And once they have these experiences, they should be able to articulate how they used these skills on a resume. Don't just say, "I did ______." Say, "I used _________ in order to accomplish __________."
What soft skills should all Business Specialists possess?
Anthony McMullen: Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the phrase "soft skills" v. "hard skills," as some might take such phrases to imply that soft skills are not as important or are easier to obtain. That being said, to answer the question, communication and critical-thinking skills are essential to a successful career. Communication skills (both oral and written) are necessary to convey messages. It does not matter how much technical expertise someone has if that person is unable to convey that expertise to others. Critical-thinking skills are important because skilled workers need to know how to think through problems. The answer will not always be readily apparent. And even when it is, workers need to ensure that they can analyze it to ensure that it is trustworthy. Maybe the information found is outdated, doesn't apply to the situation, or is just flat out wrong, and a skilled worker needs to be able to make that determination.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, adaptability is also necessary to be successful. So many jobs have changed (and will continue to change). Many people left their respective industries during the pandemic because they couldn't (or did not want to) adapt to change. Those who can, or at least try, will find more opportunities in the workplace.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Business Specialists?
Anthony McMullen: Generally, the most valuable hard skills are going to depend on your field. So, it is hard to identify a specific "hard skill" that is most important. The current "buzz words" in business education is data analytics, or the ability to use tools to analyze and present data. Our society is increasingly data-driven. How do people wade through all of this information and provide something useful? Those who can do this well will have the upper hand.
What skills will help Business Specialists earn the most?
Anthony McMullen: Acquiring a specialty is great, but specialization should not come at the expense of a broad and diverse knowledge base. Within specialized fields, many people will have the training/education to do the job, but what makes a particular person special? What will give that person the chance to branch out or to think about other avenues to accomplish the task? That will help workers maximize opportunities.
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. FrancisAlverno College
Business and Management Department
What skills stand out on Business Specialist resumes?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: The skills or competencies that stand out are those that add value to an organization. They complement the skills of those already working there and advance the organization's products, services, or culture. Transferrable or timeless skills transcend industries and stand out on resumes. They include leadership, teamwork, project management, and collaboration. Of course, individuals who list these skills on their resumes should effectively demonstrate that they have developed and are proficient in these areas. Business specialists should be ready to provide examples in writing/print or audio-video media, such as links to their work.
What soft skills should all Business Specialists possess?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: Today's business environment is complex and continues to evolve. Creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage or lead in turbulent times are essential twenty-first-century skills. Critical and strategic thinking, organizing, and planning are also salient skills. Business specialists with these skills make important contributions to their organizations. They often lead when no one else can or wants to. Communicating and being visible throughout one's division, department, or organization are important to the well-being and prosperity of the organization and the individuals who work there. Business specialists can develop and practice these leadership skills on-site or remotely. Internal and external relationship-building leads to trustworthy and mutually beneficial relationships and/or partnerships.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Business Specialists?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: Respectful communication, including email and video conferencing etiquette, is most important across all settings. Different business functions and roles require different skill sets. What is hard for some can be easy or relatively easy for others. Becoming proficient in office productivity software/applications and presentation platforms is vital to one's career development. The ability to effectively network online is also important. I encourage my students to keep their professional profiles on LinkedIn current. If they need to develop their time management skills, I encourage them to use a calendar or scheduling tool.
What skills will help Business Specialists earn the most?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: My experience has been that it depends on the position, organization, and industry, among other variables. Digital and information literacy are key to researching, analyzing, and evaluating credible information, in this case, skills that are in demand and could lead to well-paying jobs. I would emphasize, however, that there are intrinsic benefits that sometimes eclipse salary as the primary consideration. It depends on the individual and how they want to improve their quality of life, earn incentives, or be compensated. For many, contributing to an organization that promotes humane and positive interactions, allows for flexible work arrangements, and aligns with one's personal values is paramount. I encourage business specialists to stay vigilant and knowledgeable about developing industry or marketplace trends. Embrace continuous learning, upskilling, and workplace training to remain relevant in the post-pandemic world.
Natalie Gerhart Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Business Intelligence & AnalyticsCreighton University
Department of Business Intelligence & Analytics
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Business Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Natalie Gerhart Ph.D.: We have clearly seen a big shift in the job market due to COVID-19. Workers went home quickly, which had a ripple effect across industries. While some workers are enjoying remote life, many are anxious to get back to a more social workplace. Working from home has benefits for the worker of multi-tasking and comfort, but also has drawbacks with work/life balance, distractions, and home office expenses (i.e. broadband, space, etc.). There are also benefits for businesses such as reduced footprint for office space, but drawbacks such as increased security risk with decentralized workers. In my opinion, we won't see workspaces completely go away, but I anticipate more flexibility and hoteling options when the workforce settles.
For job seekers, these factors have a ripple effect. Currently, we are seeing a contraction in internships. For students, internships provide experience and a gateway to jobs. With less internships, the up-and-coming workforce will be less skilled as they enter the job market. Several factors are at play. Many businesses had to eliminate skilled workers last year. Many businesses froze hiring. Many businesses asked more of their remaining workforce. As a result, there are more skilled workers on the market, less jobs, and higher expectations. This puts new graduates in a difficult position.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Business Specialists?
Natalie Gerhart Ph.D.: For BIA students, like all students, having the ability to be adaptable and grow your skills is important. Technology is rapidly changing and will continue to change over the course of most student's careers. It is important for students to demonstrate their adaptability through multiple tools, as well as their inquisitive nature that drives life-long learning. A machine learning course is a must as well as exposure to open source tools such as Python or R. Also we are seeing an uptick in demand for visualization skills (i.e. Tableau). While I haven't seen an overwhelming benefit of certifications for our students, there are certainly several available that never hurt. Google and AWS certifications are popular.
Currently, all business students need to have a basic understanding of analytics. That no longer means simply statistics, but how to use statistics to derive understanding and business insights. Further, all business students need to have an understanding of the strategic nature of technology in a business. Simply having technology is not enough.
How have salaries changed over time for Business Specialists?
Natalie Gerhart Ph.D.: Technology is not going away and is becoming increasingly relevant in the strategy of businesses. As a result, salaries in these fields have been trending up, and will, overall, continue to do so, I think. We have been seeing an increasing in IT spend, which doesn't always correlate with salaries, but does show an uptick in the value being placed on technology. As technology continues to evolve and become more ubiquitous, the value placed on advanced technology skills will continue to rise.
Bradley Byerle, JD
Criminal Justice InstructorLake Michigan College
Department of Business, Hospitality, and CIS
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Business Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Bradley Byerle, JD: In the various career pathways of criminal justice, the majority of employers will need to continue to hire, regardless of the pandemic. Many of these employers will need to continue with practices such as extensive background investigations to determine if potential employees possess the exceptional moral character needed to work in any criminal justice field. However, the interview process may change in some ways, depending on the department and the position. Many criminal justice employers require oral board interviews as part of the hiring process. These can be intimidating, face-to-face interviews with a panel full of interviewers. They tend to ask difficult questions which prod into the candidates' background and character. Some employers may choose to conduct remote interviews due to concerns with the pandemic. However, I see that happening more in the initial stages of the interview process. I believe that criminal justice employers will still want to conduct face-to-face interviews at later points in the hiring process. In all, as challenging as it can be to navigate the hiring process during a pandemic, many criminal justice employers will have to continue on as usual, with the addition of basic precautions such as mask wearing and social distancing.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Business Specialists?
Bradley Byerle, JD: For the majority of criminal justice positions, there are specific educational requirements or certifications needed to obtain employment. To become a corrections officer, candidates will generally need to graduate from an approved local or state corrections academy. The same is true if candidates want to become a police officer -- they will have to graduate from an approved local or state police academy. Often times there are specific educational requirements that must be met prior to entering into one of these academies. The majority of remaining criminal justice positions, such as probation and parole officer positions, will require candidates to earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree to be eligible for employment.
How have salaries changed over time for Business Specialists?
Bradley Byerle, JD: In the criminal justice field, salaries and hourly wages can vary greatly from position-to-position and location-to-location. Salaries and hourly wages tend to be smaller than that of many other careers, however they are also trending upward.
Richard Doll
Associate ProfessorKansas State University
Department of Educational Leadership
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Business Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Richard Doll: The stress from the pandemic has caused many veteran school leaders to retire. So, there will be lots of movement this year as principal/assistant superintendents move into the superintendency and teachers move into principalships.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Business Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Larry Belcher: The biggest post-pandemic trend we see involves the re-definition of a workspace. Many firms went to remote work via video conferencing and other technology and decided that they really did not need expensive office space, particularly in large cities and so they have employees working fully or partially remote on a permanent basis. In addition, for "at work" office space many firms have moved away from "offices" or even cubbies to common "plug-in" stations where workers find a spot and have access to power and internet so they can work. Add in conference/meeting space and you can still have face to face meetings if necessary but a much smaller, less expensive office footprint. It remains to be seen how this will work out long-term in terms of worker productivity. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence of "Zoom fatigue" and a desire for more human interaction among some workers so this is a trend worth watching. Another trend has been the speed of change. COVID showed us in many ways that our environments can be altered substantially almost overnight. Supply chain management is a great example. From a worker perspective, not being intimidated by this type of possibility will be a key going forward.
What's a day at work look like for a Business Specialist?
Michael Mamo Ph.D.: The pandemic has brought about fundamental changes at the workplace, including remote work and the rising importance of technological proficiency. These in turn demand flexibility and much of the workplace will demand more versatility and flexibility.
What will help Business Specialists increase their earning potential?
Michael Mamo Ph.D.: Not sure how this relates to the previous themes but I do not believe the quest to increase one's earning potential is a noble goal. As humans we value (or should value) the benefits of enlightenment that come from education and life-long learning. Of course, enlightenment could translate to monetary gains. Enlightenment also comes with a greater sense of fulfilment in life and provides the person with traits of empathy, integrity, and other virtues such as justice and perseverance. Beyond improving ones earningn potential, education is a life-affirming process and that is what I would advise people in my field to aspire for.
What soft skills should all Business Specialists possess?
Adam Cahill: Soft skills are often what can set a graduate apart in the hiring and promotion process. They are often items that are difficult to teach and many find it challenging to coach employees on development and growth in these skills; which is quite the contrast to the counterpart technical skills. Because of this, we like to refer to these skills as "power skills" and there are far too many to name them all.
Some of the more tangible power skills we like to see our graduates express competency in before they leave the university are oral and written communication mastery, self-reflection and growth in response to their experiences lived, adaptability and agility, listening to understand and not to respond, and finally, global and intercultural fluency.
These skills and the countless more, are all ones that can be developed and cultivated through practice, awareness, and life experiences. We highly encourage employers to build these skill's development into their operations and company culture as they are not items that should stop being taught once students leave education institutions, but ones that should be continually honed throughout their entire lives.
Dr. Dianne Welsh
Hayes Distinguished Professor, Founding Director Entrepreneurship Cross-Disciplinary ProgramThe University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality & Tourism
What will help Business Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Dianne Welsh: Finding opportunities that evolve in a myriad of situations. These can be while a graduate in entrepreneurship works for a small/medium enterprise, a non-profit, or a larger company or even themselves. All businesses need entrepreneurs which is "to be creative and innovative in anything that creates value" (Welsh 2014). From my book Creative Cross-Disciplinary Entrepreneurship (Palgrave-Macmillan). Entrepreneurs are needed in every organization. By finding opportunities, bringing them to the attention of companies or individuals, or pursuing the opportunity themselves, an entrepreneur increases their earning potential. Finding opportunities is a daily endeavor.
What's a good job out of college for Business Specialists?
Susan Epstein: The best job for a recent graduate is one for which her or she is passionate and prepared. The pandemic has not changed that. Taking a job that does not meet those criteria, regardless of what is going on in the world, will not be satisfying for the long term. In addition, working for an organization whose culture aligns with your own personal values is extremely important. Your first professional position sets the tone for the rest of your career. You want to ensure that there are challenging responsibilities and room for advancement. You should also take advantage of the networking opportunities within any organization you join. Feeling good about what you are doing and who you are doing it with affects not only your performance, but also the relationships you have with those around you. This is important as you pave the way for a career, as the reputation you create now will influence the way others respond to you going forward.
What technical skills for a Business Specialist stand out to employers?
Susan Epstein: Technology-based skills such as software proficiency and data analysis are important in today's business environment, but obviously this will vary by industry and even job specifications. On the other hand, soft skills transcend job and industry. Strong interpersonal skills (including listening, often a weakness in our communication skill set), critical thinking, and time management make strong leaders and equally strong followers.
Steve Barr Ph.D.
Professor of Technology ManagementNorth Carolina State University
Department of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Business Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Steve Barr Ph.D.: Less full-time employees and more contract/1099 employees as firms do not want to ramp up with full-time employees given benefits requirements and the desire for flexibility in human resource management. This was starting before COVID, it will accelerate. More "remote work" even after COVID stops as employers will stop paying for expensive large office space rent. Less employment in large cities, look now at office space available in NYC, SF/Oakland, Chicago, LA, etc. Employers are fleeing high tax states like New York and Calif. Look at recent decisions by HP, Oracle, Tesla, etc. This is just the first wave. The new "rust belt" will be these large cities. I also look for more hiring by smaller vs. larger organizations.
What general advice would you give to a Business Specialist?
Steve Barr Ph.D.: You have to think about a career and not just a job. It is not all about the money. If you take a job to "chase the money" you will be disappointed later. Find something that you are passionate about and give it your best. The money will work out over time. I see too many people who can't wait to retire but have to stay "for the money" due to their lifestyle and lack of savings. This is very sad. I may never retire, I really like what I am doing. It is not for the money.
Be prepared to move to take the first job/step in your career. You also need to be prepared for "constant learning" for your job, be it technological changes, supply chain changes, industry/economic value changes, etc. Your best option is to be able to show that you can "create value for the organization" in specific ways so you need to plan your education and career in a way(s) that enable you to "create value" in different organizations.
Dr. Wes C. Chiang
Assistant Professor of MarketingUniversity of Pittsburgh - Bradford
Division of Management and Education
What experience really stands out on Business Specialist resumes?
Dr. Wes C. Chiang: It depends on what jobs, careers, and positions they are applying for. In general, they need to show their recent and relevant experiences and skills that match the job descriptions. On top of the general ones, they need to illustrate the following experiences:
-Technology communications
-Team work and collaborations
-Work-from-home experience
What general advice would you give to a Business Specialist?
William Aniskovich JD: Work hard, be honest, choose a job you love doing with a company that makes your community a better place. Everything else, money included, will take care of itself.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Business Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
William Aniskovich JD: Well, it's the nature of modern technology that we can't possibly imagine what that might be! It will change, and it will change fast, that's for sure. However, on balance, I think it's safe to say that the field we call "analytics" will play an increasing role in how we work (and play!). The application of new technologies to how we make decisions in the workplace (from recruitment to hiring and even retention strategies) will undoubtedly continue to be an essential part of every job sector.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Business Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
William Aniskovich JD: That's a tough one! There are a variety of factors that play into this. First and foremost, getting the economy back to the pre-Covid growth rates. That said, I think there will continue to be lots of pressure on wages, both private sector and public sector pressure, and that will be good news for graduates. This field will continue to expand as companies need expertise in navigating a fast-changing and highly regulated economy.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Business Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Vandana Rao Ph.D.: Skills related to technology will be in great demand. More jobs require a higher level of mastery in designing remote work, learning, and collaborating tools.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Business Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Vandana Rao Ph.D.: Software related to operations management, big data analysis for planning and forecasting, software for virtual collaboration -- all of these will be in high demand. There will be rapid development of more sophisticated tools - and all professionals will need to keep pace with the latest in tech.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Business Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Vandana Rao Ph.D.: There will be a need for grads with a high degree of comfort with technology - the ability to innovate and adapt and thrive, even amidst uncertainty, will be invaluable.