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Job outlook for business support specialists in the United States
Business support specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected business support specialist job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 83,100 new jobs for business support specialists are projected over the next decade.
Business support specialist salaries have increased 9% for business support specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,807 business support specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 161,206 active business support specialist job openings in the US.
The average business support specialist salary is $53,768.
Are business support specialist jobs in demand?
Business support specialist job and salary trends over time
Business support specialist jobs over time
Business support specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,807 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,687 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,440 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,353 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,290 | 0.00% |
Average business support specialist salary over time
Business support specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $53,768 | $25.85 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $51,996 | $25.00 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $50,819 | $24.43 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $50,052 | $24.06 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $49,234 | $23.67 | +1.6% |
Business support specialist jobs by state
Most common states for business support specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 429 | 62% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 602 | 45% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 338 | 39% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 443 | 33% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,001 | 32% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 239 | 32% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 912 | 29% |
| 8 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 884 | 29% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 561 | 29% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 287 | 27% |
| 11 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 746 | 26% |
| 12 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 2,374 | 24% |
| 13 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 509 | 24% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,333 | 22% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,294 | 22% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,663 | 21% |
| 17 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,417 | 21% |
| 18 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 1,061 | 21% |
| 19 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,029 | 21% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 613 | 20% |
Most common cities for business support specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnston | 2 | 7% | $76,746 |
| 2 | Los Gatos | 2 | 7% | $80,386 |
| 3 | East Providence | 2 | 4% | $76,794 |
| 4 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $74,793 |
| 5 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $66,167 |
| 6 | Anchorage | 2 | 1% | $39,481 |
| 7 | Pittsburgh | 2 | 1% | $77,566 |
| 8 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $50,096 |
| 9 | Lakewood | 1 | 1% | $47,170 |
| 10 | Pasadena | 1 | 1% | $75,658 |
| 11 | Raleigh | 2 | 0% | $57,496 |
| 12 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $61,370 |
| 13 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $50,282 |
Business Support Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of business support specialist experts
SUNY Plattsburgh
University of Richmond
Salem State University
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
University of Nevada, Reno
Alverno College
Drexel University
Carolina University
American Jewish University
Albertus Magnus College
Marymount Manhattan College
Walsh University
Montclair State University
Duquesne University
Ashland University
New Mexico State University
Louisiana Tech University
Concordia University Irvine
The City College of New York
Southern Oregon University
Dr. Laurent Josien
Associate Professor, Chair of the Marketing and Entrepreneurship DepartmentSUNY Plattsburgh
Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department
What skills stand out on Business Support Specialist resumes?
Dr. Laurent Josien: Excel is an important skill to have. Having a certification is a big plus to have on your resume. Not a skill, but having some internship experience is also a high-value item on your resume.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Business Support Specialists?
Dr. Laurent Josien: Time management and analytical skills will help you succeed in any career you choose.
What skills will help Business Support Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Laurent Josien: Software and/or coding skill is very valuable; Bloomberg Terminal Certification and the ability to use/understand software like Tableau or DOMO for business visualization/analytics will put you ahead of many applicants and get you higher-paid positions.
What skills will help Business Support 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.
What soft skills should all Business Support 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.
Zlatinka Blaber Ph.D.
Associate Professor of AccountingSalem State University
Accounting & Finance Department, Bertolon School of Business
What skills stand out on Business Support 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 soft skills should all Business Support Specialists possess?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Collaborative management and leadership skills are most important.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Business Support Specialists?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Data processing, modeling, and analyses are important technical skills.
What skills will help Business Support 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 Support 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Business Support 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.
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 hard/technical skills are most important for Business Support 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 Support 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.
What's a good job out of college for Business Support 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 Support 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.
Thomas Jones
Distinguished Professor of BusinessCarolina University
Patterson School of Business
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Business Support Specialists?
Thomas Jones: The enduring impact for employment opportunities created by the COVID crisis may be felt across many academic disciplines, particularly at the undergraduate level. Students with undergraduate and graduate STEM degrees will not face challenges, it appears. In fact, there seems to be increasing demand across the board for STEM graduates at starting salaries similar to recent past years. The demand for business, business related economics, computer technology and information systems, and accounting graduates at both the graduate and undergraduate levels remains strong, particularly at the graduate level. Liberal arts, education, health and exercise science, and religion graduates (to identify a few) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are facing a completely different reality, it appears. Because of declining job demand for these graduates, many will find job placement difficult and, in many cases will need to seek temporary employment in jobs not requiring college educations.
No one really knows what the long-term impact of working from home will be. And the timing for large numbers of students returning to large classrooms is also an unknown. Both of these events may have significant ramifications. For instance, if large numbers of employees do not return to the downtown office, the economic impact could be massive. Commercial real estate, transportation related industries, restaurants, office equipment manufacturing and sales, city tax bases, and a host of other issues will come into play. We are already seeing cities such as New York attempting to tax the earnings of employees at home in other states. If learning online becomes the norm for some portion of the K-12 experience or in higher education, there will be similar upheavals that will be devastating for some players in the academic world. How this plays out across time is anyone's guess. But for the current graduate without a STEM, computer, or business related degree, the market may remain tight for some time to come. Another, rarely addressed issue, is learning to communicate with other age groups. Coming from liberal arts and non-professional education is creating, for many, a significant inability to effectively communicate with other age groups. This has been a topic addressed by top executives and major consulting firms for several years. This is a factor, not related to COVID, that lessens job opportunities for many current college graduates.
This also points out the critical importance of mastering computer technology for all graduates. Working from home carries with it an implicit ability with computer technology. An understanding of windows, Power Pont, some kind of spread-sheet ability, and an understanding of Zoom or similar technologies (along with key-board skills right now), is the base requirement to work from home. Technology is moving in the direction of language translation so key-board skills may become a thing of the past but not for today's graduate. Lower skill level jobs are rarely doable from home and this creates another set of issues, not related to the challenges being faced by graduates from today's institutions of higher education.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Business Support Specialists in the next 5 years?
David Groshoff: I firmly believe we will experience an increase in demand for MBA graduates over the next five years. Although our most recent recession this year was uniquely short by formal definitions, we're still experiencing economic shock during this challenging time. Depending on how Congress and the Federal Reserve choose to act, we may experience a double-dip recession or worse. Either way, MBA enrollments tend to increase materially at the front-end of economic recessions, with hiring demand for MBA graduates increasing following the subsequent economic recoveries.
What general advice would you give to a Business Support 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 Support 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 Support 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 Support 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 Support 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 Support 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.
What type of skills will young Business Support Specialists need?
Dr. Julie Szendrey: Hard skills: Those graduates skilled in digital marketing and analytics will have an advantage in the workforce. Using analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Tableau, and marketing automation will be a differentiator. And of course, being savvy in Excel is a big plus.
Soft skills: Emotional Intelligence (EQ), or the ability to manage your own emotions and the emotions of others, is essential. It's good to know how your role fits into the function of the overall organization.
Additionally, handling and navigating ambiguity is beneficial - knowing how to figure things out and when to ask questions.
What experience really stands out on Business Support Specialist resumes?
Dr. Melissa Gutworth Ph.D.: This depends on the job or industry, but there are some broad skills that companies tend to look for. Leadership experience, of any kind, seems excellent. This doesn't have to be from a full-time job necessarily, but could also be through an internship, part-time work experience, or student organization. Many companies also look for signals of dependability, reliability, and commitment, such as whether someone has worked at a particular place for a while, or whether someone has been recognized for their dedication to their work. Communication skills are also crucial, so students should highlight any public speaking or presentations they may have done in their past jobs, or even in clubs or classes, if they did not have these experiences at work.
What Business Support Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Melissa Gutworth Ph.D.: I know that there is a lot of talk about gap years now, but I do not recommend this. Most travel isn't safe, or even possible, and unemployment rates are high, leaving fewer job opportunities. Gap years can lead to students losing the motivation to finish their degrees and lengthening the amount of time it takes to obtain well-paying, satisfying work. I would recommend that students either continue with their degree, if they are in the middle of one, or consider a graduate program. There are many options for students to advance their degrees, depending on their current situation.
For example, the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University has a 4+1 program (where students can earn their Bachelor's degree and MBA in a total of 5 years), online or hybrid MBA programs, and accelerated programs, like 12- a month or 17-month MBAs. There are also certificate programs that are designed to train specific skills in a shorter time frame. By earning an advanced degree or certificate, students will be better able to stand out among the increased job market competition. They will be more likely to pursue a successful career.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Business Support Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Melissa Gutworth Ph.D.: In regard to technology, remote work will be here to stay, so we will likely see more technology designed to facilitate that transition. New software and tools that enable people to be more productive while working from home are likely, such as better time management programs, virtual communication platforms, project management tools, and other software that better enable collaborative remote work. Despite how ironic it is, we might see more technology designed to help us limit current technologies.
As more people spend most of their time at home, we are likely to see problems with people being unable to separate work and non-work time and unable to disconnect from technology. This is already creating all sorts of mental and physical health problems for employees currently working from home. I think we will see more technology in the future that helps us reduce screen time, be more active at home, and be more present and engaged with others. Virtual reality was also already on the rise before the pandemic. Still, we are likely to see this being used even more as companies adopt it to train remote workers, enable remote workers to interact in virtual spaces, and generally enable people to experience situations that they're unable to engage in physically.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Business Support Specialists to find work opportunities?
Richard Longo: Areas of growth, in terms of the future, include Pittsburgh, Silicon Valley, Denver, Houston. Ideally, graduates need to assess the market and demographics of the country. Focus on where these are trending up
How do you envision technology impacting Business Support Specialists in the next 5 years?
Joan Kalamas: Technology is rapidly changing with robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning is used, and that will change the skills employees will need to be successful. Of course, having technology be able to perform some of the more manual tasks will free employees up to perform more creative and strategic work, two key means to remaining competitive and sustainable in the future.
Rob Davis states in an article he wrote for ITProPortal in January 2020, "By next year, it is expected that over one-third of skills (35 percent) that are considered important in today's workforce will have changed". In addition, Millennials are expected to make up almost 75% of the workforce by 2025 and have grown up with technology making them "tech-savvy." They understand that technology is a major driver for change, that life-long learning will be critical, that there is a need to be flexible and adaptable. Effective communication will also become more necessary as more employees work from home and often use Zoom or GoToMeeting to hold video conferencing meetings. Tasks that may have once been performed by employees can now be successfully performed by technology so employees must adapt, react, and be prepared.
In an article published by SHRM in October of 2019, a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center with 1,400 technology and education professionals determined that young adults need to "learn how to learn" if they hope to adapt to the changes in the world of work. Some human tasks will be able to be performed by new technology, but new graduates seeking work will still need to learn, develop, and demonstrate the soft skills listed above to be successful.
What type of skills will young Business Support Specialists need?
Joan Kalamas: To successfully enter the workforce, I believe new graduates will need to have a solid base of technical knowledge, skills, and abilities in their chosen fields such as finance, marketing, supply chain, human resources, etc. Yet they will also need effective "soft skills," such as critical thinking, problem solving, oral and written communications, teamwork and collaboration, emotional intelligence, digital technology skills, professionalism, and a solid work ethic. Soft skills are equally as important, if not more important, than technical skills, states Joan Berry Kalamas, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, an H.R. professional with 30 years of business, leadership, and H.R. experience and now serving as a full-time faculty member, teaching H.R. undergraduate and MBA courses at Ashland University.
From experience, I know that most employers will select candidates who possess and demonstrate emotional intelligence, effective oral and written communications, and other "soft skills" over those candidates that possess just the technical skills. Students need to learn about real business practices and challenges and then learn practical, applicable, "real-life" technical and soft skills to deal with various situations that occur in organizations. An "it depends" answer is usually a response that allows students to look at the variables, analyze the facts, and use critical thinking skills to determine the appropriate course of action to take. The goal should be to teach students how to think, not what to think. I feel very fortunate to have been in the business world, as I can help develop in our students the types of skills and abilities employers are seeking from new graduates.
Ms. Berry Kalamas also serves on the Ohio SHRM State Council, an affiliate of The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), an organization of over 300,000 HR and business executive members in 65 countries that is an expert in H.R. practices. A new initiative regarding "Young Professionals" is being introduced from SHRM all across the country as SHRM has identified and understands the energy, passion, and work ethic this new generation of employees bring to organizations, and SHRM is providing guidance to assist that next generation of H.R. leadership.
Argie Hernandez
Division AdvisorNew Mexico State University
Business & Public Services
What type of skills will young Business Support Specialists need?
Argie Hernandez: -Problem Solving
-Computer skills
-Writing and Communication
-Critical Thinking
-Team Player (very important)
Patrick Scott Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of EconomicsLouisiana Tech University
Economics and Finance Department
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Business Support Specialists to find work opportunities?
Patrick Scott Ph.D.: We have had success in placing our candidates from the College of Business at Louisiana Tech University in all portions of the country. Small towns, to large cities, to graduate programs, and beyond are all able to benefit from the skills learned by these majors.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Business Support Specialists?
Dr. Drew Wolf: There is no doubt that today's graduates will experience an enduring impact. Despite the challenges and chaos that the pandemic brought, I am hopeful that our graduates may be employees who get more vital communication skills and the flexibility to adjust to an ever-changing world. They are more comfortable with virtual meetings than many seasoned employees; they understand the need to invest in technology to meet corporate needs. They value interpersonal relationships and work to build collaborative strategies to engage with others.
What Business Support Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew Nagler: A gap year might be the right move for some students, especially if the online environment is not for them. Fortunately, I know of students who have obtained great online internships, jobs, and other opportunities that allow them to grow their experience during the pandemic. Many companies are seeking online talent to build out products and marketing strategies.
Katie Pittman Ph.D.
Division Director, Associate ProfessorSouthern Oregon University
School of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Business Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Katie Pittman Ph.D.: I think that the most significant trend we'll see in the job market, coming from the pandemic, is a greater willingness and acceptance of remote work and flexible working arrangements. We've already seen announcements from several of the major tech companies, and I expect that many other organizations will follow suit, at least in terms of allowing for more flexible work arrangements for many segments of administrative and tech/info systems workers -- regardless of industry.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Business Support Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Katie Pittman Ph.D.: Artificial intelligence is already having a significant impact in the area of predictive analytics. I like to describe MIS as a field that lies in the middle of a business/computer science continuum, both in the study and practice. While an MIS graduate may not be the one that develops AI algorithms, they will need to know how to apply AI tools and interpret and present results.
AI also holds great promise in automating repetitive tasks. This is an area where MIS graduates are a good fit, given their understanding of workflow and business processes combined with programming and software skills. As automation tools supporting "white collar" tasks become more mainstream, we will need those with both business understanding and technical competencies to help lead the way.
Finally, the ability to generate insights from large data sets using data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, MS PowerBI) continues to be a growth area and opportunity for MIS graduates.