Business administration at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire provides students with the general business knowledge they need to compete in today's job market. The program helps students develop communication, interpersonal, technical and critical thinking skills, which are highly valued by organizations seeking to employ business students. At UW – Eau Claire, student may choose either a major or minor in business administration. The business administration major is the only one in the college of business that requires a minor.

What will I learn from studying Business Administration?

Knowledge:

A business administration major’s knowledge usually involves a variety of different areas. A business administration student will have general knowledge of basic accounting principles, marketing and management basics and communication skills on many levels.

Skills:

• Ability to analyze and interpret data
• Coordination and organization
• Interpersonal communication
• Teamwork
• Proficiency with computers

What are some other majors related to Business Administration?

• Management
• Finance
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Information Systems
• Entrepreneurship

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

• Beta Upsilon Sigma (BUS)
• Phi Beta Lambda
• Beta Gamma Sigma
• Beta Alpha Psi

Professional:

• National Association for Business Economics
• Society of Human Resource Management
• The Society for Information Management

What career fields are related to a Business Administration Degree?

Potential Employers:

Business administration graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values and transferable skills. Employers of business administration graduates include: advertising agencies, educational institutions, food industries, manufacturing, government, retail industries and the non-profit sector.

Potential Job Titles:

Advertising Executive                   
City Manager
Contract Administrator                 
Corporate Trainer
Database Administrator                               
Program Director
Entrepreneur                                   
Facilities Manager
Financial Aid Director                     
IRS Investigator               
Human Resource Manager         
Job Analyst
Insurance Agent/Broker              
Plant Manager
Management Accountant           
Property Manager
Nursing Home Administrator     
Purchasing Agent
Production Superintendent       
Retail Manager
Public Relations Specialist            
Restaurant Manager
Sales Representative                    
Theatrical Agent
Television/Film Producer             
Urban Planner
Business Credit/Loan Administrator
Compensation/Benefits Administrator
Consumer Credit/Loan Officer
Consultant, Management/Organizational
Employment Agency Counselor
Department Store Manager
Hospital/HMO Administrator
Organizational Development Specialist

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Business Administration graduates?

• Recruiter, Primesource Staffing, Denver, CO
• Administrative Assistant, Kelly Services (Mayo Clinic), Rochester, MN
• Insurance Sales, American Income Life Insurance, Eau Claire, WI
• Vice President, All Shores Flooring, Duluth, GA

How can I learn more about Business Administration?

Department:

• Contact UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Management and Marketing, Schneider Social Science 400D, 836-3677

Career Services:

• Meet with a Career Counselor
• Take interest inventories and self assessment tests
• Utilize Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Relevant Resources in the Career Discovery Center:

Yellow Section-

Sigi 3 handouts:

• Business Management & Administration
  
• Human Resources Manager
  
• Retail Store Manager
  
• Business Credit/Loan Specialist

World of Work bins:

• Management and Human Resources
• Sales and Marketing

Orange Section-

• Internship information pertaining to Business Administration.

Blue Section-

• Hoover’s Handbook of American Business
• Job Opportunities in Business
• Minnesota and Wisconsin Manufacturers’ Directories
• Resources to create a resume and cover letter for a career in Business Administration.

Internet:

• Entrepreneur.com
• Careers in Business
• Career Information: Marketing, Sales, and Related Careers
• MarketingJobs.com
• Department of Management and Marketing
  

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Business Administration?

Internships:

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career.  To find an internship in Business Administration that suits your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships.  Contact your advisor or the Management and Marketing department chair about enrolling in MGMT or MKTG 398 or 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class:

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting.  Contact your advisor about enrolling in MGMT or MKTG 399 495 or 499.

Additional Opportunities:

• Ask your current boss if you could work as an apprentice to see how the business runs.
• Take a leadership role in a campus organization.