top of page
br_CP-logo-rocket-iso.png

Business Management & Administration

business management.png

The Business Management and Administration cluster is focused on ensuring organizations run smoothly and successfully. This includes everything from small local businesses to huge international companies. People in this field plan strategies, manage teams, analyze data, and make decisions that help companies to grow and serve their customers better.

​

People in this field work in every type of organization you can imagine. Some manage teams in retail stores or restaurants. Others work in corporate offices developing business strategies. Some start their own companies or help other entrepreneurs launch their ideas. Others work for nonprofits, government agencies, or schools, allowing them to operate more effectively.

 

Why This Field Is Growing:

​

  • More businesses need help adapting to rapid technological changes

  • Companies are focusing more on data-driven decision-making

  • The rise of e-commerce and digital marketing creates new opportunities

  • Small business entrepreneurship is booming, especially among young people

  • Remote work and flexible business models require new management approaches

 

Cool Technology in Business:

​

  • Artificial intelligence tools that predict customer behavior and market trends

  • Project management software that helps teams collaborate from anywhere

  • Data visualization tools that turn numbers into easy-to-understand charts

  • Customer relationship management (CRM) systems that track every interaction

  • Social media analytics that show what customers really think about products

 

In Virginia, this cluster employs over 600,000 people, making it the largest career cluster in the state! Jobs in data analysis, digital marketing, and project management are expected to grow significantly faster than average in the coming years.

​

Human Resources
Project Manager
​

What They Do: Project managers are like conductors of an orchestra - they coordinate all the different people and resources needed to complete important business projects on time and within budget. They might manage launching a new app, opening a new store, or organizing a major company event.

 

Daily Tasks:

​

  • Meet with team members to track progress on different parts of the project

  • Create timelines and deadlines to keep everyone on track

  • Solve problems that come up during the project

  • Communicate with clients or executives about project status

  • Use project management software to organize tasks and resources

  • Lead team meetings and brainstorming sessions

  • Manage budgets and make sure projects don't go over cost limits

 

What's Cool About This Job: You get to see projects come to life from start to finish and work with diverse teams. Every project is different, so you're always learning new things and facing new challenges!

 

Digital Marketing Specialist

 

What They Do: Digital marketing specialists help businesses connect with customers online through social media, websites, email campaigns, and online advertising. They're like detectives who figure out what customers want and then create content that gets people excited about products or services.

 

Daily Tasks:

​

  • Create engaging posts for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok

  • Analyze website traffic and social media metrics to see what's working

  • Design email campaigns that get people interested in products

  • Run online advertising campaigns on Google and social media

  • Write blog posts and website content that helps customers find the business

  • Collaborate with graphic designers to create eye-catching visuals

  • Research competitors and industry trends to stay ahead of the game

 

What's Cool About This Job: You get to be creative while using cutting-edge technology, and you can see the immediate impact of your work through likes, shares, and sales. Plus, you're always learning about new platforms and trends!

 

Business Data Analyst

 

What They Do: Business data analysts are like detectives who solve mysteries using numbers and data. They help companies understand their customers, improve their products, and make more informed business decisions by identifying patterns in large amounts of data.

 

Daily Tasks:

​

  • Collect data from websites, sales records, and customer surveys

  • Use special software to analyze trends and patterns in the data

  • Create charts and graphs that make complex information easy to understand

  • Present findings to managers and executives to help them make decisions

  • Build dashboards that automatically track important business metrics

  • Work with different departments to understand what data they need

  • Recommend changes to business processes based on data insights

 

What's Cool About This Job: You get to use your math skills to solve real business problems and see how your discoveries directly impact company success. It's like being paid to be curious and solve puzzles!

​

Start in Middle School:
​

  • Take business and technology courses if available

  • Join DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) or FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)

  • Practice leadership skills through student government or club officer positions

  • Try the Virginia Education Wizard career assessment

  • Start a small business or fundraising project

  • Learn basic computer skills, including spreadsheets and presentations

​

Continue in High School:

​

  • Join DECA or FBLA - Virginia has over 15,000 members in these organizations!

  • Take business and marketing CTE courses

  • Participate in business plan competitions

  • Get part-time jobs in retail, restaurants, or offices to gain experience

  • Take dual enrollment classes in business or economics

  • Complete internships with local businesses or nonprofits

  • Learn digital marketing skills through online courses

  • Get certifications in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace

  • Job shadow business professionals in different industries

  • Take courses in accounting, entrepreneurship, or personal finance

  • Attend Virginia Tech's business camps or JMU's entrepreneurship programs

​

Technical Training (1-2 years):

​

Jobs: Administrative Assistants, Customer Service Representatives, Sales Associates, Office Clerks Average Salary: $30,000 - $44,000

​

Community College (2 years):

​

Jobs: Executive Assistants, Marketing Coordinators, Operations Specialists, Purchasing Agents Average Salary: $40,000 - $55,000

​

Four-Year College:

​

Jobs: Project Managers, Marketing Managers, Human Resources Managers, Operations Managers, Business Analysts Average Salary: $65,000 - $102,000

​

Advanced Degrees:

​

Jobs: Chief Executive Officers, Chief Marketing Officers, Management Consultants, Business Development Directors Average Salary: $100,000 - $170,000+

 

Try It Out!

​

  • Start a small business like selling crafts, tutoring, or pet sitting

  • Join DECA, FBLA, or your school's entrepreneurship club

  • Shadow business managers, marketing professionals, or entrepreneurs

  • Volunteer to help organize school fundraisers or events

  • Help a family member with their business tasks or bookkeeping

  • Visit local businesses and ask owners about their work

  • Participate in business plan competitions or pitch contests

  • Learn to use basic business software like spreadsheets and presentations

​

Fun Fact: Did you know that Virginia is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon's second headquarters in Arlington? Virginia is also where the first successful English business venture in America started - the Virginia Company in Jamestown in 1607!

​

Business Meeting
Female Presenter
bottom of page