What Are the Most Versatile Business Management Degrees?

Some people know what they want to do in life from the outset; their career path is clear and they have a singular focus on getting there. For the rest of us, who aren't exactly sure where we'll end up, a versatile degree is a wise investment. It lets us gain general skills that apply to a wide range of roles without locking us into a career we might end up hating. And business degrees are some of the most versatile out there — the knowledge and skills they teach can open doors to a huge variety of careers. Let's look at a few that are particularly adaptable.

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular degrees on the planet and applications to MBA programs in Canada are some of the most popular in the world, even outpacing those in the U.S. and U.K. The secret to its popularity? It's generic. Students take courses in a diverse array of foundational business topics including accounting, marketing, business law, management, information systems and more.

MBAs also give students a chance to specialize once they're in the program. For instance, the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto boasts 18 specializations including global retail management, entrepreneurial studies and strategic management.

Employers, even those outside the world of business, see an MBA on your CV and they know you've got the ideal mix of practical skills and soft skills — communication, leadership, team-building — it takes to excel.

MBAs pave the way to many careers. Here are just a few:

●      Retail store manager

●      Project manager

●      Business operations manager

●      Marketing manager

Bachelor of Business Management/Administration 

You don't necessarily have to go for a master's to increase your job options, either. A bachelor's degree in business management or administration is the preferred or required entry-level degree for many jobs in business, especially those in retail. These might include roles such as:

●      Merchandise marketer

●      Buyer

●      Marketing manager

●      Human resources manager

●      Logistician

While both degrees cover much of the same ground (and prepare you for similar roles), there are some differences. A Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) focuses more on the management side of business, with courses in human resources, supply chain, operational management. For many students, this might make it a more versatile choice for retail.

With courses in entrepreneurship, economics and finance, a Bachelor of Business Administration may be more adaptable outside of retail and offers a good foundation for continuing on to an MBA.

Diploma in Business Management

At the 2-year level, a Diploma in Business Management will offer the most versatility. AAS programs provide a broad, fundamental introduction to working for (and running) a business. They typically guide students through introductory classes in business communication, accounting, marketing, e-commerce and small business management. Some of the career options with a diploma include:

●      Administrative assistant

●      Assistant store manager

●      Retail sales associate

●      Office administrator

●      Human resources assistant

Diplomas can prepare you to find a job upon graduation, but they're also useful as jumping-off points for a bachelor's degree. As you delve into the foundational business topics that a diploma program offers, one of them might resonate with you, giving you a clear focus for specialization as you continue your education.

All of these degrees offer broad enough core coursework to keep your career options open while still giving you avenues to add a specialization. And, since there are few, if any, practical components, most schools offer them as online degrees, which makes them even more versatile — you can knock them out while you're working in the field.