What is a Business Administrator and How to Become One

There are many options for students interested in a career as a Business Administrator. A description of the responsibilities of each field, outlook on salary, and necessary education is listed below, so if you want to find out, keep reading.

What is a business administrator?

Business administration is a broad term that can mean different things to different people depending on their employment setting. A business administrator is a professional who plans, organizes, and coordinates activities in an organization to accomplish objectives. In essence, she or he creates an organizational structure and sets up the ways things get done. Business administrators may work for large corporations or small businesses. They typically work indoors and have no contact with customers.

How do you become a business administrator?

1. Choose a position to focus on

Business administrators focus on managing different aspects of organizations. Several positions are available for people interested in business administration, including:

• Human Resource Management: HR professionals work with data and information to provide employees with systems that support their day-to-day activities. They use human capital management tools, such as training and development programs, to increase the productivity of workers.
• Operations Management: These specialists are responsible for managing an organization's supply chain operations. This might include working with vendors on new product orders or tracking down delivery shipments.
• Administrative Services Manager: This professional typically oversees the management of office departments, such as finance and human resources. They typically work with employees to create new policies and procedures.
• Project Management: This role focuses on project implementation and overseeing the budgeting process for a business. People commonly enter this career track after working in another department first.

2. Obtain a bachelor's or a master’s degree

A bachelor's or master's degree in business administration is necessary for many business administrator job titles. Education requirements vary by position, but most organizations require at least a four-year degree. A graduate degree usually provides opportunities for more complex responsibilities within the company. For example, an MBA might be necessary for a business administrator who wants to become a human resources manager. You can even get a Master of Business Administration online,  which is a great option for people who can't go to college or are working another job at that moment.  Business administrators must meet certain educational and professional standards in order to obtain or maintain their licenses. For example, many states require HR professionals to hold the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designation from the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM). Similarly, certified public accountants (CPA's) are required to take continuing education courses each year.

3. Acquire related work experience through internships and volunteer opportunities

Internships are essential for business administrators who want to gain practical experience before entering the workforce. They provide students with an opportunity to see how an organization performs on a day-to-day basis. Many internships offer students opportunities for advancement, so they can develop professional relationships with current employees. Volunteering is another way students can gain relevant work experience. When done in conjunction with formal education, this approach allows them to try out different professional areas and determine their personal strengths and weaknesses. Volunteer activities can also lead to new professional connections in the industry.

4. Specialize in one area within business administration

Some business administrators choose to specialize in one aspect of the field. This might be necessary if their organization requires its employees to possess a specific type of expertise. Many people select professional certification to demonstrate their qualified status within an occupation. For example, the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is specifically designed for professionals who want to prove their ability in that area. Some employers require applicants to pass this exam in order to gain employment. It demonstrates they have at least three years of experience working on projects and ensures they meet certain minimum requirements in terms of education and work history.

5. Become a Certified Business Administrator (CBA)

The Certified Business Administrator (CBA) certification program is offered by the National Association of Business Officers (NABO). This organization provides professionals with the opportunity to undertake a certification process that is recognized nationally. Candidates must complete an exam that covers their knowledge of financial management, human resources, risk management, and technology aspects. They also need to have at least three years of experience in administrative positions before they can apply. The CBA title is one of the most significant credentials available for business administrators because it shows they meet professional standards and have already gained practical experience.

6. Keep up with technology and industry standards

The first business administrators emerged as a class during the Industrial Revolution when many organizations began to rely on complex financial methods and formalized records-keeping systems. Since then, their role has become more important as companies depend on technology to regulate growth and scale efficiently. Business administrators must know how to access information through computer networks that connect different locations, such as the Internet or private virtual networks (VPNs). They should also be familiar with current software programs that simplify processes like budgeting and accounting. Organizations continually update these platforms to ensure workers have access to the most efficient methods of communication. Business administrators need to be aware of these advancements, so they can apply them in their own work and encourage their use across an organization.

What are the responsibilities of a business administrator?

The responsibilities of a business administrator vary depending on the size of the company they work for and what level they are in management. Generally, their duties include enforcing rules and regulations; reviewing records such as expenditures receipts; assigning projects; monitoring performance; preparing budgets; hiring employees; directing staff members' actions to implement policies and procedures created by upper-level managers; resolving conflicts between staff or between an organization and its customers/clients; preparing reports

How much money can I earn as a Business Administrator?

The median annual pay of all business administrators was more than $60,000 according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $32,390 while the top 10 percent earned more than $94,590. Business administrators employed by state governments had salaries that were substantially higher, with an average of more than $70,000. Those employed by local governments averaged $64,500 and those working for universities and colleges were paid an average of $69,840. It all depends on the workplace and the thing you are in charge of.

Now that you know what a business administrator is, consider the various educational requirements, experience needed and salary options and decide which of these credential programs fit your current occupation or career goals. Good luck!