Human Resource Management

• Recruiting/Staffing
• Compensation
• Benefits
• Training
• Safety
• Employee Relations
• Industrial Relations
• Equal Employment Opportunity

Employers

• Large corporate entities
• Service industry
• Hospitals and healthcare organizations
• Universities
• Temporary or staffing agencies
• Executive search firms
• Local, state and federal government
• Labor unions

Strategies

• Take courses in the social sciences such as psychology and sociology
• Gain relevant experience through internships. Develop strong verbal and written communication skills
• Learn to solve problems creatively
• Develop strong computer skills because many human resource systems are automated
• Join the Society of Human Resource Management and other related professional associations
• Be prepared for continuous learning once in the profession
• Earn a master’s degree for career advancement

Management

Employers

• Business and industry including: Banks and financial institutions, Retail stores, Restaurants, Hotels, Service providers, Healthcare organizations
• Local, state and federal government
• Nonprofit organizations
• Self-employed

Strategies

Be prepared to start in entry-level management trainee positions. Gain experience through internships or jobs. Work at a retail store or restaurant, and advance into an assistant manager position. Get involved in student organizations and assume leadership roles. Demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, a strong work ethic, integrity, and a sense of independence. Take courses in a secondary specialty such as marketing or information systems to increase job opportunities. Learn to work well on a team.

Insurance

• Claims
• Underwriting
• Risk Management
• Sales
• Loss Control

Employers

• Insurance firms
• Banks

Strategies

• Complete an internship with an insurance agency
• Talk to professionals in the industry to learn more about claims, underwriting, and risk management
• Many good, entry-level positions exist in these areas
• Initiative and sales ability are necessary to be a successful agent or broker
• Develop strong communication skills as many positions require interaction with others and the ability to explain information clearly and concisely

Real Estate

• Residential Brokerage
• Commercial Sales
• Appraisals
• Property Management

Employers

• Real estate brokers
• Banks
• Appraisal firms
• Apartment and condominium complexes
• Developers

Strategies

• Obtain sales experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions
• Research the process of becoming a real estate broker through the National Association of Realtors
• Develop an entrepreneurial spirit
• Research apprenticeships in appraisal

Operations Management

• Operations Research Analysis: Business strategy, Facilities layout, Inventory control, Personnel scheduling
• Production Management: Line supervision, Manufacturing management, Production planning, Quality assurance
• Materials Management: Purchasing/buying, Traffic management, Inventory management

Employers

• Manufacturers
• Industrial organizations
• Service organizations

Strategies

• Develop strong analytical skills and a logical approach to problem solving
• Take additional courses in statistics and computer systems
• This is a more technical side of business
• Learn to manage multiple situations and problems
• Be able to communicate with different types of people in various functional areas
• Earn an MBA to reach the highest levels of operations management

Sales

• Industrial Sales
• Consumer Product Sales
• Financial Services Sales
• Services Sales
• Advertising Sales

Employers

• Profit and nonprofit organizations
• Product and service organizations
• Manufacturers
• Financial companies
• Insurance companies
• Print and electronic media

Strategies

• Obtain experience through internships or sales jobs
• Must be highly motivated and well organized. Proven leadership abilities are desirable
• Develop a strong commitment to customer satisfaction

Banking

• Commercial Banking
• Retail/Consumer Banking
• Credit Analysis
• Lending
• Trust Services
• Mortgage Loans
• Branch Management
• Operations

Employers

• Banks
• Credit unions
• Savings and loan associations
• Financial services institutions
• Federal Reserve banks

Strategies

• Develop a solid background in business including marketing and accounting
• Get experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions in a bank
• Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to work well with a diverse clientele