Top Entry-Level Jobs You Can Get With a BA in Business Administration

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration programs provide students with a broad foundation in how organizations operate and leaders make strategic decisions. The coursework in these programs covers core business subjects and practical skills that graduates will draw on and continue to develop throughout their professional careers.

Before committing to a degree program, aspiring students may find it helpful to identify the different career paths that BA in Business Administration graduates typically pursue.

By exploring some of the most popular business administration degree entry-level jobs, individuals can gain a clearer picture of the jobs’ day-to-day responsibilities, potential work environments, key skill and competency requirements, and salaries. 

What Is a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration?

A Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program is an undergraduate degree program that offers students a foundation in business principles, leadership, and economics. Students focus on core business disciplines including:

• Management
• Finance
• Marketing
• Accounting
• Operations
• Organizational behavior

BA in Business Administration students develop key skills and competencies they’ll use throughout their postgraduate careers, such as critical thinking, team management, written and oral communication, ethical awareness, and analytical skills. The BA in Business Administration curriculum balances theory with real-world practical application so graduates can move into business administration entry-level jobs with confidence.

Although the disciplines share some similarities, business administration differs from business management. While business administration is broad, focusing on big-picture elements such as strategic planning and policymaking, business management is narrower, emphasizing day-to-day operations and staff supervision. 

8 Business Administration Degree Entry-Level Jobs

Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration can open doors in nearly every sector of the economy. This course of study teaches core skills — in areas such as financial literacy, data interpretation, organizational behavior, and project management — that employers value in candidates for entry-level roles. 

Below are descriptions of eight jobs for recent graduates, including their typical work environments, their required skills, and a concise list of their common duties, to help individuals evaluate which role best fits their strengths and goals. 

Accountant

Accountants work in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. They prepare and review financial records, ensure regulatory compliance, and support decision-making through accurate reporting. The role is often a logical first step for graduates who enjoy numbers and structured problem-solving.

Typical Responsibilities

• Preparing and reconciling financial statements and ledgers
• Computing tax obligations and assisting with tax filings
• Auditing internal records for accuracy and compliance
• Supporting budgeting and cost-control analyses
• Communicating findings to managers and clients

Aspiring accountants should focus on developing their Excel and accounting software proficiency, attention to detail, analytical thinking skills, and ability to clearly write reports.

The median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $81,680 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Accountants in the finance and insurance industries have the highest median salaries. 

Business Consultant

Business consultants work in virtually all sectors for dedicated consulting firms, internal strategy teams, and freelance clients. These business professionals assess an organization’s challenges and recommend strategies to improve its operations, profitability, or market position. Entry-level business consultants often support the research, data collection, and implementation tasks of more senior consultants while learning about strategy and industry frameworks. 

Typical Responsibilities

• Conducting research and gathering client data
• Analyzing processes, financials, or market trends
• Drafting recommendations and implementation plans
• Preparing client reports and presentations
• Coordinating with client teams during change initiatives

The skills companies most often look for in entry-level consultant candidates are problem-solving, client communication, presentation, and project organization skills. 

The median annual salary for business consultants was approximately $84,000 as of October 2025, according to Payscale. However, this business administration entry-level job is known for performance incentives that can affect consultants’ take-home pay, including bonuses, profit sharing, and commissions. 

Data Analyst

Data analysts work in technology, finance, healthcare, retail, government, and consulting. They turn raw data into actionable insights by cleaning datasets, running analyses, and creating visualizations of their results for stakeholders to aid in their decision-making. Data analysis is a popular field for graduates interested in statistics, logic, and storytelling with numbers.

Typical Responsibilities

• Collecting and cleaning data from multiple sources
• Producing dashboards and visual summaries
• Running descriptive and predictive analyses to answer business questions
• Translating findings into recommendations for teams
• Collaborating with engineers and business units to improve data pipelines

Aspiring data analysts should possess well-defined critical thinking skills and practical experience using SQL, Excel, basic Python or R, and data visualization tools.

The median annual salary for data analysts was around $70,000 as of October 2025, according to Payscale, with the top 10% of earners making more than $94,000. 

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts are most commonly employed by investment firms, banks, insurance companies, and consulting firms. They evaluate investments, build financial models, and advise their company or clients on capital allocations to support their decision-making. Most entry-level roles emphasize financial statement analysis and forecasting.

Typical Responsibilities

• Analyzing company financials and industry data
• Building models for valuation, budgeting, and forecasting
• Producing reports to guide investment or managerial decisions
• Monitoring market trends and economic indicators
• Presenting findings to managers or clients

Aspiring financial analysts should focus on gaining proficiency in financial modeling, Excel, quantitative analysis, and clearly communicating complex ideas. 

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for financial analysts in 2024 was $101,910, placing it among the highest-paying business administration entry-level jobs. 

Human Resources Specialist

Human resources (HR) specialists work in corporations of all sizes, nonprofits, government agencies, and staffing firms. They oversee their organization’s recruitment and hiring processes, benefits packages, and employee relations. They also help shape the organization’s workplace culture and ensure it follows employment rules and best practices. 

Typical Responsibilities

• Posting job openings, screening resumes, and coordinating interviews
• Administering onboarding and employee recordkeeping
• Managing benefits enrollment and payroll interfaces
• Supporting employee development and training programs
• Mediating day-to-day workplace issues and maintaining regulatory compliance 

Successful HR specialists possess excellent interpersonal communication skills, HR software literacy, and basic employment law knowledge. 

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for HR specialists in 2024 was $72,910. The sectors in which HR specialists have the highest median salaries are government and professional, scientific, and technical services industries. 

Logistician

Logisticians work in manufacturing firms, third-party logistics providers, government agencies, and physical and e-commerce retail companies. They coordinate the flow of goods and materials through supply chains, balancing cost, speed, and reliability. Those working in entry-level roles in logistics focus on building their operational knowledge in routing, inventory, and vendor coordination. 

Typical Responsibilities

• Tracking shipments and managing inventory levels
• Coordinating transportation, warehousing, and order fulfillment
• Communicating with vendors and carriers to resolve issues
• Analyzing logistics performance and suggesting improvements
• Assisting with cost control and schedule planning

To be successful in the role, individuals need to have skills in areas such as supply chain fundamentals, inventory systems, vendor relations, time management, and process optimization. 

The median annual salary for logisticians in 2024 was $80,880, according to the BLS. Logisticians working for the federal government have the highest median salary. 

Management Analyst

Management analysts typically work in consulting firms, large companies’ internal strategy teams, healthcare systems, and government entities. These business professionals study an organization’s processes and recommend efficiency and performance improvements. Entry-level analysts collect data, conduct interviews, and model alternative solutions for clients or internal stakeholders. 

Typical Responsibilities

• Gathering operational and financial data for analysis
• Mapping current-state workflows and identifying bottlenecks
• Developing improvement proposals and implementation road maps
• Measuring outcomes and preparing performance reports
• Assisting with change management and training efforts 

Aspiring management analysts should focus on developing relevant key competencies, including analytical reasoning, process mapping, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven recommendation writing skills. 

According to the BLS, the median salary for management analysts in 2024 was $101,190 per year, with the highest 10% of earners making over $174,140 annually. 

Marketing Account Manager

Marketing account managers work in marketing and creative agencies and large organizations’ marketing teams to oversee client relationships and deliver marketing services that meet an organization’s strategic goals. They are responsible for executing marketing campaigns and delivering client-facing work, often acting as liaisons between the main point of contact and a team of marketing professionals. Entry-level marketing account managers generally oversee a small number of accounts and take on more responsibility as their experience grows.

Typical Responsibilities

• Managing one or more client accounts and acting as the primary client contact
• Translating clients’ goals into briefs for copywriters, designers, and specialists
• Coordinating campaign timelines, budgets, and deliverables
• Preparing proposals, client reports, and performance updates
• Facilitating communication between internal teams and external vendors
• Ensuring quality control and client satisfaction throughout the contract period

Because marketing account managers juggle clients’ expectations, project workflows, and cross‑functional teams, they need strong interpersonal skills, project management capabilities, and the capacity to present strategy and results clearly to clients.

The median annual salary for marketing account managers was approximately $53,000 as of September 2025, according to Payscale, with the top 10% of earners making more than $85,000. 

Planning Your Postgraduate Career: Resources

Those evaluating business administration entry-level jobs should learn more about the roles they’re considering, including any qualifiers they must meet beyond earning a degree. The following resources provide clarity on specific expectations by job role. 

• Indeed, “How to Become an Accountant in 6 Steps (Plus Types)”: A comprehensive guide outlining the path to becoming an accountant, common duties and specializations, education and certification requirements, typical timelines and salaries, and practical tips for aspiring accountants
• Consulting Success, “How to Start a Consulting Business (9 Steps to Follow)”: Nine practical steps for launching and scaling a consulting business in 2025, covering business models, niche selection, positioning, pricing, marketing, sales, operations, and growth strategies 
• DataCamp, “How to Become a Data Analyst in 2025: 5 Steps to Start Your Career”: Five clear steps to take to launch a data analyst career, covering career rationale, learning pathways, portfolio tips, interview and job‑search strategies, and current industry trends in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), real‑time analytics, and data governance
• Investopedia, “How to Become a Financial Analyst”: An explanation of what financial analysts do and the specific steps to take to become one
• Indeed, “Everything You Need to Know About Becoming an HR Specialist”: An in-depth look at the HR specialist role, including core responsibilities, required skills, and the path to becoming one 
• Indeed, “What Does a Logistics Manager Do? (With Job Description)”: An exploration of the logistics manager role, including required education, skills, and experience 
• Indeed, “How to Become a Management Analyst”: A look at what management analysts do, how they benefit companies, and the specific steps to take to become one 
• Indeed, “How to Become Account Manager in Marketing”: An overview of what account managers do, including typical career steps, key skills, and salary information

A common theme in these resources is the value of pursuing a master’s degree. Although it’s certainly possible to enjoy a rewarding career without an advanced degree, many professionals find that earning an MBA is well worth it, as it can lead to better opportunities, more successful job searches, and higher salaries. 

Learning About Entry-Level Jobs Makes for Better Planning

Exploring the variety of career paths available to graduates of a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program can help you match your interests, strengths, and professional goals to realistic jobs early on.

Identifying business administration degree entry-level jobs helps you plan which coursework to prioritize, which internships are most relevant, and which certificates are worth investing in. Ultimately, this can help you build the foundational knowledge and resume that help you stand out from other candidates. 

Treating career research as a planning tool turns short-term choices into long-term momentum, so your first job becomes an intentional step toward the career you envision.