Three Core Competencies Taught in Business Administration Courses
By EducationInfo4u, 31st Jan 2012 | Follow this author
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Business administration courses are becoming popular among lower-level management and clerical staff, as well as those looking to further their education after high school. The courses can be used as a stepping-stone into a bachelor's degree in management, marketing, accounting or finances.
- Courses that support core competencies valued in almost any small office
- Management and Strategy
- Accounting and Finance
Courses that support core competencies valued in almost any small office
Business administration courses are becoming popular among lower-level management and clerical staff, as well as those looking to further their education after high school. The courses can be used as a stepping-stone into a bachelor's degree in management, marketing, accounting or finances. Courses that support core competencies valued in almost any small office or corporate structure also create value in an employee, allowing for growth within a department or company. Individuals who have worked in areas like data entry, administrative assistance or customer service for years are turning toward business courses as a way to develop skill sets that allow them to apply for positions that are more desirable. Most associate's degrees in Business Administration teach a few core functions such as computer skills, basic management and accounting.
Microsoft and the Versatile Employee
You would be hard pressed to find business administration courses that do not require one or more classes in Microsoft computer applications. Classes may provide a survey-style overview of the Microsoft Office suite. Some programs allow students to choose more in depth courses in Word, Excel or Access Database. When choosing these courses, students should keep their career goals in mind. Someone looking to grow into accounting, finance or bookkeeping jobs will need an excellent understand of advanced Excel functions. Executive assistants have to be able to use Word and Power Point to create presentations and reports in a concise, accurate manner. If you think you may want to move into business analytics or IT-related jobs in the future, you can kick off your technical knowledge with an overview of Access.
Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Management and Strategy
Even if you are not looking to move into a supervisory role in the near future, some basic management classes still hold value. Business administration courses usually include information on project management, effective leadership and strategy. Coursework might include development of interpersonal communication skills, creating a positive work environment, dealing with challenges in a constructive manner, developing and delivering presentations and achieving personal goals in a team environment. All of these skills would certainly assist a supervisor or manager in leading their team, but they also provide individuals with the ability to communicate knowledge, adapt to changes, deliver work with excellence and stand out from the crowd. The employee with these abilities is more likely to receive awards in the form of recognition, raises and the chance for advancement.
Accounting and Finance
You do not have to be a bean counter to know that money matters. Successful supervisors and employees are able to count the cost of their actions and develop affordable solutions to problems. Business administration courses usually include basic accounting, principles of economics and industry-minded overviews of finances. Understanding the big picture when it comes to supply, demand, costs and expenses make it easier for employees to interact with executive management. Staff that can suggest feasible solutions that obviously consider company finances are more likely to attract management attention. Additionally, the ability to function with basic spreadsheets, balance expenses with profits and apply a dollar figure to any decision creates an employee with greater management potential.
Business administration courses will not automatically catapult you to the next level. Hard work and the application of principles learned in your courses, however, will bring you to the attention of management. The ability to speak and act like a manager often translates into a job offer or opportunity. Even if you are not seeking a management opportunity, administration courses offer a variety of valuable skill sets that make it easier to perform your job and consistently exceed the expectations of your boss and coworkers.
Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Comments
6th Feb 2012 (#)
A well written page, full of valuable information. Thank you for sharing.:)
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6th Feb 2012 (#)
Business administration courses are very useful nowadays! Glad you found this article useful. Again, thanks for stopping by :)
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