Solid Growth & High Demand
Business and financial occupations are projected to grow faster than average between 2024 and 2034, with about 942,500 openings each year (from growth + replacing workers). Bureau of Labor Statistics
Management analysts (which includes business analysts) are expected to grow ~9% in the same period, significantly above average. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Good Earning Potential
Many business roles pay well above median wages. For example, financial analysts have a median salary of ~$101,350 per year. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Multiple Entry Points & Flexibility
You can often begin with a certificate, bootcamp, or short-course rather than a four-year degree. Many skills (data analytics, digital marketing, bookkeeping) are portable and usable in many industries.
AI & Automation Are Reshaping, Not Replacing
AI is automating repetitive, rule-based tasks in accounting and bookkeeping (e.g. data entry, reconciliation), freeing people up for more strategic, creative, or client-focused work. Thomson Reuters Tax
Those who adapt—learning to use AI tools, strengthen analytical thinking, ethical judgment, communication—will have a competitive edge.
Here are popular job roles in business (“your top searches”) with outlooks, pay, and training paths:
| Role | Projected Outlook & Demand | Typical Pay* | Training / Credential Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business / Management Analyst | ~9% growth 2024-2034. ~98,100 openings/year. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Median ~$90,000-$100,000 depending on industry & region. (Some entry roles lower.) | Certificate / associate / bachelor’s in business analytics, operations, or management; training in tools like Excel, SQL, Tableau. |
| Business Analytics / Data Analytics | Strong demand: businesses wanting data-driven decisions across marketing, operations, strategy. Data scientists role projected ~34% growth 2024-2034. Bureau of Labor Statistics | ~$80,000-$110,000+ depending on seniority, tools, and specialization. | Bootcamps, certificates in analytics, data visualization, programming/basic stats (Python, R), practical project work. |
| Digital Marketing | Increasing need as brands shift online, invest in targeted campaigns, content, AI-tools for ad creation, SEO, automation. | Varies broadly: entry level (mid $40,000-$60,000+), specialist / leadership roles much higher. | Certificates in digital marketing, courses in content, SEO, social media, media buying, plus knowledge of AI tools (e.g. generative content). |
| Accounting & Bookkeeping | Stable demand; many traditional tasks being automated. Growth in advisory, audit, compliance. AI tools are increasingly used. | Bookkeepers lower end; accountants higher. Median for many accounting / financial roles is above the overall business median. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Certificate programs (accounting fundamentals, bookkeeping), tools (QuickBooks etc.), possibly CPA courses. Upskill in AI tools and analytics to stay relevant. |
| Project Management | Consistent demand across industries. Businesses need people who can manage tasks, timelines, remote/hybrid teams. AI tools augment PM work but can’t replace coordination, leadership. | Project manager roles often start ~$70,000+, rising with industry, certification, experience. | Certifications (PMP, CAPM, Agile, Scrum), courses in tools (Wrike, Asana, Microsoft Project), training in stakeholder communication. |
Pay & growth vary by location, industry, experience etc.
To build a resilient business career, especially in one that’s increasingly impacted by AI, consider these strategies:
Learn to use AI — not fear it
Get comfortable with tools that automate repetitive work (e.g. Excel macros, ChatGPT, automated reporting). Use them to save time and add value (e.g. analysis, insight, strategy).
Focus on skills AI can’t fully replace
Keep your technical foundation solid
Even if you’re more strategy or leadership oriented, understanding basics of data, analytics, program/project tools, automation platforms will let you collaborate well and command higher roles.
Certifications & continuous learning matter
Staying current: e.g., certificate in data analytics, project management certification, digital marketing specialization, accounting software + AI-add ons.
Industry & domain knowledge gives leverage
Whether you work in finance, healthcare, e-commerce, tech — knowing the domain helps you shape solutions, speak the language, and add value.