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If you’re considering pursuing a career in business but are uncertain which diploma program could be the right fit for your professional interests, talents, and goals, then this post is for you. While all of our Business Diploma Programs at Robertson College equip students with relevant, competitive skills that prepare them to step into a professional role within one year or less, each program’s unique focus is tailored to the demands of a specific career path or industry.
Many prospective business students have heard the terms business administration and business management but are seeking further clarification about the differences between these related yet fundamentally distinct areas of study. Below, we’ve provided an overview of the fields of business administration and business management and outlined the types of coursework, skills, and career opportunities associated with each.
Ready to learn more about enrolling in business administration or business management courses at the Robertson School of Business? Get started today by contacting one of our supportive and highly qualified Student Advisors.
Business administration is a broad field that focuses on the skills and processes necessary to keep a business or organization running smoothly and successfully day-to-day and over time. Encompassing accounting and finances, human resources, marketing, logistics, customer service, and much more, careers in business administration can span a wide variety of different settings, sectors, and industries.
Whether you’re interested in working for a small non-profit or a multi-national corporation, a business administration diploma from Robertson College can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge. Our business administration Diploma Programs include Accounting and Payroll Administrator, Administrative Office Assistant, Business Administration—Event Planning and Hospitality, Business Administration—Human Resource Coordinator, Dental Office Administrator, and Human Resources Professional.
To learn more about careers in business administration, read our post What Is Business Administration?
Business management is the branch of business administration that focuses on big-picture leadership, organization, and the management of resources, including staff, revenue, equipment, information, and more. While careers in business administration are typically focused on the day-to-day operations that keep various departments running, careers in business management tend to be more focused on effectively managing those departments and developing/implementing overarching strategies to help an organization reach its goals.
If you have strong leadership skills and enjoy analytics, decision-making, and implementing strategies to help teams succeed and reach their goals, then a career in business management could be a good fit. At Robertson College, our business management Diploma Programs include Tourism and Hospitality Management and Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
The entry-level courses required for careers in general business administration and those required for careers in business management often involve a high degree of overlap. Both professional fields require a strong foundation in fundamental business knowledge and both are directly concerned with keeping a business or organization running efficiently and successfully over time.
Some of the fundamental skills necessary for careers in both business administration and business management include:
Education programs in business administration and business management both typically involve courses designed to provide students with general business knowledge including:
Despite their similarities, careers in business administration and business management are distinguished by specific knowledge, skillsets, and scopes of work. While business administration positions are generally more focused on the nuts and bolts of business operations, business management positions require bigger-picture analysis and leadership skills.
Some of the specific skills that differentiate business administration roles from those in business management may include the following:
Business Administration Skills
Business Management Skills
Some of the topics covered in business administration vs. business management coursework may include:
Business Administration Coursework
Business Management Coursework
With a diploma in business administration or business management, you’ll have a wide range of professional job opportunities at your fingertips. The salaries associated with entry-level positions in both fields can vary significantly according to factors such as the industry, size, and location of the organization doing the hiring, the scope of work outlined in the job description, and the level of education, professional skills, and experience of the applicant.
Business management positions often begin at a higher salary than those in business administration because of the greater level of responsibility typically associated with these types of roles. In Canada, the average salary for a business manager is currently $84,945 per year and the average salary for a business administration professional is $60,151 per year.
Careers in business administration can encompass a wide variety of roles across a vast spectrum of different industries and types of organizations. In some cases, business management responsibilities can even fall under the broader umbrella of a business administration position, depending on the specifics of the job posting.
Listed below are some examples of career opportunities that a specialized diploma in business administration has the potential to qualify you for:
Listed below are some examples of career paths that a specialized diploma in business management could be the first step to unlocking for you:
Embarking on a new career path is exciting, but the process of selecting the right diploma program for your needs, goals, and circumstances may feel overwhelming. At Robertson College, we understand this. That’s why our supportive, highly qualified Student Advisors are here to help and guide you every step of the way. To learn more about the admission requirements for our business administration, business management, or other programs, contact us today!
Ready to explore business administration courses in Calgary or Edmonton? Our team at Robertson College welcomes you to connect with us directly and tell us more about your professional dreams and goals. We look forward to meeting you and helping you take the first step toward making your business career a reality!
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