Business Services & Operations

The business world is expansive, and there are a multitude of business positions within a broad range of industries. Opportunities include finance, consulting, marketing, operations, sales, and real estate. Pursuing jobs in the business world can also provide opportunities for students to combine multiple interests; for example, a student interested in environmental sustainability could pursue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) positions, such as in sustainable real estate. More entry level positions will be talked about later on this page.

Business professionals often utilize their abilities to assess and improve a business’s operations and success, which requires interpersonal, organizational, and problem solving skills, as well as an attention to detail. Liberal arts students are well-practiced in using these skills. Through their collaborative coursework, their exposure to a range of academic disciplines, and emphasis on writing, liberal arts students are strong communicators, collaborators, critical thinkers and problem solvers. As a result, Colorado College students can utilize their skills developed through their education and experiences to excel in a range of opportunities in the business world.

EXPLORE CAREERS

As mentioned in the previous section, the business industry offers a wide range of career opportunities. See below for a few highlighted business positions.

Rotational Programs (Leadership Development Programs and Management Development Programs)

Rotational programs, which can include leadership development programs and management development programs, provide recent graduates with an opportunity to work in multiple departments of a company. These programs usually last 1-3 years and entails working on multiple projects while exploring a range of interests and opportunities within a company. In addition to these benefits, rotational programs can foster mentorship, and they are also particularly helpful for graduates with a range of interests that are unsure of what they want their next steps to be. When looking for rotational programs to apply to, use keywords such as rotational program, leadership development and management development.

Junior Accountant

One entry level accounting position is a junior accountant. According to the Vault Guide To Accounting Jobs, Third Edition, “[a]ccountants compile, analyze, verify, and prepare financial records.” They are also often responsible for overseeing accounts payable and accounts receivable, meaning they oversee the funds that a company owes to it’s vendors/supplies as well as the funds that are due to the company by it’s customers. Junior accountants complete these tasks under the supervision of a senior accountant or manager.

Sales Development Representative

A Sales Development Representative (SDR) is responsible for generating and qualifying leads for the sales team. They engage with potential customers, conduct outreach activities, and gather information to determine if prospects are a good fit for the product or service, aiming to set up sales opportunities.

Human Resource Administrator

A Human Resource Administrator is a role focused on managing various administrative tasks within the HR department. They handle employee records, assist with recruitment processes, support employee onboarding and offboarding, maintain HR databases, and provide general administrative support to ensure smooth HR operations within an organization.

Data Analyst

A data analyst collects, interprets, and analyzes large sets of data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that help businesses make strategic designs. They use statistical techniques, data visualization tools, and critical thinking to inform decisions and drive strategic outcomes based on data-driven insights. Data analysts require technical skills, such as the use of SQL, but they are primarily utilized by businesses.

Logistics Analysts

According to the Vault Guide to Operations and Logistics Jobs, “Logistics analysts analyze product deliveries and supply chain processes to increase efficiency and reduce production costs. They may also manage other aspects of supply chain activities, such as tracing shipments and overseeing invoices and electronic bills.”

Property Management

Real estate has a number of job opportunities, and one entry level real estate opportunity is a property manager. Property managers are often responsible for overseeing rental properties and commercial real estate. In practice, this involves marketing the properties, negotiating lease agreements, reviewing and reporting on the property, as well as administrative and maintenance tasks.

Marketing Assistant

Marketing encompasses a range of jobs. One entry level marketing position is a marketing assistant. Marketing assistants work with experienced marketing professionals to promote a product or service to customers to increase sales and company profits. This position often entails creating social media and other online content. Other responsibilities include researching the market and social trends, and creating, implementing, and assessing the success of marketing campaigns. Check out the marketing page for more information.

FIND OPPORTUNITIES

There are a multitude of companies to learn about and potentially apply to. Below is a very short list of companies within the business industry that Colorado College alumni currently or previously worked for. To learn more about each company and their specific hiring expectations and processes, click on the attached link and explore their webpage. 

DEVELOP YOUR INTEREST

There are many options to get involved at Colorado College and develop your career competencies. Get involved to deepen your understanding of an industry and help you decide if a job in this field is of interest to you. Planning your experience can feel daunting, so check out some industry specific ideas both on and offf campus below. As you plan, meet with the Advising Hub to discuss your major and academic interests to ensure you’re on track for your academic plans as well.

  • Join a club at CC. Some clubs, like the Investment Club, the Women in Business Club, and the Consulting Club, will provide opportunities to learn about business and develop skills that are transferable to business opportunities. However, all clubs can be valuable opportunities to develop communication, promotion, planning, and problem solving skills. Additionally, serving as a treasurer or a marketing coordinator for a club can also be beneficial.
  • Work at an on campus job. A range of on-campus jobs can be beneficial. For example, working in the Admissions office can help develop the interpersonal skills required for sales positions. Working in the marketing & communications office or as a marketing intern for any office can translate to marketing positions. Working in the advancement office can help develop the ability to build relationships and learn how finances are managed, which is relevant for all business roles.
  • Participate in a hiring committee when possible. This is a particularly helpful experience for individuals interested in Human Resource opportunities.
  • Join the Honor Council to develop communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
  • Participate in a Career Building Opportunity, such as Parker Dewey, Paragon One or the Forage. Relevant experience is required for future business professionals, and career building opportunities are one way to gain that experience. They can also be used to learn more about different career paths within business and help determine which subset of business a student wants to pursue.
  • Complete an internship. Internships are uniquely important for future business professionals, as they can help you gain an internship or full-time offer at a business/company. Start the internship search on Handshake
  • Attended recruiting events hosted by Colorado College and employers on Handshake. Employers expect students to attend these events to learn how to apply to these companies and to connect with current employees. As a result, make it a priority to attend these events to learn about industry specific application and interview practices as well as to build your network.

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CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE

Questions? Reach out!

SarahR.jpeg
Sarah Reinbrecht (she/her)
Career Consultant, Competitive Business and Technology
sreinbrecht@ColoradoCollege.edu
Report an issue - Last updated: 09/26/2023