Career Pathways

A career in accountancy includes critical thinking, a passion for numbers and a keen eye for details. The accountancy industry is a vital system into the business world.

If you've got a head for numbers, a major in accounting can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a wide variety of interesting careers in the business, government, nonprofit organizations and public accounting. You will learn to analyze and solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively and use information technology. The accountancy major also provides an excellent foundation for careers in law and education.

Accountancy career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include auditor, budget analyst, controller and financial manager.
• Technical skills include proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP, SQL and data analytics.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in active listening, complex problem solving, integrity, attention to detail and an analytical mindset.

Business analytics careers are growing more in demand every day. Students who are tech-savvy, love to learn and can utilize technology should consider this career opportunity.

With a business analytics major from Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business, you will play an increasingly important role as organizations seriously examine data. In order to deliver exceptional business performance, it is crucial that businesses actively analyze internal and external data to drive their decisions. Opportunities abound for tech-savvy business people who know how to deal intelligently with data.

The business analytics major prepares students to succeed in a data-driven world, providing exposure to software platforms and techniques used to store, transform, manipulate, analyze and interpret small and large sets of data.

Business analytics career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include business intelligence analyst, computer systems analyst, management analyst and operations research analyst.
• Technical skills include proficiency in Adobe Creative suite, Microsoft programs, ERP software and front-end programming languages.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in perceptiveness, negotiation, collaboration, systems analysis and evaluation.

Students who have a strong interest in law, but do not want to attend law school should consider the business law career pathway. If you are investigative and enterprising, look no further.

The interdisciplinary nature of this program will give you a competitive edge in your career because you will be able to understand and solve problems at the intersection of law and business. You will have a strong foundation in general business law, developing and refining important law-related business skills. This major will also prepare you to use your law-related skills in connection with the formation of and operation of your own business, in areas such as real estate and mediation services.

Business law career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include litigation, solo and small firm and tax law.
• Technical skills include proficiency in data mining software, Microsoft programs and ERP and SAP software.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in active listening, public speaking, persuasion and negotiation.

The computer and software industry is rapidly growing and a computer information systems degree will provide you with a strong foundation in business principles, as well as extensive training in information technology—a winning combination that employers seek.

To succeed in this ever-evolving world, our undergraduate information systems program will instill practical skills to give you the broad and thorough business and technology knowledge you need for a successful career in the IT profession.

Computer information systems career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include software development, computer programmer, information security analyst and computer network architect.
• Technical skills include proficiency in computers, electronics and customer service.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in active listening, critical thinking, adaptable learning strategies and systems analysis and evaluation.

Students in the digital marketing program will immerse themselves in a realm of business, digital marketing and eCommerce technology.

In this rapidly changing digital marketplace, a digital marketing degree will give you the skills needed to prepare you for a career in e-commerce, digital marketing, mobile marketing, social media and web and mobile application development.

Created in response to significant industry and student demand, our program uniquely combines business, marketing and technical aspects of e-commerce, providing you tremendous advantages in the employment arena.

Digital marketing career pathway snapshot:

• Skills student will learn include search engine marketing, search engine optimization, social media and web marketing.
• Technical skills include proficiency in business intelligence, sales and marketing software, data mining and project management.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in judgement, time management, systems analysis and evaluation and writing.

A career pathway in finance develops students into financial leaders at the Haworth College of Business. Gain insightful knowledge and experience with our Greenleaf Trust Trading Room and Student Invested Management Fund.

In this program, you will develop a broad understanding of financial decision making. Case studies, internships and study abroad opportunities will enable you to learn the skills necessary to become a leader in the financial industry. You will gain real-world experiences to build your skills and competitive advantage.

Finance career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include credit counselor, financial services sales agent, financial analyst, and real estate broker.
• Technical skills include proficiency in call accounting software, Microsoft programs, inventory management and underwriting.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in complex problem solving, systems analysis, attention to detail and integrity.

The food marketing program at the Haworth College of Business is in demand, with the right mix of skills for a great career. The Food Marketing and Supply Chain Conference is open to all majors and provides connections with hundreds of industry professionals.

Food marketing career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include positions in logistics, retail management and category management.
• Technical skills include proficiency in ERP and data mining software, Microsoft Excel, market research and data analysis.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in critical thinking, social perceptiveness, public speaking and decision making.

This program will give you the specialized skills to manage and develop others. The major emphasizes tested concepts essential for a successful career in human resources, industrial relations or management. These include human resource planning, managing a diverse workforce, staffing, compensation, employee relations and organizational development and change. 

Human resource management career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include corporate recruiter, employment specialist, human resource generalist and recruiter.
• Technical skills include proficiency in project management software, Google analytics, payroll software and SAP software.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in active listening, complex problem solving, time management and management of personal resources.

Marketing is a vital industry to any successful organization or business. With a major in marketing, you will be learning everything from branding to digital marketing to market research.

Vital to any successful organization, marketing will give you a comprehensive understanding of core concepts and applications, preparing you for positions in a range of business-to-business and consumer goods and services companies, as well as nonprofit organizations.

Marketing career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include marketing manager, marketing research analyst and search marketing strategist.
• Technical skills include proficiency in business intelligence and analytics software, SAS, Oracle and sales and marketing experience.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in social perceptiveness, negotiation, time management and service orientation.

Personal financial planning will help you develop strong skills and a foundation in financial planning. Students with a passion for analytics, communication and client management should look into the personal financial planning industry.

As a personal financial planning major at Western Michigan University, you will learn interviewing and analytical skills to help you become financially savvy for your future career. You should be passionate about working with people and willing to fine tune and develop your communication skills to work with clients. Upon successful completion of the recommended coursework, you will be eligible to take the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam.

Personal financial planning career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include personal financial advisor, investment advisor and relationship banker.
• Technical skills include proficiency in CRM and ERP software, financial analysis software, presentation skills and economics experience.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in complex problem solving, negotiation and time management.

The sales and business marketing program will prepare you to excel in entry-level sales positions and provide the broader framework for future success in upper-level management. There are small class sizes and a hands-on, experiential learning philosophy. The sales and business marketing faculty all have real-world experience in sales and sales leadership.

If you choose to major in sales and business marketing at Western Michigan University, you will spend a significant amount of time in the Robert S. Kaiser Sales, Negotiation and Leadership Lab, one of the best university sales learning facilities in the nation. In this interactive lab, you will perform role-playing sales exercises in a realistic business setting.

Sales and business marketing career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include account executive, sales manager and client manager.
• Technical skills include proficiency in CRM software, sales and marketing software and business intelligence and analysis software.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in persuasion, active listening, public speaking and service orientation.

Everyone is connected through the supply chain; the industry is fast-paced and involves continuous improvement. The top-ranked supply chain management program at WMU will prepare you for challenging and high-paying careers with leading companies.

You'll be involved in every step of the process of providing goods and services to consumers, from inception through consumption and redemption. Expect a curriculum that combines the strength of supply chain and information technology, along with skills in team management, communications and problem solving.

Supply chain management career pathway snapshot:

• Careers include positions in forecasting and planning, inventory management, transportation, logistics and operations.
• Technical skills include proficiency in inventory management, warehousing, transportation logistics and ERP software.
• Interpersonal skills include proficiency in multi-disciplinary teamwork, multitasking capabilities, influential leadership and global orientation.