Unlocking the door to career success in business requires more than just job-specific knowledge; it demands a robust set of transferable skills valued across industries and roles. The Northern Kentucky University (NKU) online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) in General Business program develops these critical skills.
With a curriculum that delves into core business disciplines and extensive managerial and operational strategies, this program molds students into versatile professionals. With 30 hours of electives, the degree accommodates student’s natural talents and career goals. Graduates emerge ready to meet the demands of today’s employers.
What Are the Competencies Employers Want in Job Candidates?
Understanding the soft skills and general competencies employers prioritize can set job seekers apart. Here is a close look at the skills that are in high demand across industries:
Communication: This is a cornerstone of modern business interactions, with digital transformation demanding fluency across a spectrum of platforms. Especially in remote work and hybrid environments, the ability to convey ideas, motivate teams and maintain client relationships through various digital channels is indispensable.
Emotional intelligence: This is deeply intertwined with effective communication. Together, these skills foster empathy and collaboration, essential for a supportive and efficient work environment.
Teamwork: Working together leverages emotional intelligence and communication, highlighting the importance of collaborative skills in overcoming challenges and achieving collective goals. The ability to work cohesively within diverse groups is vital for organizational success.
Leadership and management: These competencies are pivotal in guiding teams and projects toward success. While leadership focuses on inspiring and motivating, management is concerned with the tangible aspects of achieving business outcomes, highlighting the need for both visionary and pragmatic skills.
Project management and time management: Both are critical for handling the complexities of modern work environments. These skills ensure that projects are delivered efficiently and objectives are met within set timelines, even in remote or hybrid settings.
Problem-solving: Finding solutions requires a blend of analytical thinking and creativity to address challenges in dynamic business landscapes. The ability to devise effective solutions is invaluable in fostering innovation and driving progress.
A growth mindset: This encourages continual learning and adaptability, which are essential for keeping pace with industry changes and advancing one’s career. Embracing challenges and expanding one’s skill set are fundamental to long-term success.
Research: Skills in this area are more relevant than ever, as the ability to analyze data, collaborate with AI and apply insights strategically is a powerful asset in decision-making processes.
What Job Skills Will Matter Most in the Future?
The skills that employers value evolve as technology advances and business and client needs change. According to the GMAC 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey, employers list communication, data analysis, strategy and innovation as the top critical competencies in business. More than half of global employers value interpersonal abilities, learning motivation, leadership, decision-making processes and general business functions among their greatest needs from graduates entering the workforce.
NKU’s online B.S.B.A. – General Business program equips students with these MBA-level skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for future opportunities:
- Adaptability is increasingly vital as roles evolve and industries undergo rapid changes, highlighted by the dramatic shift towards AI and remote work. Being resilient and open to change makes candidates more appealing and demonstrates their potential for innovation and growth.
- Data literacy and analytics have become indispensable in an era where data is a key driver of decision-making across all business sectors. Employers seek candidates with a basic understanding of data’s role in business and the ability to glean actionable insights from it, underlining the need for proficiency in digital tools and platforms.
- Sustainability literacy reflects the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility within the corporate world. An understanding of eco-friendly practices and the ability to contribute to a business’s sustainability efforts are increasingly sought after, as companies aim to align with government regulations and societal expectations.
- Generative AI expertise is becoming an increasingly valuable skill. The ability to leverage AI to create solutions, manage change and address ethical considerations is a highly sought-after skill set.
- Cloud computing proficiency is becoming more necessary as the sector expands. Mastery of cloud computing tools and strategies ensures relevance and competitiveness in a tech-driven future.
Develop Transferable, In-demand Skills With an Online B.S.B.A. in General Business
Adaptability, innovation and a broad skill set are more valuable than ever. The online B.S.B.A. – General Business program from NKU equips students with these essential competencies.
Emphasizing the principle that transferable skills equal career versatility, the program offers a curriculum rich in critical communication, strategic thinking, data literacy and a suite of versatile skills that employers across industries value. This comprehensive educational experience ensures NKU graduates are well prepared to tackle the challenges of today’s dynamic business environment and lead with innovation in the future.
Learn more about NKU’s online B.S.B.A. in General Business program.
