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Did you know that business degrees are the most popular degrees in the US? In the 2021-2022 academic year, bachelor’s degrees awarded were 375,400 (19% of the total 2 million or #1). Today, business administration is still one of the top choices among college students.

But there’s a catch to business being the most popular degree – you have stiff competition. Your bachelor’s degree isn’t enough to get you hired, especially if you have limited work experience. You have to do something to stand out from the rest of your peers.


This is where earning the best certifications for business students comes in. Think of them as your competitive edge because these:

  • Showcase your initiative and commitment to education beyond the classroom
  • Convey your expertise in specific industry principles and practices (e.g., business analysis)
  • Highlight your commitment to professional development amidst industry trends

Indeed, earning the best certifications for business students will promote your professional growth.

Related:

Why Business Students Should Consider Certifications

Of course, earning the best certifications for business students is costly and challenging. You will spend hundreds of dollars on training, certification exams, and application fees. There’s also the time and effort to train and study, as well as to maintain certification.

These costs and challenges aren’t for nothing. Here are the major benefits that you’ll enjoy when you earn business certifications.

  • Gain specialized knowledge and skills that aren’t taught in the classroom
  • Increase your chances of employment because certifications make you stand out to employers
  • Enjoy a high demand for applicants who bring value to the job and organization 
  • Get right to the job instead of undergoing a training process

You’ll find that even before your graduation, you’re already being sought out by employers.

Related:

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

The International Institute of Business Analysis awards the Certified Business Analysis Professional CBAP credential. Students who earn it gain a comprehensive understanding of business analysis. The CBAP bible is IIBA’s Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide).

If you’re a CBAP, you have a competitive advantage in three industries:

Data analysis

You have the advanced skills to gather, interpret, and analyze data for business uses.

Business intelligence

Your skills also include identifying the KPIs and the requirements for solutions to BI issues.

Consulting

You have a broad range of skills that make it possible to go into advisory and strategic planning jobs, too.

The eligibility requirements are:

  • Complete at least 7,500 hours of business analysis work experience in the last 10 years. At least 900 hours must be in four of the six BABOK® Guide Knowledge Areas (or 3,600 hours total)
  • Complete at least 35 hours of professional development in the last four years
  • Provide two references
  • Pass the certification exam
  • Agree to the terms and conditions as well as the Code of Conduct

Read the BABOK Guide, enroll in CBAP preparation courses, and take practice exams.

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The Institute of Management Accountants or IMA awards the Certified Management Accountant or CMA credential. Management accounting emphasizes the use of financial data and analysis for business decisions. The emphasis is on strategic planning and business performance.

If you earn the CMA credential, you’re qualified for well-paying jobs like:

  • Financial analyst
  • Management accountant
  • Controller

Of course, extensive work experience and excellent work performance are a must. You must also develop hard and soft skills for whatever job you’re in. These include advanced financial analysis, strategic planning, and leadership skills.

The certification process involves these steps. 

  • Join the IMA as a member. You can then enroll as a candidate for the CMA credential.
  • Register for the CMA certification exam. You can take Part 1 and Part 2 in your order of preference. Both are offered at  Prometric testing centers.
  • Complete the eligibility requirements, including:
    • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
    • At least two years of full-time professional experience in either management accounting or financial management

You can pass the exam before meeting the education and work experience requirements. Once you’ve earned the CMA credential, you must meet continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, too.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the agency that awards the Project Management Professional or PMP credential. This is among the best business certifications because project management happens every day.

The PMP credential is sought-after, too, because it’s a demonstration of your ability to:

  • Initiate, plan, and implement projects
  • Monitor their progress and complete them according to standards
  • Manage the risks of projects
  • Use effective and efficient tools toward the achievement of goals

The PMP bible is PMI’s “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge.” It is also known as the PMBOK Guide.

Earning the PMP credential means increased credibility as a business professional. This also comes with increased earning potential and networking opportunities. Among the potential job roles include:

  • Project manager
  • Program manager
  • Business analyst
  • Product manager

Project management expertise is in high demand in the construction and engineering, healthcare, and IT industries, among others.

For bachelor’s in business students, the best option is the Set B eligibility requirements.

  • At least a bachelor’s degree
  • 36 months or three years of professional work experience in project management within the past eight years
  • 35 hours of project management education that can be completed by meeting one of these three options:
  • CAPM certification
  • PMI Authorized On-Demand PMP Exam Prep
  • Instructor-Led PMP course

When preparing for the certification exam, use the PMBOK Guide as your main study guide. You must complete 60 PDUs every three years to keep your PMP credential.

Additional Certifications to Consider

If these three certifications aren’t for you, don’t give up. Here are two more business certifications for career growth that we recommend for college students:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The CPA credential is among the most industry-recognized business certifications. Every organization that handles money needs accountants. The CPA credential demonstrates competence in accounting and auditing principles and practices.

This is an ideal credential if you’re interested in finance, accounting, and auditing in the public and private sectors. Possible jobs include public accountant, controller, and tax advisor.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Yet another of the best certifications to enhance a business degree is the CFA credential. If you’re interested in roles in financial analysis, investment, or asset management, consider it.

Possible jobs include portfolio manager, asset manager, and investment banker. You can find domestic and international jobs, too, with a CFA credential.

How to Choose the Right Certification for Your Career Goals

There are no one-size-fits-all certifications for business majors. You must choose based on your unique interests and goals.

  • Identify your interests and career goals first. Then, choose a certification that aligns with them.
  • Consider the eligibility requirements, study commitment, and exam costs. Perform a cost-and-benefit analysis, too.
  • Study the types of industries where certifications are in high demand. Look at the job growth, salary potential, and flexibility, too.

Give yourself ample time to choose the right certification for yourself. Of course, you can’t lose with any of the above choices because of their versatile applications.

The Benefits of Certifications in Business

Here are more benefits of business certifications for college students.

  • Boost your resume’s appeal among prospective employers. You’re more competitive for jobs that align with your career goals.
  • Build practical, workplace-ready skills. You won’t have to undergo intensive training, too, and provide value immediately.
  • Expand your network and enjoy the personal and professional benefits that come with it.
  • Improve your credibility as a professional and boost your confidence in your abilities. 

How to Prepare for Certification Exams

  • Adopt effective study habits. Time management is crucial to your success.
  • Set up a study schedule and be consistent in following it.
  • Use study guides, practice exams, and official resources to prepare for the certification exams.
  • Strike a balance between pursuing your bachelor’s degree and earning your desired certification. In many top certifications in business, after all, the former is a requirement for the latter.
  • Take advantage of online courses, apps, videos, and forums, as well as study groups.

How to Leverage Your Certification in the Job Market

  • Highlight your certifications on your LinkedIn profile and resume/curriculum vitae. Create a dedicated section for them. Use clear and concise formatting.
  • Discuss your certifications during your interviews. Give concrete examples of their practical applications. Make a strong connection between your skills and the job you’re applying for.
  • Highlight your strong commitment to lifelong learning, including professional development through certifications.

Conclusion

The best certifications for business students boost the value of bachelor’s degrees. These demonstrate your specialized knowledge and skills and, thus, boost your job prospects.

So, explore your options in business certifications while you’re still in college. This way, you have the upper hand in your job search after graduation. You’ll also establish the best foundation for career advancement, particularly in getting a head start.

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