Updated November 2022
If you’re interested in working in business, you’re definitely not alone. Business-related programs are consistently among the most popular choices for students.
Much of the appeal stems from the wide variety of fast-growing, in-demand jobs—even for those just starting out.
Weighing your options for business careers? Wondering which entry-level roles are in high demand across Canada?
We’ve got you covered. In this post, we’re focusing on six entry-level business jobs that are trending up right now across the country.
Keep reading for details on what each role involves and what it takes to get started.
BUSINESS CAREER #1: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Administrative assistants carry out a wide range of tasks that keep an office running smoothly.
These multitasking pros do everything from greeting clients, answering inquiries, and booking appointments to processing mail, organizing files, and preparing reports.
☑️ Demand: Many companies have a greater need for organizational support as they try to coordinate remote workers and teams. The Government of Canada Job Bank forecasts steady demand for administrative assistants across most of the country, with particularly strong demand in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and the Yukon.
☑️ Training requirements: Quality administrative assistant training covers the software, communication, bookkeeping, and information management skills you need to thrive in this role.
And most programs are less than a year long. For instance, the one at Herzing College Winnipeg runs for just seven months.
BUSINESS CAREER #2: HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
Health and safety officers strive to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. They conduct inspections, enforce regulations, deliver safety training, and follow up on complaints and claims.
Ultimately, their role is to identify and manage the risks people face while doing their jobs.
☑️ Demand: The pandemic has driven up the need for health and safety officers across the country.
Ontario alone expects to have as many as 1,800 openings for occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals between 2021 and 2025.
And the Job Bank projects strong demand for this occupation in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Yukon.
☑️ Training requirements: You can get started in this business career with a college diploma in occupational health and safety.
Herzing’s program is fully approved by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP). That means our grads qualify to become Canadian Registered Safety Technicians (CRSTs) immediately upon graduation, which can boost your employment prospects.
Training is available through our Winnipeg, Toronto, and Ottawa campuses.
BUSINESS CAREER #3: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/RECEIVABLE CLERK
Accounts payable and receivable clerks manage both incoming and outgoing payments for a business.
They verify purchases and expenses, process invoices from vendors, and make payments as required. They also receive payments from customers, prepare bank deposits, and follow up with clients about monies owed.
☑️ Demand: Accounting clerks made Randstad’s list of the fastest-growing jobs in Canada in 2022.
Looking ahead, the Job Bank says demand for these clerks should be strong in Alberta, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and the Yukon. Steady demand is expected in all other areas of Canada.
☑️ Training requirements: Completing accounting and payroll administration training at the college level will prepare you for this entry-level role.
Training is available through Herzing’s campuses in Ottawa, Toronto, and Winnipeg.
The program teaches you about accounting principles and practices and gives you hands-on practice with industry software like QuickBooks and Sage.
BUSINESS CAREER #4: PROCUREMENT OFFICER
Procurement officers are supply chain specialists. They’re in charge of getting the things companies must have to operate. They figure out what’s needed and how it can be obtained in a timely and cost-effective manner.
That involves evaluating suppliers, negotiating prices, tracking shipments, and following up on late or missing orders.
☑️ Demand: Randstad says pandemic-induced pressures on global supply chains have generated demand for procurement officers who can source the goods and materials businesses need.
The Job Bank estimates that procurement officers will enjoy steady-to-strong demand all over the country.
☑️ Training requirements: A supply chain management diploma is excellent preparation for this business career.
In the supply chain management program offered by Herzing College Winnipeg, you can expect to learn about contract law, transportation logistics, effective negotiations, and more.
BUSINESS CAREER #5: PAYROLL CLERK
Payroll clerks are responsible for making sure everyone in the company gets paid in full and on time.
They track hours worked, calculate earnings and deductions, process direct deposits, and issue cheques. They also prepare tax slips and answer questions from employees.
☑️ Demand: According to data from the Labour Market Information Council (LMIC), job postings for payroll clerks grew by more than 35 per cent between November 2021 and November 2022. And the Job Bank predicts decent demand for this occupation in every province of Canada.
☑️ Training requirements: College-level training in accounting and payroll administration will qualify you to become a payroll clerk.
Herzing’s program covers essential topics like deductions, benefits, payroll processing methods, and government remittances.
BUSINESS CAREER #6: CLIENT SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE
Client services representatives are the people who respond to phone and email inquiries from customers. They assist with placing or modifying orders, answer product-related questions, and resolve complaints.
Essentially, this role is about keeping customers happy.
☑️ Demand: Remote-based client services representatives are increasingly in demand as organizations seek to address customer needs without in-person contact.
Plus, the Job Bank says demand for customer service reps should remain steady across most of Canada.
Training requirements: You can develop the necessary sales, communication, and customer service skills through a business administration diploma program.
At Herzing, we offer business administration training through each of our campuses: Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.
GET practical TRAINING FOR BUSINESS CAREERS
Quality training can help you develop the business skills employers want most.
At Herzing College, we offer a variety of business diplomas designed to get you job-ready fast. You can complete your training in two years or even less. Plus, all of our business programs are taught by expert instructors and include an internship for real-world experience.
Need more info? An admissions advisor can provide details on each program and help you determine which one is right for you.
Click below to explore Herzing’s business programs and chat live with an advisor. We’re here to help!
