A lot of people opt for a business administration diploma over a degree because a diploma provides streamlined training and a quicker route to employment.
While a degree is a three- or four-year commitment, most business diplomas can be completed in two years or less. You can graduate fast and get straight to work.
But what options will you have after business college? What business administration career paths are open to diploma holders?
Updated December 2023
Business administration is a popular choice among students who want to learn how companies are organized and run.
It’s an extremely broad field that leads to a wide range of career options. Whether you want to run an office, keep the books, direct a marketing campaign, or take care of basic clerical functions, studying business administration can help you reach your goal.
But there are so many programs to choose from at both the university and college levels.
So what’s the difference between a business administration diploma and a degree? How do they stack up in terms of length, content, career outcomes, and other factors?
At Herzing College, we've been training people in business administration for many years. Keep reading to find out how these two types of programs compare and see which one is right for you.
Photo: Karl Raynes at his home office in Winnipeg
When he moved to Canada in 2013, Karl Raynes wasn't planning on starting a business.
He got a steady job at a law firm, thought about pursuing a career in computer networking, and even took at few IT courses.
And then one day, Karl and his fiance came up with a brilliant idea for a home-care services company.
He immediately began looking for business training that would help him launch the company and make it a success.
Karl discovered Herzing College and enrolled in the Business Administration program.
This training is designed for people who want to work in an office, manage a team, or start their own business.
Karl signed up, worked through the courses, and actually launched his company while completing the internship.
We interviewed Karl a few months after graduation to get his review of the Business Administration program, and see how the company is going so far.
Here's what we found out.
Rebecca Hiebert raised three children on her own. For many years, being a mother was her full-time job. But over the last year or two, those priorities began to change.
Her children grew older and became more independent. Gradually, she found herself with some extra time. And she knew exactly what she wanted to do with it.
Rebecca had always wanted to study business administration. With great determination, she returned to school and earned not one, but two diplomas in business from Herzing College.
Maria Aquino (far right) poses with business students and faculty at the Herzing College Winnipeg campus
A lot of people choose business administration training because it opens up so many different career paths. Accounting, marketing, sales, management, client services...this program builds a strong foundation in several key areas of business.
And that's exactly what Maria Theresa Aquino was looking for when she started the Business Administration program at Herzing earlier this year.
Updated December 2023
There is no doubt that office administrators are the backbone of every business, not-for-profit, government office, and corporation. From answering phones to managing projects to processing payroll, administrative professionals make sure the operation runs smoothly. No organization could survive without their skills.
Updated December 2023
There are so many career paths students can pursue after earning a business diploma. Accounting, office administration, marketing, client services, human resources, sales...even starting your own business.
Where does business development fit into the equation?
Updated January 2024
Naturally drawn to working in an office environment? Feel you would do well in a structured setting where organizational, communication, customer service, and teamwork skills are highly valued?
Let's say you're also interested in a career where you can help others and feel that you're actually contributing something positive to your community. If you're pulled in this direction, it's quite possible that you're torn between a medical office and business office admin program.
After all, these work settings (and training paths) have quite a lot in common. Which one will ultimately suit you best and be most rewarding?
Updated December 2023
Prospective employers want to learn a number of things about you during a business admin job interview.
They'll be considering your personality and how you'd fit with the team, your technical skills, your experience in similar roles, your trustworthiness, and of course, the "soft" skills that are so important in business admin—communication, organization, problem solving, etc.
How will they get to the heart of your qualifications and overall suitability for the job? By asking questions. A lot of questions!
