Do I Need Business Training?

Find out how much business training you need for five entry-level business positions.

Business training options

With full business degrees taking up to four or five years, the process of escaping a dead end job through business education seems both interminable and expensive. Luckily, there are a number of business careers that require a more immediately manageable amount of business training, generally in the form of one or two year associate's or certificate programs. Here is a list of entry-level business positions and the amount of required experience and business training for each:

1. Administrative Office Assistant

While the role of administrative assistant includes a wide range of responsibilities, many companies are looking for candidates with excellent computer and technical skills on top of interpersonal communication skills. A degree is not necessarily required for this position, but experience in typing, operating fax or copy machines and answering telephones is essential. The completion of a certification or diploma program that provides business training in word processing and spreadsheet software applications will ensure a competitive edge over other job-seekers.

2. Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper monitors a company's finances by calculating expenses and sources of income, then recording this information in a computer database. The level of business training needed as a bookkeeper varies by the size of the company, but employers are generally interested in candidates who have an associate's degree in business or accounting. Because this position provides hands-on business training in accounting, it is a great start to a career as an accountant. Many bookkeepers secure advancement in the field by continuing a business training program and taking accounting courses while working full-time.

3. Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk

Fundamental employees in any industry, payroll and timekeeping clerks ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time. The tasks involved in this position don't necessarily require formal business training, but acute attention to detail and strong communication skills are a must. Payroll and timekeeping clerks must also have experience working with computers, which software certification programs can provide. In order to advance to management level and maximize salary, payroll and timekeeping clerks may need to advance their business training by completing an associate's degree in business or accounting.

4. Loan Processor

A loan processor eases the workload of loan officers by conducting credit checks, working with clients to determine the legal documents required to close a loan, and processing relevant paperwork. While a loan processor's specific duties vary according to the nature of the lending organization, practical business training in customer service is crucial for the position. Because this job market is highly competitive, job seekers should obtain additional business training by completing a certification program in credit. Loan processors hoping to become loan officers may also choose to do so by working toward a bachelor's degree in business or finance.

5. Hospitality Supervisor or Management Trainee

Specialists in customer service and leadership, hospitality supervisors help hotel guests feel as comfortable as they would in their own homes. Top positions in hospitality management may require business training in the form of a bachelor's or master's degree, but many hotel managers have worked their way up from entry-level positions such as front desk clerks. A certification program or associate's degree in hospitality management provides business training for entry-level positions with such courses as front desk procedures, housekeeping management, quantity food purchasing and convention planning.