Bonum Feed (English)

How a Business Administration Degree Opens Doors — Real People Journeys Revealed

A business administration degree opens up many career opportunities. Students can specialize in different areas like accounting, finance, marketing, information systems, business analytics, and project and product management. Each concentration teaches specific skills needed for today's business world. This degree gives you the knowledge and confidence to succeed in various industries and pursue a rewarding career path that matches your interests and goals.

Work Environments for IT Managers

As an Information Technology (IT) Manager, you will find opportunities across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. Most IT managers work in office environments, with mid-level managers often located near server rooms and senior managers in executive offices. Your workplace could range from a busy hospital to a sleek corporate headquarters.

If you work as an analyst or consultant, travel may be part of your role. Project-based positions often involve visiting different client sites, while large organizations may have teams across various locations, including international ones. This can provide exciting exposure to diverse cultures and working styles.

Real-Life Examples of Career Paths

Here are four amazing stories of people with business degrees who are inspiration for their career paths.

Unathi Mtya's Journey to Technology Leadership

Growing up in a small town in South Africa, Unathi Mtya dreamed of a career in business and technology. Her parents, both teachers, encouraged her to work hard and pursue her ambitions.

After high school, Unathi studied business administration at a local university. She excelled academically and gained experience through internships at financial institutions. Upon graduation, she joined First National Bank as a junior operations analyst and quickly rose through the ranks.

Unathi's dedication and innovative thinking led her to become the Chief Information Officer for the South African Parliament. However, she felt the need to further develop her skills. Unathi applied to a prestigious graduate program in technology management, submitting her application just before the deadline.

When Unathi received her acceptance letter, she was overjoyed. At the university, she thrived in a diverse and innovative environment and formed lasting relationships with peers who shared her passion for making a difference. After graduating with honors, Unathi returned to South Africa and accepted a position as Chief Technology Officer at Grindrod Bank.

In 2021, Unathi joined African Bank as Group Chief Information and Digital Officer. Here, she focused on leveraging technology to provide equitable access to financial services across Africa. Unathi became known for her advocacy of inclusive technology, often speaking at conferences about how data analytics and machine learning could improve financial literacy.

Unathi's work earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the most influential African women in banking. Her journey is a testament to the power of education, resilience and purpose.

Precious Adeyemi: From Public Administration to Product Management

Raised in Nigeria, Precious Adeyemi earned a degree in Public Administration and discovered her passion for technology while serving as a campus ambassador in 2020. Initially aspiring to be a front-end engineer, she shifted her focus to product management, aligning her networking and project management skills developed through AIESEC.

In January 2022, Precious set a goal to secure a product management internship by June. During the ASUU strike, she used Twitter to announce her availability, which caught the attention of a startup CEO who offered her an internship. Her previous experience as a campus ambassador for Flutterwave also facilitated her entry into a product management role there, thanks to a recommendation from a contact.

At Flutterwave, Precious thrived in a collaborative environment, participating in daily communications and meetings that emphasized the importance of clearly presenting ideas to stakeholders. She cites networking and resilience as key components of her success and inspires young women in Africa to pursue fulfilling careers in technology through determination and adaptability.

Esther Ninsiima Nyinamwiru: A Shining Example of Success in Business and Tech

Inspired by local entrepreneurs, Esther Ninsiima Nyinamwiru of Uganda pursued a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, she faced the challenges of a competitive job market and found her place as a quantity surveyor in the construction industry.

With skills in cost management and project supervision, she succeeded in a male-dominated field. However, her interest in Uganda's growing technology sector led her to move into a product management role. In this position, she thrived by managing diverse teams of software developers and leading innovative projects.

Her negotiation skills, focus on quality, and ability to control costs earned her the respect of her colleagues. As her career progressed, she became a Tech Talent Manager, where she focused on recruiting and developing talent within her organization. Her commitment to promoting diversity in technology earned her recognition and made her a sought-after speaker at industry events.

Esther’s journey demonstrates a high level of resilience. In moving from construction to technology, she has embraced challenges and sought opportunities for growth. Her story inspires many young women in Uganda and beyond, showing that determination and education can break barriers and lead to success in any field.

Today, Esther leads projects that drive business success while contributing to the development of her community, proving that a business degree can open many doors of opportunity.

The Entrepreneurial Path of Simone Morris

Simone Morris is an inspiring African woman whose journey began with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, she entered the corporate world of information technology, where she faced challenges as a woman of color in a male-dominated field. While she appreciated the opportunity, she often felt the need to fit in rather than stand out.

In 2009, joining a diversity and inclusion group opened her eyes to the systemic challenges minorities face in the workplace. This experience ignited her passion for change and led her to shift her focus from technology to human resources.

While working full-time, Simone became a certified career coach. In 2013, she took a bold step and started her own company, Simone Morris Enterprises, which specializes in diversity, equity and inclusion consulting. Her work helps organizations create inclusive environments by identifying cultural issues and implementing effective solutions.