The skills that you learn as part of business degree coursework are applicable to a wide variety of real-world fields: marketing, advertising, finance, administration and more.

Business is one of the most versatile college majors out there. The skills that you learn as part of business degree coursework are applicable to a wide variety of real-world fields: marketing, advertising, finance, administration and more. But no matter what specific career path you choose, there are a certain set of skills that companies look for when hiring new employees. At King University, we want our graduates to have the fundamental knowledge needed to succeed. Our business program will help you master this business skills list.

9 Critical Skills

According to a recent Forbes article, the following skills are what employers look for most in new hires. Of course, you should demonstrate how you have used them in the past or can apply them to the current position. Highlight these skills on your resume and discuss them in interviews to show how you can be an asset.

• Critical thinking: This is your ability to logically identify alternate solutions to a problem, as well as evaluating alternative approaches when necessary. Critical thinking skills are closely tied to reasoning and your ability to identify both the strengths and weaknesses to a specific way of doing things.
• Problem solving: Your problem solving skills are important in the workplace when you have to develop solutions when issues arise. You’ll need to be able to review all the information related to a particular problem and identify possible solutions.
• Decision-making and judgment: These skills have a lot to do with cost-benefit analysis and being able to choose the best possible action to take for a particular situation. You’ll need to have sound judgment when faced with several options and choosing the best plan moving forward.
• Active listening: Your active listening skills are also important in the workplace. You’ll often need to pay full attention to what others are saying and understand the points they are trying to make. Active listening also involves asking relevant questions to further the understanding of everyone involved in a conversation.
• Computer skills: It’s not just IT professionals that need computer skills. While you might not be programming, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of computer equipment, programs such as Microsoft Office and other web-based applications.
• Mathematics: It’s probably no surprise to you that math skills are useful in the workplace, especially for positions that work with data analysis, budgets or finances. Forbes lists a working knowledge of “arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics and their application” as in-demand.
• Operations analysis: This skill involves figuring out how a system should work to function best. It’s an understanding of how changes to conditions and operations cause different outcomes, both positive and negative.
• Leadership and administration: Though this skill is pretty self-explanatory, leadership skills are important in terms of monitoring and assessing your own performance and the performance of others. It allows you to make improvements when necessary, as well as make corrective action when required.
• Sales and marketing: Even if you aren’t necessarily a marketing professional, a basic understanding of sales is valuable for many positions in the business world. You’ll need to know how to promote and sell products and services, as well as basic marketing strategy.

5 Important Interpersonal Skills

There are also some character traits that can make you a valuable asset to employers. These are some of the essential characteristics new graduates can leverage for career success:

• Public speaking: You should be prepared to present yourself well (and represent the company in a positive way), whether on the phone or in person.
• Teamwork: Virtually every job in the business world involves working with a team to accomplish a common goal. Because of this, you should demonstrate how you can be a team player in the workplace.
• Confrontation: You will sometimes be dealing with confrontations and tension at work, and the ability to handle these situations effectively is key. Be able to listen, share your views and work toward coming to solution constructively.
• Staying informed: Professional development is a big part of most business careers, and this means staying informed of any relevant trends and events that could affect your industry.
• Time management: Though you want to make a good impression, it’s important to manage your time. Before taking on a commitment or project, make sure that you have the time you need to accomplish it completely and effectively.

No matter what your professional goals are, a business degree from King University gives you the knowledge and experience you need to accomplish them. We offer online programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s level that prepare you for the complex challenges of the business world. Make sure you have the skills you need to succeed. Learn how King University can make a difference in your business career.