Different Types of Entrepreneurship Associates
If you’re thinking of studying entrepreneurship, it may help you to gain an understanding of the different associate degrees available. Each degree type offers its own specific focus and set of skills that can help aspiring entrepreneurs pursue a successful path into business ownership.
Associate of Arts in Entrepreneurship (AA)
An Associate of Arts in Entrepreneurship offers students a comprehensive knowledge of business concepts and principles and rounds out your education with humanities courses. These degree programs cover essential subjects like marketing, finance, and management in just two years – providing essential foundational knowledge necessary for starting and operating your own enterprise. An AA can also be an excellent steppingstone to further education if you decide to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree later in your career.
Associate of Science in Entrepreneurship (AS)
An Associate of Science in Entrepreneurship program takes a more technical and scientific approach to entrepreneurship education, providing students with data analysis, market research, and other quantitative skills needed to make informed business decisions and implement innovative strategies. These degrees will also give you a detailed look into business concepts and principles but may offer fewer humanities courses or less focus on soft skills than an AA.
Associate of Applied Science in Entrepreneurship (AAS)
An Associate of Applied Science in Entrepreneurship is an experiential program, emphasizing practical skills and real-world applications. These degrees equip students for immediate entry into the workforce by giving them all the tools required to start their own businesses or take on entrepreneurial roles in various capacities. However, it may be more difficult to move into higher education with this degree than with an AA or AS.
Associate of Applied Business in Entrepreneurship (AAB)
An Associate of Applied Business in Entrepreneurship offers students an interdisciplinary education in business and entrepreneurship. Participants gain knowledge of core business concepts while simultaneously building up entrepreneurial competencies necessary to identify promising ventures and pursue them successfully.
Core Concepts
- Business planning: Understanding how to create a solid business plan that outlines goals, strategies, and financial projections
- Marketing strategy: Learning how to identify target markets, develop effective marketing campaigns, and build a strong brand presence
- Financial management: Gaining knowledge of financial principles, budgeting, and cash flow analysis to ensure the financial health of a business
- Innovation: Embracing creativity and critical thinking to identify and implement innovative ideas that drive business growth
By selecting an associate degree that provides them with essential business concepts, aspiring entrepreneurs can lay a firm foundation for a prosperous business career.
What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Entrepreneurship?
An associate degree in entrepreneurship opens many career prospects in the business industry. Here are a few potential job roles you could pursue with this degree:
1. Administrative Assistants
- Required Education: High school graduates who are comfortable using word processing and spreadsheet programs typically qualify for entry-level positions, but those with more education will be more competitive.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): -10% (Decline)
- Median Annual Salary: $44,080
As an administrative assistant, you will provide essential support to business executives by handling various administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, managing correspondence, and organizing meetings. Your organizational skills and attention to detail will prove instrumental in the smooth running of an office environment.
2. Office Managers
- Required Education: These workers typically need an associate or bachelor’s degree and related work experience.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 5% (Faster than average)
- Median Annual Salary: $101,870
As an office manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of an office environment. Your responsibilities may include managing budgets, supervising staff, coordinating logistics, and maintaining supplies. Your strong leadership skills and ability to multitask will contribute to the efficient functioning of the workplace.
3. Retail Store Managers
- Required Education: Most store managers have an associate or bachelor’s degree and work experience in retail.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 4% (As fast as average)
- Median Annual Salary: $130,600
A store manager’s responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of a store such as sales, customer service, inventory control, staff management, and staff oversight. A customer-first attitude will play an essential role in driving sales while meeting customer satisfaction targets.
4. Marketing Manager
- Required Education: They need an associate or bachelor’s degree and work experience in a related occupation.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 6% (Faster than average)
- Median Annual Salary: $138,730
As a marketing manager, you will play an essential role in helping to develop and execute marketing campaigns and strategies. Working alongside different teams, you will collaborate to produce compelling content for social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter while simultaneously conducting market research analyses to inform promotional events or coordinate promotional programs – your creativity and analytical skills will ensure the success of marketing initiatives.
5. Property Administrators
- Required Education: Typically, you need a high school diploma combined with several years of related work experience for entry-level positions, but further education will make you more competitive.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 5% (Faster than average)
- Median Annual Salary: $60,670
Property administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining properties, including rental units and commercial buildings. Your duties may include lease agreements, property inspections, tenant relations, and coordinating property maintenance. Your organizational skills and attention to detail will ensure the smooth operation and upkeep of properties.
6. Payroll Specialist
- Required Education: You’ll need a high school diploma or associate degree to get into the field.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): -4% (Decline)
- Median Annual Salary: $45,570
As a payroll specialist, you will handle payroll processing and ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time. Your responsibilities may include calculating wages, processing payroll deductions, addressing payroll discrepancies, and maintaining payroll records. Your strong numerical skills and attention to detail will play a critical role in managing employee compensation.
These are just a few examples of the diverse career opportunities available to individuals with an associate degree in entrepreneurship. Whether you choose to work in administrative roles, management positions, or pursue a career in marketing or property management, your entrepreneurial mindset and business knowledge will set you apart in the competitive business industry.
FAQs
What is an associate degree in entrepreneurship?
An associate degree in entrepreneurship is a two-year program designed to equip students with an in-depth knowledge of business principles and entrepreneurship, preparing them for entry-level positions at small businesses or startups.
Why should I earn an associate degree in entrepreneurship?
Earning an associate degree in entrepreneurship provides practical knowledge and skills that can immediately be implemented into business environments, is more affordable than its bachelor equivalent, and opens networking doors.