Tech-Savvy Business Managers In Growing Demand In Los Angeles
As the corporate community continues to make great strides in its effort to create a more environmentally responsible work environment, the job functions of business office managers are also evolving. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a predominate uptick between 2014 and 2022 in the number of new job openings for facility managers.
In Los Angeles, some of these highly educated supervisors are already earning six-figure salaries, while the demand for business administrators with technical smarts increases.
"Business administration professionals will need to keep abreast of emerging technologies and trends to understand how technology may or may not enhance productivity," said Ing Phansavath, program director of business, management and legal programs at UCLA Extension. "They can supplement their existing knowledge in a variety of ways, including attending presentations, workshops or taking classes."
Phansavath said educators are doing what is necessary to help business administration students become more employable.
"Our goal is to ensure students have a strong base of knowledge of the field in order to understand how they can utilize technology to enhance their work," said Phansavath, a UCLA alumna who received her Master's degree in International Development and Social Change from Clark University.
What makes your business administration curriculum effective?
"At UCLA Extension, our programs and courses are guided and taught by industry professionals to help students build and refine skills needed in the current economy."
In addition to technical know-how, what other abilities must a business administrator possess?
"Some of these skills include public speaking, interpersonal communications, written communications and presentation skills. That's why we offer courses in business communications and are planning to launch a new certificate program in the fall quarter of 2014."
What is your message to those interested in pursuing a career in business administration?
"Business administration is a popular career path, but it is competitive, so seek advice of those who are currently in the field. Take the time to look at the available job opportunities, and start building your networks while you are in school. If there is an opportunity to do an internship, pursue it and find mentors who can guide you."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
