When looking at any successful business organization, one will find people with various skills, education and experience. Each person contributes something different to make the business a success. Companies face greater challenges today with the ups and downs of the economic market as well as the challenges of competing in the global economy. Life-long learning by each individual will contribute to keeping a company's competitive edge intact.

Entry Level to the Business Community
When considering a career in business and management, consider your own strengths, skills and experience as well as what your interests might be. Here are a few of the many business and management areas you can explore:

Accounting Business Administration Business Leadership Business Management E-Commerce & E-Business Entrepreneurship Finance Health Care Management Marketing

Human Resources Industrial Management Knowledge Management Non-Profit Management Organizational Development Project Management Public Administration Supply Chain Management Technology Management

For the student seeking an entry level position, companies may hire graduates of a certificate, associate degree or baccalaureate degree program. Entry level courses for the business major give a broad preparation for a career in business and may include study in accounting, economics, finance, business communication, human relations, business law, management and organizational principles, and an introduction to computers in business.

Career Advancement
Beef Up Your Business Skills
If you're already employed in business or management, career advancement or career change may be important to you. There are many avenues you can take to reach your goal. You can consider completing additional business courses, a certificate or an advanced degree such as an additional baccalaureate in a complimentary field or an MBA.

Being successful in the business world means having a broad range of up-to-date business skills. Project management, marketing and sales training are traditional areas of skill development, but how are your "soft" skills? Business writing, conflict management, negotiation and stress management are some of the many important soft skills a business person needs to succeed in today's marketplace.

As fun as it may be, taking a couple of days off for a corporate seminar is not always feasible, and virtually impossible for the small-business owner. Taking business courses online saves time and money and gives you the opportunity to learn at your own pace. Browse the wide range of courses available and develop that competitive edge you need for continued success. Click here for online business courses.

MBA Programs
General Management Admission Test (GMAT)
If you wish to pursue an MBA, one of the first steps is taking the General Management Admission Test (GMAT). Also known as the GMAT CAT (Computer Adaptive Test), the GMAT is required by nearly every business school as part of the admission process. This computerized test is composed of both multiple choice question and essay formats. The test is designed to measure skills you have acquired, how well you write and your ability to think logically.

Your score will be used by admissions officers as a standardized measurement when comparing you with other candidates. Many schools will list the average GMAT scores of their current students so this will give you an idea of how you might fit in. Doing your best on this test is important to your overall application.

Preparing for the test is critical. There are many self-help and self-study books available. The literature suggests studying for about two months on a part time basis. There are also test-prep companies available to help you. Some companies have classes you must attend; others have online study available. Click here for GMAT resources.

• Visit the online MBA section.