“Never take your eyes off the cash flow because it’s the lifeblood of business.” — Sir Richard Branson, famed entrepreneur
Many elements go into making a successful enterprise, but money is without question what keeps a business alive. As such, managing the flow of money—what’s coming in, going out, and moving within—is a critical role in any business organization. Choosing investments; guiding company leadership in making financial decisions; creating, interpreting, and explaining financial reports; ensuring regulatory and legal compliance; and setting financial goals for an organization fall to one very important individual: the financial manager.
If you’re considering pursuing a financial management career—the ongoing objective for which is nicely encapsulated in Sir Richard Branson’s above advice—you’ll want to know what the profession has to offer and how you can get started. Let’s review those now.
“Financial manager” does not refer to a single job. It’s a broad category that encompasses banking, insurance, manufacturing, government, and other fields. A financial manager in any of these sectors may choose from a variety of jobs and perform diverse duties under titles including:
Financial managers have a direct influence on a business’s bottom line, its future viability, and its overall success, making theirs one of the most critical and revered roles within their organizations. Financial managers may also be highly compensated and have many job opportunities to choose from, as we will soon explain.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has published some very enticing earnings data for anyone looking to become a financial manager or advance within their existing career. The median annual pay for financial managers is $131,710 per year. The BLS also projects employment in the profession will grow by 17%—much faster than the average rate for all professions—between 2021 and 2031. That adds up to roughly 71,300 new financial manager job openings each year in the U.S. alone.
As reported by the BLS, financial managers must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of work experience in business or finance. In some cases, however, having a graduate degree can also be advantageous. The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) offers the esteemed professional designation of Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) to some financial professionals who hold a graduate degree and meet specified experience requirements. CTP and other respected certifications and credentials can help elevate a candidate’s resume. Many Chief Financial Officer (CFO) positions require a candidate to be a Certified Public Accountancy (CPA). Generally, a degree in accounting or finance or an MBA is the minimum expectation to pursue the career of financial manager. BLS data also reveals that master’s degree holders in general earn 18% higher median pay and are more likely to be employed than those who hold a bachelor’s degree alone.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs that can help you qualify for or perform better in a financial manager career. Our AACSB-accredited programs include:
Our online degree programs are built on the same robust curriculum taught by the same distinguished faculty who lead the programs in person at our Odessa, Texas campus. Our programs’ asynchronous format enables you to access the virtual classroom 24 hours a day from just about anywhere on earth and work at your own pace! You’ll find these advantages invaluable when simultaneously managing your professional and personal responsibilities and earning your degree.
We welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have about our finance-related programs, financial aid, or any other aspect of earning a career-transforming degree online with UT Permian Basin! Reach out today!
As April 15th looms, many of us start to scramble. You know the day: Tax Day—the deadline to prove to the IRS that you paid the right amount of income tax, claim a refund if you overpaid, or begrudgingly send what you still owe.
Before America went digital, it was common for American taxpayers to rush to a post office just before the 11:59 p.m. deadline on April 15th to get their tax returns postmarked and on their way to the IRS. Now, digital returns are more popular than ever. While this process is arguably more convenient, getting income tax forms filled out and filed correctly remains a stressor for many American taxpayers.
Why do Americans go through this ordeal every year, and how did it begin in the first place? Let’s take a brief look at the history of income tax in the U.S. now.
Our country’s approach to income tax and the tax code has changed many times over the years. This timeline highlights some of the major milestones:
The U.S. income tax system was born out of necessity. In 1861, during the Civil War, Congress passed the Revenue Act to generate funds for the Union war effort, marking the first time Americans were taxed directly on their income. Though this early tax was temporary, it laid the groundwork for future legislation.
Tax filing has shifted from a manual, paper-based process to a fast, mostly digital experience. In the early days of income tax, taxpayers filled out paper forms like the now-famous Form 1040 by hand and mailed them to the IRS. Over time, filing requirements and deadlines evolved, with Tax Day eventually landing on April 15.
The rise of digital technology marked a major turning point. Today, , making the process faster and more accessible. E-filing software, digital W-2s, and online tax tools have simplified what was once a paper-heavy and time-consuming task.
Today, most working Americans are required to file a federal income tax return if they earn above a certain threshold, which varies depending on factors like:
Currently single filers under age 65 must file if they earn more than $13,850. Self-employed individuals need to file if they earn over $400. Taxable income can include:
Because tax law is complex and ever-changing, many individuals and businesses turn to accountants to ensure compliance, maximize deductions, and reduce the risk of costly errors, making the role of accounting professionals more important than ever.
Is it your passion to tackle taxes and other financial concerns as a career? Countless busy, frustrated, and confused American taxpayers are anxious to let a professional handle their annual income tax filing and other financial matters on their behalf. The University of Texas Permian Basin offers AACSB-accredited accounting degree programs to match your professional ambitions and education level—all available through an online classroom you can access from anywhere in the world at any time of day. Our programs include:
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Generally, you must earn at least a bachelor’s degree before working as an accountant. UT Permian Basin’s BBA in accounting program is designed to help you build the qualifications for accounting and related professional positions. This degree will equip you to take on accounting roles in governmental, private, public, and non-profit sectors.
If you’ve already completed a bachelor’s degree and want to explore accounting at a more advanced level, you have two program choices:
Online Master of Business Administration With Accounting Track
Develop broader business acumen as you expand your expertise in traditional and modern accounting principles, strategic thinking, and decision-making with our online MBA in accounting.
Online Master of Professional Accountancy
In addition to honing your mastery of historical and current accounting practices and decision-making and strategic thinking skills in a business context, the curriculum of our Master of Professional Accountancy prepares you to sit for the Texas CPA exam.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some employers prefer to hire job candidates who have completed an accounting master’s degree!
UTPB’s online accounting degree programs offer a level of convenience that campus-based programs can’t:
Ready to get started? Apply today!
Sources:
https://guides.loc.gov/this-month-in-business-history/april/tax-day
https://www.irs.gov/irs-history-timeline
https://money.cnn.com/2017/12/15/news/economy/gop-tax-plan-details/index.html
You’ve always been an analytical thinker. A problem solver. Maybe a math whiz, too. There’s a career that matches your strengths. Certified Public Accountants—or CPAs—excel in these qualities. Let’s explore why a CPA is no ordinary accountant and what it takes to become one. Want to Be a CPA? Here’s What You Need to Know …
It’s tax season. Your spreadsheets are a mess, your coffee’s cold, and it’s month-end close—again. Enter blockchain technology: a secure system that delivers real-time updates, lets you safely share data … and makes your job much easier in the process. Not exactly sure what blockchain is? Don’t worry! You’re in the right place. Let’s break…
So, you want to work in accounting? With steady job growth fueled by globalization and expanding economies, accounting remains a stable and highly sought-after career path. While demand for this occupation remains high, it also requires a very specific skill set. But how do you know if an accounting degree is worth your precious time…
“Business” is a broad term encompassing marketing, management, accounting, finance, and other functional areas. Each of these areas play a key role in the operation and success of any business, but for this article we’re going to focus on marketing. First, with a definition from a leading marketing organization, and then some clarification of our own.
The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines marketing as:
“ … the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for
customers, clients, partners, and society at large.”
In other words, marketing drives business. It’s what lets the world know a product or service exists. It allows an organization to highlight the benefits of their products, services, or mission and differentiate themselves from the competition. An organization may market to consumers (business-to-consumer, or B2C), to other businesses (business-to-business, or B2B), or both. Let’s review some ways that an organization markets what it has to offer to the world.
As media and technology evolve—and consumers become more marketing-savvy—marketers must adapt and introduce new kinds of marketing to connect with their intended audience. Let’s look at a few of the kinds of marketing that organizations use today, starting with some of the more traditional tactics. It should be noted that a business may use any combination of these to achieve their marketing goals, as no single form of marketing necessarily appeals to or reaches all potential consumers.
The incredible growth of both the internet and social media have given “word-of-mouth” (WOM) marketing a tremendous reach that wasn’t previously possible. Examples include:
Marketing is a rewarding and dynamic field, but it’s also a challenging one. If you’re interested in becoming a marketing professional, you’ll need to gain the credentials that will both help you enter the field and advance within it.
Marketing expertise can prepare you for a rewarding career in a near-limitless variety of fields and private and public companies. As just one example, marketing managers enjoy annual salaries in the six figures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earn median annual pay of $133,380. Having an advanced degree can help you compete for high-paying roles such as marketing manager.
If you want to see what an advanced degree can do for your professional potential, consider our online Master of Business Administration with emphasis in marketing. Offered through our AACSB-accredited College of Business, our program helps bachelor’s degree holders build highly marketable leadership and operational skills and knowledge. In as little as four semesters and with 33 credits, you can graduate ready to pursue a variety of coveted marketing positions.
Choose UT Permian Basin for your online MBA with emphasis in marketing and you may be surprised at the accessibility of our program’s cost and convenience. UTPB has some of the most competitive tuition rates of any accredited U.S. university of our stature. Further, our program’s 100% online, asynchronous format enables you to complete your degree on your own schedule from virtually anywhere in the world. Maintain your professional and personal commitments while completing our program.
See what our advanced marketing degree can do for your career prospects. Apply now.
Want to learn more about our other MBA programs? Browse them now.
Sources:
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/inbound-vs-outbound-marketing-whats-best-2017/176422/
https://hireinfluence.com/blog/history-influencer-marketing/
What makes a good manager? Whether you lead one or a hundred employees, the expertise and tone you bring to the workplace determines the success and happiness of your team.
In recent times, leadership roles have changed: The COVID pandemic and the rise of remote work have created unique situations requiring managers to possess more vital soft skills and better staff support than ever before. Mastering these skills can help you develop the successful leadership abilities essential in today’s business world.
Here are eight characteristics that can make a manager more effective in creating a positive and productive workspace.
Managers with high emotional intelligence possess an increased sense of awareness which helps them read the room and identify non-verbal cues. They come across as more personable and can recognize—and address—signs such as burnout and dissatisfaction in their employees.
According to a study conducted by the State of Workplace Empathy, 96% of employees believe that a manager showing empathy is essential, yet 92% believe that this does not get practiced enough. Employees appreciate leaders that acknowledge and celebrate their successes and personal well-being and respect themselves and their team. Supporting your employees and checking in frequently, rather than only when problems arise, can help your team stay on track.
In a study by the Economy Intelligence Unit, poor communication in the workplace was cited as having numerous impacts:
This highlights how critical strong communication is to organizational success. Effective managers don’t just give directions; they create open channels for discussion, offer clarity on expectations, and actively listen. This means setting regular check-ins, responding thoughtfully to questions, and being transparent about both goals and challenges.
The need for excellent communication skills is more urgent than ever. With the rise of remote work since the COVID pandemic, traditional workplace dynamics have changed. According to a 2020 Qualtrics study, 44.4% of surveyed remote workers reported declining mental health. Long hours, isolation, and unclear expectations only make things harder. That said, managers who foster clarity and openness—especially across digital platforms—can boost morale, improve productivity, and build trust within their teams.
Technically proficient leaders who can jump in and advise during all stages of a project are a valuable addition to any team. Keeping up to date on new software related to business, employee engagement, project management, or communication is essential to keeping a team connected. Technologically proficient team leaders can also train or retrain their employees with more confidence.
Although many managers use the GROW model to train new employees, successful coaching skills are not easy to implement. A great coach also knows how to:
Task and time management can make or break the cohesiveness of your company. Leaders should be careful not to micromanage but instead delegate tasks and set clear goals and expectations. Good organization can also:
Taking a company’s vision and translating it into decisive actions and a clear strategy is no small task and crucial for success. Determination, reliability, optimism, and persistence are all qualities of a visionary: a risk-taker who creates tactical plans to get work done.
Creativity breeds innovation. Managers who provide resources and guidance for innovative ideas can help employees feel comfortable enough to think outside the box. Allowing employees to provide ideas and even make some decisions allows those team members to grow. Fun activities or team breaks can also encourage creative thinking and improve company culture.
“Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them.” –Paul Hawken, entrepreneur
Being confident and leading by example can help calm employee concerns and create a sense of ambition and purpose. But confidence doesn’t just mean holding your head high. It also involves:
Learn the critical skills needed for effective leadership in any field or corporation, whether as a CEO or team leader. Our online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management can help you build and develop your skills as a manager, make crucial decisions, and strategize effectively in business and personal situations.
Our College of Business is AACB-accredited, and our courses are entirely online and offer the flexibility needed to fit your busy schedule. Students who complete their undergraduate degree in management may also want to further their leadership skills with our Master of Business Administration and complete an additional master’s degree in less than a year.
Ready to become part of the Falcon Family? Apply to UT Permian Basin today.
Sources:
https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-manager
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-you-manager-can-great-coach-your-employees-
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-ways-technology-improves-proficiency-workplace-abhi-golhar
https://www.lifehack.org/844532/time-management-skills-for-managers
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/traits-of-visionary-leadership
https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/qualities-of-a-good-manager
https://www.liveabout.com/how-managers-can-become-awesome-coaches-2275926
What makes a good manager? Whether you lead one or a hundred employees, the expertise and tone you bring to the workplace determines the success and happiness of your team. In recent times, leadership roles have changed: The COVID pandemic and the rise of remote work have created unique situations requiring managers to possess more…
Women hold only 8.2% of CEO positions at large corporations, despite making up half of the population. But don’t let that get you down. Women are making strides in the business world. We have a long way to go until female entrepreneurs are on equal footing with their male counterparts, but there are an increasing…
Meetings. Emails. Last-minute requests. Some days, it feels impossible to knock anything off the to-do list. If this sounds like you, you might be in need of some time management tips and tricks. Time management is a skill like any other, and it can be honed with practice and patience. We’re here to show you…
In the modern business enterprise, accountants are expected to understand data analytics, forensic accounting, and risk management, among other highly sought-after skills. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies—like the software used to track financial transactions—can make accountants’ lives easier, but with each passing year, these technologies are taking over an increasing number of accounting tasks from trained individuals.
Accountants are understandably interested in the impact of AI on their profession. We’re here to make the argument that accountants should not only accept but embrace these smart technologies. Are AI and accounting the new chocolate and peanut butter? Let’s find out.
Most people’s understanding of AI comes from science fiction: stories in which, let’s say, a rogue AI declares war on the human race. AI, at least in the world of business, simply refers to technologies that can perform tasks that previously required the personal touch of a human.
AI has assumed many of the repetitive and rudimentary tasks accountants once performed, freeing them to focus on more complex responsibilities like analyzing financial records and meeting face-to-face with managers and stakeholders. Here are several ways that AI has changed accounting. Just don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon: AI is still in its infancy.
Data entry
Accounting software can extract and classify data from images with greater efficiency than any human can achieve. (Can you believe there was a time when every single piece of data had to be keyed in manually?) This is where AI impacts accounting most significantly, permitting trained professionals to save time on mind-numbing tasks. The emergence of big data and cloud computing will, however, increase the need for accountants with expertise in data analysis.
Auditing
As hawkeyed as the average accountant may be, there’s no competing with the speed and accuracy of an AI tool. AI can spot anomalies caused by fraudulent spending or human error, and thanks to big data, this technology can be scaled to audit a business’s every financial statement. As these data sets grow, so too will the challenges accountants face in ensuring their companies remain compliant with laws and regulations.
Forecasting
Machine learning, a type of AI that uses algorithms to adapt and improve over time, enables accountants to analyze and glean insights from historical data. This takes the form of predictive and prescriptive analytics, which identify future outcomes and provide recommendations for achieving business objectives, respectively. Accountants will always be needed to help businesses plan for the future. AI is just making their job a little easier.
We’ve left you hanging long enough. AI will not replace accountants, especially certified public accountants (CPAs), anytime soon. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that emerging technologies, including AI, aren’t expected to reduce demand for accountants and auditors, which is expected to grow by 6% over the course of the next decade.
What makes accountants such valued members of any business are their robust skill sets and extensive knowledge of financial planning, risk management, and tax reporting. As startups grow into multinational corporations, accountants can make sense of increasingly complex tax codes and financial records. And we’ve yet to see an AI tool that can build a rapport with clients or explain the results of financial analysis.
Deloitte’s 2022 Global Intelligent Automation survey asked executives to imagine an “ideal organization transformed by automation.” The survey revealed that businesses are moving closer to the ideal, with 46% of respondents planning to implement AI within the next three years. Traditionally, businesses have been slow to embrace disruptive technologies like AI, but those who do are more likely to survive in an increasingly automated world.
The role of accountants is evolving as businesses continue to adopt AI technology. No longer needed to collect and sort through data—leave that to AI—accountants are left to create concise, insightful reports and advise clients on how best to achieve their goals. This shift does, however, mean that accountants will have to further develop their technical and leadership skills and possibly become licensed CPAs. Professionals unable or unwilling to upskill could find themselves outcompeted by both peers and robots.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online programs for aspiring professionals as well as those interested in pursuing a terminal accounting degree. They are:
BBA in Accounting
Our online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting provides the foundational knowledge needed to make it in the world of business. Students receive expert guidance on accounting principles, including the fundamentals of cost accounting, assurance services, and accounting information systems. Graduates are better prepared for careers as accountants, auditors, and financial analysts, among many others.
MBA in Accounting
Our online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with accounting emphasis empowers professionals with the business, interpersonal, and technical skills needed to steer organizations as financial experts. Able to be completed in as little as one year, our program offers students the choice to pursue their CPA licensure or take a broad course of study with our non-CPA track.
Master of Professional Accountancy
Our online Master of Professional Accountancy program provides an in-depth understanding of traditional and contemporary accounting practices. Students can graduate in as little as one year prepared to take the Texas CPA exam and earn their certification. Courses are entirely online and taught by the same business professionals who teach on campus.
All three programs are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), and their online format allows you to pursue your degree without impacting your personal or professional life. Continue working while future-proofing your career with the help of UT Permian Basin online.
Ready to get started? Apply to one of our online BBA, MBA, or master’s degree in accounting programs to develop your skills in this ever-changing career field.
Sources:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/accounting.asp#toc-history-of-accounting
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/03/05/harnessing-the-power-of-artificial-intelligence-in-accounting/?sh=185ed1bb1dae
https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/what-ai-does-for-accountants
https://www.becker.com/blog/the-future-of-ai-in-accounting-part-1
What’s Valentine’s Day without a bouquet of roses, heartfelt greeting card, or heart-shaped box of chocolates? At least, that’s what it feels like for anyone shopping for their significant other, if only to outdo the previous year.
No wonder so many people believe that this commercial holiday started as a marketing ploy. In actuality, the origins of Valentine’s Day are steeped in history. (The same can’t be said about Singles Awareness Day, which follows on the 15th.)
Valentine’s Day is named after St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, beekeepers, and epileptics. Little is known of St. Valentine, and there’s dispute as to whether he was one person. Multiple historical figures were named Valentine or Valentinus, the two most likely candidates being martyrs beheaded on February 14 around 270 A.D. for performing miracles.
According to legend, St. Valentine was a bishop of Terni put to death for healing a blind child. Another legend tells how, after being imprisoned for helping Christians escape Roman persecution, he signed a letter to his jailor’s daughter “from your Valentine.” Separating fact from fiction in these romantic backstories is challenging, however, as most originated after the time of St. Valentine.
How exactly did a Christian martyr become the patron saint of lovers? No one knows. Nonetheless, St. Valentine became a religious and romantic figure, and by the Middle Ages he was one of the most popular saints throughout Europe.
We’ll get back to St. Valentine. Now, our look at the origins of Valentine’s Day takes us to Ancient Rome and the pagan holiday Lupercalia. Celebrated on the ides of February, Lupercalia saw Roman men drink to excess, remove their clothes, and sacrifice a goat. (When in Rome!) They then took to the streets, slapping women with strips of goat hide. Roman women—if history is to be believed—lined up to take part, hoping it would lead to a healthy pregnancy.
Pope Gelasius was not a fan of Lupercalia, to say the least. Condemning the superstitious holiday in the late fifth century, Gelasius and the Catholic Church declared February 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day. Certainly, Gelasius picked the date to commemorate the death of St. Valentine, but we can’t help but wonder if he saw an opportunity to replace a pagan holiday.
English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to associate Valentine’s Day with romance. In his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules,” Chaucer pointed out that Valentine’s Day coincided with the start of bird nesting season, lending credence to the idea that the day should be a celebration of love.
The idea caught on, especially after poets and playwrights further romanticized the holiday. “Tomorrow is Saint Valentine’s Day. / All in the morning betime, / and I a maid at your window, / to be your Valentine,” says Ophelia in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
By the 1400s, friends and couples throughout Europe were exchanging handwritten poems: a precursor to today’s greeting cards. The practice came to the New World in the 1700s, about the time commercially printed cards were gaining popularity.
When Esther Howland of Massachusetts came across an imported card in the 1940s, she was inspired to improve on its beautiful but expensive design. Her creation of gilded lace, wafer paper, and cupid ornaments led to the first mass-produced valentines in America. “No other producer of commercial valentines understood so well their potential for the tactile communication of complex feeling,” wrote author Barry Shank.
Over the centuries, Valentine’s Day has transformed from a blend of Roman rituals and Christian martyrdom into one of the most celebrated and commercial holidays worldwide. Here’s a quick look at how it all unfolded, from ancient rites to record-breaking spending:
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated the world over. According to Hallmark, about 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged every year. Americans spent approximately $24 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2022.
Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day has grown into one of the largest commercial holidays, with people everywhere shopping online and in person for the perfect gift for that special someone.
No, Valentine’s Day didn’t start as a marketing ploy. However, that hasn’t stopped marketers from using the holiday to boost sales or tailor their messaging to lovestruck audiences. (We’re guessing this isn’t what Pope Gelasius had in mind.)
Still, marketers must be capable of leveraging holidays like Valentine’s Day if they’re to help businesses, particularly e-commerce sites, rise above the competition.
Curious how a holiday rooted in ancient Rome and Christian martyrdom evolved into one of the biggest spending events of the year? These commonly asked questions unpack the history, myths, and marketing behind Valentine’s Day.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing. Accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), our certificate program provides foundational knowledge of advertising, marketing analytics, social media marketing, and other tools and strategies essential for careers in marketing.
We think you’ll be particularly interested in our online course E-Commerce, which covers such topics as content management, mobile commerce, and online auctions. Upon completion, you’ll be capable of implementing an e-commerce plan of your own.
Our certificate program can be completed in tandem with any of UT Permian Basin’s bachelor’s degree programs. Visit our Programs and Courses page to discover what UT Permian Basin online has to offer.
Ready to get started? Apply now to our online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing. We can’t offer you a Valentine’s Day card, but we think an undergraduate certificate is a worthy substitute.
Sources:
https://theconversation.com/the-real-st-valentine-was-no-patron-of-love-90518?xid=PS_smithsonian
https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/saint-st-valentines-day
https://www.statista.com/statistics/285028/us-valentine-s-day-sales
John Wainwright is a computer scientist and pioneer in the field of computer languages, but that’s not why he’s famous. On April 3, 1995, Wainwright ordered the book “Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies: Computer Models of the Fundamental Mechanisms of Thought” from a fledgling online bookseller. The book arrived with a packing slip that read…
Robots are taking over the world, but not in the way science fiction writers imagined. Welding robots assemble our cars. ATMs and online banking handle our deposits. And where overworked retail cashiers once asked, “Did you find everything okay?” there now stands self-checkout terminals. Automation has long promised to revolutionize blue-collar work, which is repetitive…
Earning a university degree can equip you with skills and credentials that will be a tremendous asset in your professional life. As Abigail Johnson Hess reports on CNBC.com, the long-held notion that a college degree “can be a clear path to stronger job opportunities and higher earnings” still holds true. College graduates take home about $30,000 more each year than those whose highest level of education completed is high school. When choosing a college degree, it’s…
A Master of Science in Finance (MS in finance) opens the door to high-paying roles across industries like banking, corporate finance, investment management, and consulting. Whether you’re seeking career advancement or the tools to become an entrepreneur, this degree can help you reach your goals.
In this article, we’ll cover what you can do with an MS in finance, the jobs it prepares you for, and how The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online program makes earning your degree flexible and affordable.
In finance, there’s a direct line from an organization’s actions to its profitability. Equipped with an advanced finance credential, you can make a significant impact on your organization’s bottom line. An MS in finance empowers you to:
According to the 2022 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, salaries for Master of Finance degree holders are on the rise, with a 15%+ increase in median salaries from $95,000 in 2021 to $110,000 in 2022 alone. Further, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports master’s degree holders are more likely to be employed than individuals with a degree from the undergraduate level or lower.
What do Jeff Bezos, Martha Stewart, and former Nike CEO Phil Knight have in common? Apart from considerable fame and financial success, all of these entrepreneurs have a background in finance. In fact, most Fortune 500 company executives come from a finance background. An MS in finance can be your key to the C-suite.
An MS in finance prepares you to follow many finance-related career paths, from executive leadership to crucial supporting roles. Here are a few examples of those roles and their median annual pay as reported by the BLS:
Unlike some other business degrees, an MS in finance provides students with a specific financial management perspective. The curriculum will help you hone your analytical and executive decision-making skills and build your expertise in statistics, business analytics, investments, corporate finance and strategy, and international finance.
Elective courses in energy finance, investments, and risk management or financial services topics like real estate analysis or financial planning allow you to focus on your preferred industry emphasis.
With the right combination of skills, credentials, and ambition, you can become an entrepreneur. As part of our online program, you’ll choose the elective courses that best suit your interests and professional goals. By following your passion, mastering the fundamentals, and putting in the effort, you just may become a household name!
While employers receive many MBA resumes for finance positions, an MS in finance indicates a more targeted financial education and can make your resume stand out.
An MS in finance program typically requires fewer credits than an MBA in finance program.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers a 100% online MS in finance that provides all these benefits —and so much more. Our program is:
See where you can steer your career with an MS in finance! We accept applications year-round, so there’s no need to wait until the end of the current or any semester. Apply now!
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/master-of-finance-job
Hospital bills that threaten to bankrupt families. Clinics struggling to keep their doors open. No matter which side of the exam table you’re on, healthcare costs are rising fast. Costs for everything from medical supplies to staff wages are on the rise—and it’s quickly adding up for hospitals and clinics around the country. In 2023…
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The energy business is a dynamic and challenging field and, for many, the source of a satisfying career. If you’re already working in the field and want to get more involved in the business aspects of the energy industry and increase your potential for advancement, you need to have a few advantages. First is drive, which you must nurture and maintain within yourself. Second is the specialized knowledge and skills required of every energy business leader. And the third? Credentials. You must possess the academic qualifications that validate your expertise before any employer will consider you for a leadership role. With these noteworthy advantages, you’ll find a more diverse and lucrative set of energy jobs at your fingertips.
While it’s important for just about everyone to have some level of analytical skills, they’re especially important for a professional in a leadership role. Defined as the ability to “observe, research and interpret a subject in order to develop complex ideas and solutions,” analytical skills inform all the decisions you will make as a leader. Put simply, you must understand everything that’s going on and know how to proactively address any concern that may come your way while making your team and your larger organization more efficient and profitable.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an energy-focused graduate program that helps you hone the crucial analytical skills every leader must have. Our online Master of Science in Energy Business program was created alongside energy industry professionals to serve the needs of ambitious, leadership-minded graduate students. There aren’t many other online university-level programs of this type available in the U.S.!
During this 30-credit program, you’ll focus on core business topics through an energy industry lens in courses including Energy Accounting, Global Energy Business, Energy Finance, Energy Investments, Energy Technology & Risk Management, and Energy Law. You’ll also gain a firm grounding in financial principles through a curriculum of finance-focused course and explore statistics and analytics.
UTPB’s MS in energy business program offers significant benefits that you’ll experience while completing your studies and long after you’ve finished them.
Our online MS in energy business is offered by our AACSB-accredited College of Business. This coveted accreditation is shared by only 5% of business programs worldwide and signifies that AACSB has put our business school through a rigorous peer-review process to verify that it meets “the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, curriculum, and learner success.”
The tuition rates for the master’s degree in energy business and all our programs rank among the most affordable of those at any regionally accredited university of our stature.
Unlike some other programs, you can begin your degree any time of year. You never have to wait until the fall semester.
If you take the recommended course path, you can finish your degree in as little as four semesters.
Though you may finish your master’s degree quicker than you expected, your pace of completion is always your choice. Our program is delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous format that empowers you to complete your master’s degree on your own schedule from just about anywhere in the world. No campus visits are required.
Your resume will garner more attention from employers with a master’s degree on it. Master’s degree holders not only enjoy higher employment rates than those with a bachelor’s degree alone, they also enjoy about 18% higher median earnings, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This degree may help you secure a role on the business side of the energy industry. Some of these rewarding careers include:
There’s virtually no limit to what you can do with an MS in energy business. You have the drive—now get the skills and credentials you need to excel as an energy business leader. Apply today!
Every year, new trends and technologies emerge to influence how we develop strategies, deliver content, and connect with audiences, and 2023 looks to be no different. Marketers with their finger on the pulse of culture and society will have a distinct advantage over the competition. As for those who don’t, they probably aren’t going to be around long enough to be concerned with next year’s trends.
Here are five digital marketing trends to watch out for in the coming year. Who knows, you may even find one that would be perfect for your current marketing strategy.
1. Content Is (Still) King
“Content is where I expect much of the real money will be made on the internet,” Bill Gates wrote in a 1996 essay titled “Content is King.” He saw the internet as a level playing field where anyone with a computer could publish content. His words ring true to this day.
Google recently rolled out its “helpful content update,” which will prioritize content created by and for people. Similarly, Facebook’s News Feed is now called “Feed,” and users are more likely to see meaningful and informative content from people they engage with.
Google and Facebook’s algorithm updates make it harder for businesses to reach target audiences—so what can marketers do? Don’t try to game a search engine or algorithm. Instead, create authentic, satisfying content. The emphasis is on engagement, which will be a running theme in 2023.
2. (Short) Videos Are Taking Over
What would you say is the most popular social media app? Not Facebook. Not Instagram. Since its 2016 launch, TikTok has reigned supreme, with its ads reaching over one billion users each month. TikTok offers a way to reach millennials and members of Gen Z, but the trend to focus on is the rise of videos that have made this platform so popular.
85% of marketers say that short-form videos (videos under 60 seconds) are the most effective format on social media. Maybe it’s because of diminishing attention spans or social media burnout, but people are bored with posts that consist of nothing more than a picture and caption. Audiences want to engage with brands; they want to be wined and dined. Brands that post videos, live demonstrations, and interactive content like online quizzes will have an easier time engaging with their audiences and nurturing a loyal following.
3. Influencers (Big and Small) Are Becoming Brand Ambassadors
Influencer marketing isn’t so much a digital marketing trend as it is a proven marketing strategy. Almost three-quarters (72.5%) of marketers use influencer marketing, collaborating with content creators to reach their followers.
Millennials and Gen Z avoid ads like the plague—Gen Z is particularly adept at using ad blockers—and are far more receptive to influencer recommendations. Influencers are like gatekeepers who hold the key to reaching hundreds, thousands, or millions of people who would otherwise never interact with a brand. Influencer marketing isn’t new, but brands are now forming long-term partnerships with influencers who go on to represent their interests as brand ambassadors.
4. Artificial Intelligence Is Taking Over (Boring) Tasks
Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the face of marketing. Google and Facebook’s AI-driven advertising tools can target audiences with increasingly effective advertisements. Getting into inboxes is easier with tools that optimize email send times and automate the creation of subject lines. As if that’s not enough, ageless “virtual dolls” (AI-generated influencers) are working with brands like Tesla to advertise to tens of thousands of their followers in China.
Most marketing departments already use some AI-driven advertising tools, but as AI continues to disrupt the industry, businesses will be pressured to foster an AI-ready culture. While marketers may not need to become data science experts, businesses will be looking for professionals willing to upskill to leverage the power of AI for their marketing strategies.
5. Old (High-Traffic) Content Needs Attention
Virtually every business is relying on digital marketing to grow, as evidenced by the internet’s over 500 million blogs. Publishing blog posts is a tried-and-true way to rank higher on search engine results pages. (Google loves fresh content.) Over time, however, even the most well-written blog content becomes stale, resulting in diminishing returns for marketing teams.
Want to increase traffic and conversion rates? Update your old blog posts. HubSpot has more than doubled the number of monthly leads generated by old posts through what they call “historical optimization.” Be on the lookout for high-traffic, low-converting blog posts and improve content throughout. Not the flashiest trend, we admit, but it can generate tremendous results with minimal investment: Marketing is all about working smarter, not harder.
Keep Up or Risk Being Left Behind
We’ve presented you with an, ahem, stellar article on upcoming digital marketing trends, but it in no way compares to the formal instruction in marketing you’ll receive at The University of Texas Permian Basin.
UT Permian Basin offers an online undergraduate certificate in digital marketing that can be completed in tandem with any of our bachelor’s degree programs, including our online BBA in marketing. Supplement your undergraduate degree with specialized knowledge of digital branding, marketing analytics, and social media marketing, among other foundational topics.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, we also offer an online Master of Business Administration with emphasis in marketing for professionals interested in gaining leadership and marketing skills essential for achieving organizational goals. Led by the same doctoral-level business professors who teach on campus, this program can help you advance your career or transition into a marketing role, such as a marketing analyst, manager, or strategist.
Apply to one of our online marketing programs to keep up with emerging digital marketing trends and secure your future in a fast-paced industry like no other.
Sources:
https://blog.hootsuite.com/facebook-algorithm/
https://blog.hootsuite.com/influencer-marketing/#2_Know_who_youre_trying_to_influence
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/11/generation-z-avoids-advertising-uses-ad-blockers-and-skips-content.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2022/09/11/4-marketing-trends-on-the-horizon-this-year/?sh=106a00142eae
A traditional MBA path often means finishing your bachelor’s degree, entering the workforce, then returning to school years later for your MBA: an expensive and time-consuming journey that can take six or more years in total.
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we offer a smarter, faster option: our online 4+1 MBA program. In just five years, you can earn both your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and your Master of Business Administration (MBA), saving you time, money, and the hassle of a second admissions process.
Here’s a closer look at the key benefits of UTPB’s accelerated 4+1 MBA and how it can jumpstart your business career.
There are so many good things to say about our 4+1 MBA program, we can’t break them down into just six specific benefits. Instead, we’ve expanded them to six benefit categories:
With our 4+1 MBA program, you’ll enjoy a smooth transition from our BBA to MBA program. No additional application—or corresponding application fee—is required.
U.S. News & World Report ranked our MBA program the second most affordable online MBA in the nation for the 2024–2025 school year—an honor we don’t take lightly. In general, UTPB has lower tuition rates than many accredited universities of our standing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a master’s degree earn significantly more than those with lower levels of education.
As of 2024, average median weekly earnings were:
These numbers highlight the earning power that comes with continuing your education—and why earning both your BBA and MBA through UTPB’s accelerated 4+1 program is a smart investment in your future.
So, how do those numbers translate into real salaries?
Here’s the median annual pay for key business roles, showcasing the earning potential that comes from completing your BBA and MBA:
The BBA portion of our 4+1 MBA program gives you a solid foundation in general education and core business principles. From there, the MBA builds on that knowledge with advanced coursework in management, finance, marketing, and accounting.
Together, these degrees prepare you to pursue a wide range of rewarding business roles, including many at the leadership level.
An MBA is a leadership credential. Commit to gaining crucial professional experience alongside our 4+1 MBA program and you may be competing for business leadership positions when you finish your degree. Follow our recommended course plan and you can complete both programs in an accelerated five-year time span.
The asynchronous, 100% online format of our 4+1 MBA program offers tremendous convenience. You can learn on your own schedule, 24/7, from practically any location. No campus visits are required. This advantage lets you continue giving your professional and personal commitments the attention they need while completing your degree. Our rolling admissions policy and six start times per year provide further flexibility.
Offered through our College of Business, our 4+1 MBA program has its own kind of “business credentials.” The University boasts AACSB accreditation, a distinction that only 5% of business programs worldwide hold. This designation is your assurance that the UTPB’s programs have undergone a meticulous peer-review process to ensure they uphold “the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, curriculum, and learner success.”
Program faculty members also have their own impressive credentials. Our team is made up of top researchers with extensive experience working in the business world. The bottom line: Our business credentials equate to a top-quality business education respected by employers.
Still curious about how the 4+1 MBA works? Here are a few quick answers to help you better understand what makes this program such a smart choice.
Ready to give your business career a boost? Apply to join our online 4+1 MBA program!
*Please note students who are enrolled in the BBA in accounting program are not eligible for the 4+1 MBA program.
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