Courses & Careers in Business
Business offers a variety of career opportunities. Learn about the different business pathways and how ADVANCE can prepare you for the path you want to pursue.
Business Operations & Administration
Administrative and operations professionals support daily business functions and keep teams organized and efficient.
Who is this pathway for?
Individuals entering the workforce, career changers, and professionals seeking versatile, transferable business skills.
Business Foundations / Entrepreneurship & Small Business | Skill Level: Foundational
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for entry-level administrative and operations roles that support day-to-day business functions, with opportunities to grow into operations, analytics, or entrepreneurship-focused roles.
Potential Salary Range: $45,000–$65,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Business Operations, Analytics, or Entrepreneurship specializations.
*Salary figures are estimates based on industry data; see the full list of sources at the bottom of the page.
Business Operations & Process Improvement
These roles focus on improving workflows, solving problems, and supporting operational efficiency.
Who is this pathway for?
Learners interested in operations, systems thinking, and continuous improvement.
Business Process Improvement / Problem Solving | Skill Level: Foundational–Intermediate
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for operations and continuous improvement roles focused on streamlining processes and increasing organizational efficiency, with strong potential for career advancement.
Potential Salary Range: $55,000–$65,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Process Improvement, Lean, or Analytics specializations.
Process Mapping & Improvement | Skill Level: Intermediate Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for process and operations roles that analyze workflows, implement improvements, and support consulting or operational leadership tracks.
Potential Salary Range: $65,000–$85,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Lean, Agile, or Consulting specializations.
Agile / Lean Business Practices | Skill Level: Intermediate–Advanced Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for agile and continuous improvement roles that support team-based project delivery and organizational change initiatives.
Potential Salary Range: $70,000–$85,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Project or Operations Leadership specializations.
*Salary figures are estimates based on industry data; see the full list of sources at the bottom of the page.
Business & Financial Analysis
Analysts use data, financial models, and reporting tools to support business decisions.
Who is this pathway for?
Analytical thinkers, Excel users, and professionals seeking advancement into analyst or strategy roles.
Microsoft Office Specialist (Excel 365) | Skill Level: Foundational
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for early-career analyst and reporting roles that build a strong foundation for advancement into business, financial, or data analysis.
Potential Salary Range: $50,000–$70,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress to Advanced Excel or Financial Analysis specializations.
Advanced Excel (Data Analysis & Dashboards) | Skill Level: Intermediate
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for business and data analyst roles focused on reporting, dashboards, and data-driven decision-making.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Business Intelligence or Applied Analytics specializations.
Excel for Financial Analysis | Skill Level: Intermediate
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for entry-level financial and budget analysis roles that support planning, forecasting, and financial decision-making.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Financial Management or Consulting pathways.
Business Intelligence Fundamentals | Skill Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for analyst and strategy-focused roles that translate business data into insights to support operational and strategic decision-making.
Potential Salary Range: $70,000–$90,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Applied Business Analytics or Strategy specializations.
Applied Business Analytics | Skill Level: Advanced
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for advanced analytics roles that evaluate performance, uncover trends, and support high-impact business decisions.
Potential Salary Range: $75,000–$95,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Advanced Analytics or Consulting specializations.
*Salary figures are estimates based on industry data; see the full list of sources at the bottom of the page.
Accounting & Financial Systems
These roles support accounting operations, financial reporting, and enterprise systems.
Who is this pathway for?
Detail-oriented learners interested in accounting, finance, and business systems.
Intuit QuickBooks Certified User | Skill Level: Foundational
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for accounting support roles managing financial records and payroll, with opportunities to advance into higher-level accounting or financial analysis positions.
Potential Salary Range: $50,000–$70,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this foundational credential and progress into Advanced Accounting or Financial Analysis specializations.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (Finance & Operations) | Skill Level: Intermediate
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for entry-level ERP and financial systems roles that support enterprise finance and operations platforms.
Potential Salary Range: $65,000–$85,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: After mastering this course, learners can advance to ERP & Financial Systems pathways.
*Salary figures are estimates based on industry data; see the full list of sources at the bottom of the page.
Project Management
Project management professionals coordinate people, timelines, and resources to deliver business outcomes.
Who is this pathway for?
Organized, detail-oriented learners interested in managing projects and cross-functional initiatives.
Project Management Fundamentals | Skill Level: Foundational–Intermediate
Career Pathways: Project coordination roles supporting timelines and stakeholders, with growth into project or program management.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners may use this course as a stepping stone to Agile, Lean, or Operations Leadership pathways
*Salary figures are estimates based on industry data; see the full list of sources at the bottom of the page.
Entrepreneurship & Consulting
These pathways support individuals interested in launching, managing, or advising businesses.
Who is this pathway for?
Aspiring entrepreneurs, consultants, and professionals seeking flexible or client-facing roles.
Entrepreneurship & Small Business | Skill Level: Foundational–Advanced
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for business ownership and self-directed career paths focused on launching and growing small businesses.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$100,000+ *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Business Ownership or Consulting specializations.
Business Strategy & Client Management | Skill Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for client-facing consulting roles focused on relationship management, strategy execution, and service delivery.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Entrepreneurship or Consulting specializations.
Financial Management for Entrepreneurs | Skill Level: Advanced
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for consulting and fractional leadership roles that support financial strategy and operational planning.
Potential Salary Range: $70,000–$120,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Consulting or Fractional Leadership specializations.
*Salary figures are estimates based on industry data; see the full list of sources at the bottom of the page.
* Salary ranges are U.S. averages for early- to mid-career professionals, based on data from the BLS, Lightcast™, Glassdoor, and Indeed. Actual pay varies by location, experience, and employer.