A business professor teaches college courses in the field of business administration on a variety of topics. Some professors focus on a single subject, such as economics or accounting, while others teach a variety of subjects. A business professor is typically involved in departmental decisions such as the creation of new programs or policies, the establishment of budgets, and the distribution of funds within the program. Before new professors can work independently, most colleges and universities require them to obtain doctoral degrees in their fields.
A business professor’s primary responsibility is to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the business world. This is accomplished primarily through the preparation of detailed lectures and the administration of fair and meaningful tests. A teacher usually stands in front of the class and speaks to the students, as well as prepare slideshows, draw diagrams, and encourage discussion. Furthermore, most professors make themselves available to students before or after class or during office hours to assist them.
Within a college’s business department, professors are frequently involved in administrative work and decision-making. A business professor could be a member of a departmental committee or advisory board that examines statistics on programs, budgets, and enrollment. He or she may be able to offer expert advice on how to improve the department’s situation or bring in more funds. Some professors also conduct their own independent research on local, regional, and national business trends and policies, and they publish detailed reports on their findings.
To become a business professor, you typically need a doctoral degree from a reputable university, though some community colleges and smaller universities will hire professors with master’s degrees. Furthermore, many schools prefer to hire professors who have worked in corporations, small businesses, or government positions. Previous work experience can be extremely beneficial in better preparing students for professional employment. An individual must typically complete about eight years of college work in order to earn a Doctor of Business Administration or a Ph.D. in business philosophy. Many doctoral students choose to work as teaching assistants in order to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of course design and delivery.
A new instructor’s career usually begins as an assistant or associate professor. Governing boards and other faculty members evaluate his or her work on a regular basis to ensure that expectations are met. An instructor can become a business professor after gaining experience and success in an associate position. A professor may be granted tenure if he or she performs exceptionally well for about seven years at a university, an agreement that gives him or her a great deal of flexibility in the types of instruction and research that can be done.