The business economist ames responsibility in the company, makes important decisions and knows economic contexts. It is the all-rounder among the economists. He is flexibly applicable, works independently and brings along the necessary professional competence.
Business economists find interesting fields of application in many companies, especially in middle and upper management. The further education as a business economist is especially suitable for employees of commercial professions who want to take over management positions and need to have a broad knowledge for this purpose. The future prospects for these generalists with practical experience are very good.
State-certified business economist or business economist IHK?
You can become a business economist in 2 different ways. Either take an exam before the IHK or participate in a state examination. The degrees are almost equivalent. The conditions differ however substantially. The only alternative is to study to become a business economist. We do not go into this path in our comparison, however, because it is not a continuing education program.
Path No. 1: Further training to become a "Betriebswirt IHK" (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
For the degree "Geprufter Betriebswirt IHK" (certified business economist) take the examination before the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Prerequisite for this educational path is a previous advanced training as a business administrator or business specialist. Alternatively, a comparable advanced training or a completed vocational training, as well as subsequent attendance at a technical college and a professional practice of at least three years.
Path no. 2: Further education to become a "state-certified business economist"
Many private educational institutions offer courses that conclude with a state examination. These lead to the professional title "State-certified business economist". To be admitted to the examination, candidates must have completed a commercial apprenticeship and have one year of work experience.
Where the difference lies?
The contents of these 2 further education courses are almost the same. For the IHK examination preparation courses, however, considerably more previous knowledge is necessary. This shortens the time required for the course. Whether state-certified or a Chamber of Industry and Commerce degree – both certificates are not comparable with a diploma, bachelor's or even a master's degree.
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What makes further training as a business economist so interesting?
Business administrators have very good chances on the job market in Germany, despite the many graduates with business degrees. In the enterprises they take over responsible tasks in all industries and branches of the economy.
With their good basic training, business administrators are not only suitable for the executive area in companies. You have strategic skills, can make long-term plans and often take part in the conceptual design of entrepreneurial processes. In addition, they receive personnel competence and leadership responsibility from management.
In recent years, increasing specialization has been observed here as well. This opens up further career opportunities for young business administrators. Self-employment is also easier with the appropriate background knowledge. Many business administration graduates run businesses themselves, start out as managing directors or succeed to owner-managed companies.
Career starters earn about 35 as a business economist.000 euros per year. With increasing practical experience and higher responsibility, the remuneration increases, but also depends on the activity sector and the size of the company.
Both state-certified business administrators and business administrators with an IHK certificate can already demonstrate professional experience. This often gives them a decisive advantage over business economists with a university degree.
Is continuing education right for me?
Successful business economists are characterized by a high level of business knowledge, a wide range of skills and social competencies.
Those who choose this profession should have commitment, assertiveness and a high level of motivation.
Enjoyment of working with numbers, solution-oriented action and strategic thinking are an advantage. All these characteristics also facilitate further training in this area. Non-academic advanced training requires commercial vocational training or several years of work in a corresponding department.
The examinations before the IHK are considered difficult. Due to their high practical relevance, however, up to 80 percent of all examinees of a year pass the examination. The examinations for the "Staatlich geprufte Betriebswirt" have a similarly high level. Only those graduates who can organize and motivate themselves well can cope with the extensive preparation, which is difficult in terms of content.
Which courses are recommended?
Business management advanced training courses offer in Germany private educational institutions, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce, the Chambers of Crafts and Administrative Academies. Also correspondence schools count to it. Prospective students should pay close attention to which degree the respective course leads to. We have looked around the market for you and listed the most popular courses and providers.
What study content awaits me?
The contents of the business economist courses are so versatile today that a specialization is started early on. Prospective students should therefore be aware of the industry in which they already have experience, where they would like to work later and where their strengths lie.
Despite possible specializations, the continuing education courses first teach the basics of business administration. In addition to basic theoretical knowledge, graduates also acquire skills in planning processes and learn significant management methods.
Among the most important course contents:
– Business and economics, including business law, monetary law and policy, corporate and tax law – Fundamentals of accounting and controlling – Project management – Business informatics and statistics – Human resources and training, employee management – Business English – Communication and work techniques
Later, specialization in the following key subjects is possible:
– Financial management with types of financing, planning, balance sheet analysis, investment accounting and cash flow statement – Logistics with logistics management, planning and management, controlling – Human resources management with planning and marketing, management models, employee management – Marketing with management concepts, communication policy, customer relationship – Tourism and tourism with hotel and catering management – Business informatics including information management, data security and data protection, project organization, data warehourse
How is the further training structured? Which conclusion I receive?
There are significant differences in the design of the Betriebswirt courses. For exam preparation at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, courses should include 700 to 800 hours of instruction to teach the most important fundamentals. The duration of the course depends on the type of course and the number of students. according to the number of courses per week. Practical seminars are not prescribed for further training. With successful completion of the IHK examination, the professional title "Betriebswirt IHK" may be used. These certificates are well respected in the German economy, because they are also known for their practical orientation. However, you cannot compete with a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration.
The further training courses to the " nationally examined operation manager " last substantially longer, necessary are about 2.400 to 2.800 hours of instruction. For this, the admission requirements are significantly lower than for the IHK examination. This degree is also with personnel. Decision makers due to the high practical experience very popular.
What does further training to become a business economist cost?
The fees are as varied as the courses offered. For full-time courses with a duration of between 3 and 6 months, participants must spend 3.000 to 4.000 euros. In this time they have usually also no own earned income. For part-time courses and distance learning courses, they have to plan for a further training period of up to 36 months. Prices for this start at 4.000 euros. Participants can complete these courses alongside their job and continue to earn a salary. For the amption of the fees the part can apply for master BAfoG.
Our conclusion: What speaks for the further education? What rather against?
Business administrators are sought-after experts in the business world. In recent years, therefore, many young people in Germany chose this specialty in their studies and are now entering the job market. Their prospects for employment both in the middle. Elevated management are very good.
For those who are only interested in such tasks after an apprenticeship, the further training as a business economist IHK or as a state-certified business economist is well suited. This is especially true if the current employer endorses it and later also makes an appropriate job offer and finances the further training.
Career advancement to senior management in companies, on the other hand, is difficult. The competition from university graduates with a background in business administration or even law is too high. Before students decide to specialize in business administration, a thorough analysis of the labor market is recommended. Today, business administrators in health care and business information systems are still in demand. Those who keep an eye on the current requirements of job offers significantly improve their job chances.