BA offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Unlock the potential of business to transform society with York's Business & Society program. Dive deep into the intricate relationships between business, social structures, and government, exploring how economic power shapes wealth distribution and opportunity. Our innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum combines philosophical, historical, economic, geographical, sociological, and political perspectives, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape. Unlike traditional business schools, we focus on equipping you with practical skills essential for diverse career paths. Choose from specializations in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, environmental issues, global economy, law, and social economy. Graduates are prepared for impactful careers in green business, social investment, public policy, and more.
Career Options in Business & Society
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check Canada’s Job Bank for regional requirements.
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Administrative Associate
- Administrator
- Analyst (Social Impact)
- Author
- Auditor
- Banker
- Blogger
- Brand Strategist
- Broker
- Business Editor
- Business Ethics Advocate
- Charity Coordinator
- Community Developer
- Corporate Financier
- Corporate Trainer
- Economist
- Entrepreneur
- Event Coordinator
- Executive Assistant
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Analyst
- Fundraising Planner
- Industrial Relations Consultant
- Journalist/Business Writer
- Lawyer
- Legal Assistant
- Lobbyist
- Marketing Director
- Market Researcher/Analyst
- Media Correspondent
- Non-Profit Organization Director
- Political Analyst
- Politician
- Public Relations Representative
- Recruiter
- Retail Strategist
- Risk Analyst
- Social Program Director
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
Entry-Level Positions in Business & Society
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
- Account Coordinator
- Business Analyst
- Communications Assistant
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Assistant
- Event Coordinator
- Executive Assistant
- Fundraising Assistant
- Human Resources Assistant
- Junior Consultant
- Marketing Assistant
- Nonprofit Program Assistant
- Operations Assistant
- Policy Analyst
- Public Relations Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Retail Manager
- Sales Associate
- Social Media Coordinator
- Supply Chain Assistant
For career descriptions, visit Canada’s Job Bank. Some occupations may also be found on Career Cruising; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in Experience York.
Skills Developed through a Degree in Business & Society
Core Skills
- A solid understanding of business and management theory and the capability to apply this to real life professional settings and circumstances
- International business acumen through the iBBA (international) option
- Familiarity with today’s professional expectations and exposure to contemporary business realities
- An understanding of related fields such as macro and micro economics, accounting and finance and the possibility to put your entrepreneurial spirit into work through various initiatives and projects offered by one of the world’s leading business schools
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
- Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
- The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
- The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
- The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
Management and Teamwork Skills
- The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
- Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
- The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
- The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- Canadian Institute of Management (CIM): The CIM is a professional association that supports the development and advancement of management professionals in Canada through education, certification, and networking opportunities.
- Chartered Association of Business Administrators (CABA): CABA is a professional organization that provides certification and resources to business administrators, aiming to elevate the standard of business administration practice in Canada.
- Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC): IPAC is a national organization that fosters the advancement of public administration through research, education, and the exchange of ideas among professionals in the public sector.
- Young Women in Business (YWIB): YWIB is a non-profit organization that empowers young women by providing networking opportunities, career development programs, and mentorship in the business world.
- Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR): Canada’s only membership organization dedicated to helping companies create a sustainable and equitable future through socially and environmentally responsible practices.