8 2026 | Tennessee Career Guide for a host of legal services throughout a company’s lifespan. Before a business even begins, attorneys assist in the formation and structure of the company (sole propri- etorship, partnership, LLC, for profit, non- profit, etc.) and aid in filing necessary documentation for the new business to ac- quire a license to operate. Attorneys often assist businesses in drafting contracts, lead- ing negotiations, assuring compliance with laws, and manage dispute resolutions. Businesses that develop new products will utilize attorneys to file for patents and to protect a company’s intellectual properties. Other legal services can include mergers and acquisitions, employment law, and the securement of venture capital or other forms of financing. Becoming an attorney takes up to seven years of college and training and is one of the most secure and highest paid careers, providing a highly successful and rewarding future. For more information on Attorney careers, see pages 44-45. I Business Management A business manager is the lifeblood of a company’s overall success and longevity. No matter how great a product or service is, unless the company is well-organized and managed properly it cannot effectively thrive. Business managers oversee the daily operations of a company, as well as manag- ing staff and implementing strategic plans to ensure productivity and profitability. An effective business manager is typically someone who instills excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills. They are also proficient in problem-solving and in many cases also oversee a company’s sales and marketing endeavors. Known as one of the most diverse careers available in today’s workforce, it is esti- mated that the U.S. currently employs over 3.6 million business managers in virtually all sectors including finance, healthcare, retail, technology, manufacturing and gov- ernment. Salaries for business managers varies significantly by location, experience, and industry but is typically known to pay very well with excellent benefits. For more information on Business Man- agement careers, please see pages 48-49. I Cybersecurity Cybersecurity is the action of protecting a company’s network, computer systems, and other digital information from intentional attacks and overall unauthorized access. Typically, cybersecurity might be better cat- egorized under technology rather than business, however given the enormous in- crease in malware, phishing, and ran- somware, many companies are now hiring in-house cybersecurity professionals to as- sure their digital infrastructure is better pro- tected and uniquely designed around the company’s specific needs. Much of a cyber- security professional’s focus is on conduct- ing risk analysis and evaluating their system’s capabilities as well as vulnerabili- ties. Companies rely tremendously on their computer systems and electronic network at a time when professional hackers and even foreign governments strive to gain un- lawful access to confidential information. Cybersecurity careers are projected to grow by almost 30% over the next ten years mak- ing it both a high-demand profession as well as highly paid. For more information on Cybersecurity careers, please see pages 56-57. I Data Analytics Using a process of studying and interpret- ing data to create useful information, data analytics offers businesses the tools needed to draw conclusions and make important decisions. A company’s data analytics team is basically charged with the task of determining “what” happened, “why” it happened, “what is next likely” to happen, and “how” to respond. The quality of data analytics is extremely valuable to a business, providing them with the informa- tion they need to maintain a competitive edge, reduce risk, and increase overall ef- ficiency and income. This is an excellent career choice for students who are curious, detail-oriented, loves investigatory chal- A Closer Look at Today’s Top Business Careers Pursuing a degree in business enables students to develop critical thinking, leadership, and com- munication skills that can be applied to a broad spectrum of potential careers.
