How to Become a Business Administrator

Associate Professor Jayendra Gokhale is a member of the Accounting, Economics, Finance and Information Sciences Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Gokhale brings extensive experience from the financial sector to his course lectures in Macroeconomics, Corporate Finance and Aviation Economics.

Before joining the Embry-Riddle community, Gokhale worked at Axis Bank, one of India's leading private banks. There, he managed liquidity, corporate deposits and government bond trading. Following this role, he served as treasury manager at GE Capital, overseeing daily liquidity management and long-term funding for operations in India.

With an engineering background that equipped him with strong quantitative skills, Dr. Gokhale fueled a passion for finance early in his career, particularly during an impactful internship at Axis Bank.

“During my internship,” Gokhale recounted, “I was able to participate in a department that is at the core of business operations of any bank: funding and liquidity management. I was also involved with the preparation of reports on net-interest income and on asset and liability management.”

His expertise and real-world insights greatly enhance students' learning experience, helping bridge the gap between theory and practice in the financial sector.

How would you describe the business administration industry?

The field of business administration hones in on the analytical skills necessary for management, consulting, supply-chain, systems management and economics of organizations. “Every company, irrespective of the nature of the industry that it operates in, involves business and economics,” Dr. Gokhale informs.

From managing costs and revenues to fostering innovation and nurturing human resources, effective business administration is essential for an organization's functionality and growth.

Where do business administration graduates work?

“Business administration is at the core of operations and development of any organization,” Dr. Gokhale shared while discussing the high demand of the field. “As such, companies have positions being offered in business administration, not only in aviation and aerospace but also in transportation sectors and other areas. Business administration majors are everywhere: from consulting firms and banks to insurance companies and technology and manufacturing firms."

Embry‑Riddle graduates are prepared to enter the aviation business industry and beyond, often finding careers as managing directors, operating officers, program directors and operations directors.

Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration often accept employment offers from top aerospace and defense companies such as:

• The Boeing Company
• Lockheed Martin
• NASA
• Northrop Grumman

What are the benefits/challenges of being in the industry?

The world of business administration is a field that is always evolving, with new discoveries and trends emerging all the time. “Currently, data management and business analytics are at the forefront of the industry,” Dr. Gokhale informed. “In the future, it will be artificial intelligence.” If you aim to lead companies like Microsoft, Open AI and NVIDIA, you'll see that business administration is a vital strategic tool that connects all sectors. Brick-and-mortar companies such as Starbucks and Disney are also constantly evolving by searching for new chief executive officers.

Anyone looking to succeed in the business industry needs to stay current with the latest trends and innovations, and that can be a real challenge. “For example, when Apple was innovating and launching its line of tablets (iPad), it felt like the PC market would wane. Similarly in aviation, there are new models of aircraft and new product offerings being rolled out by airlines."

The world of business administration is an incredibly exciting place to be in, and with a commitment to staying ahead of the curve, anyone can succeed in this dynamic field.

Any advice for students considering joining the field?

Immersing yourself in the field of business provides you with the incredible opportunity to tap into the power of networking. While the industry may seem intimidating, it's amazing how close-knit and supportive the business community can be. Building relationships and sharing experiences with your Embry-Riddle peers can lead to amazing opportunities down the road. “The people you’re in the classroom with today,” Gokhale shared, “could potentially be your business partners or counterparts in making deals tomorrow.”