Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Business Professor
What business professors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Teach an MBA strategy case. From there, the day usually includes teach business courses, design syllabi and assignments, and lead case discussions. Schedules mix teaching, research and service; summers often allow research or consulting.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a business professor working full time.
- Teach an MBA strategy case.
- Hold office hours.
- Meet a company about a class consulting project.
- Work on a research paper.
- Teach an undergraduate marketing class.
- Attend a curriculum committee meeting.
- Grade case analyses.
Where business professors work
Business faculty work in classrooms, offices and online courses at colleges and universities.
Hours and schedule
Schedules mix teaching, research and service; summers often allow research or consulting.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach business courses
- Design syllabi and assignments
- Lead case discussions
- Advise students and student clubs
- Conduct and publish research
- Supervise internships and projects
- Serve on committees
Tools you’ll use every day
- Learning management systems
- Case studies
- Business simulations
- Statistical software
- Presentation tools
- Research databases
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay for academia
- Flexible schedule
- Consulting opportunities
- Shape future leaders
What’s hard
- Doctorate and research pressure
- Competitive tenure track
- Grading load
- Committee work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love teaching
- I enjoy business strategy
- I like research
- I want a flexible schedule
- I enjoy mentoring
- I’m willing to earn a doctorate
Not sure? Take the free Business Professor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect student privacy under FERPA
- Follow research ethics rules
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Follow campus safety procedures