Business, consulting and management sector
Find out about the target-driven world of business, consulting and management...
This sector, also known as the professional services industry, is all about improving the performance of businesses.
Consultants advise organisations and help them solve problems and enhance their capabilities. Businesses need advice on a wide range of issues including:
The consulting industry in the UK is worth around £8.5billion and employs more than 80,000 people.
Business managers specialise in areas such as human resources (HR) and IT, and support firms both from within the company and as external services suppliers.
There is some overlap with the accountancy, banking and finance sector. Professionals from both sectors will often work together to ensure the best outcome for the client.
For examples of job roles in this sector, see graduate jobs in business and management.
The 'big four' accountancy firms are the largest graduate business employers:
There are also specialised business services organisations that operate in specific sectors. For example, the Spire Consulting Group provides support to the construction industry and the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants provides business services to agricultural, rural and food production clients.
Graduates entering the business, consulting and management sector can expect:
As a consequence of the recession, consultancy firms that have historically competed are now working together to better serve their clients.
Firms in this sector are diversifying and specialising; this is known as 'segmentation'. This will lead to more niche business services, consulting and management roles in the future, as new technologies and business issues emerge.
Many graduates will not get a consulting or management role immediately after graduation. To gain entry into this industry, you will need to build up some relevant work experience. To find a work placement or internship in the business sector, search for work experience.
Ranging from general management roles to consultants offering subject-specific advice, the business sector has a lot to offer. Discover what jobs are available…
These job profiles are examples of graduate careers in the business, consulting and management sector:
To find the graduate job roles that best match your skills and interests, log in to what jobs would suit me?
For job vacancies in the business sector, search graduate jobs in management, statistics and accountancy.
The business sector is doing well and there is optimism surrounding job opportunities. Find out how to get work experience and what skills employers are looking for…
A relevant degree is not necessary but may be advantageous. Some employers will seek particular skills, such as IT or marketing, depending on their business focus. A postgraduate qualification such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can help further your career.
Some of the larger companies ask for a 2:1 and will sometimes also specify UCAS points. Requirements set by smaller companies may vary.
Employers in the business, consulting and management sector often look for graduates with:
Employers in this sector place a strong emphasis on previous work experience. Many firms offer summer placements, internships or a year in industry for undergraduate students, which can lead to a permanent job or place on a graduate scheme.
To become a consultant, graduates will need extensive experience and knowledge of the business world before they can offer advice to businesses. This can be gained through work experience that involves working with data or spending time learning about how a particular business operates.
To find work placements and internships in the business sector, search for work experience.
Trade publications, professional bodies and specialist recruitment websites can be valuable sources of information for identifying vacancies as well as keeping up to date with key issues in the sector. Some examples of specialist titles include:
Many graduates start their business careers in jobs that involve collecting, analysing and using data as part of a graduate job or training scheme. Once they have acquired some business knowledge and gained substantial experience, they can begin providing consultancy services.
To find jobs and graduate schemes in the business sector, search graduate jobs in management, statistics and accountancy.
Find out how further study and professional qualifications in the business sector can help you progress up the career ladder...
Postgraduate study can improve your business knowledge and make you more employable. A Masters can help you secure your first job if your degree subject is unrelated and provide a basis for later professional qualifications.
Many people in the business sector study part time and are supported by their employer. This can be through time off to study, the payment of course fees, an enhanced salary or all three. Obtaining professional qualifications is often a requirement for membership of professional bodies in the business sector.
Some businesses, such as PwC, also provide higher-level apprenticeship pathways where you can combine working with gaining professional qualifications in audit, taxation and management consultancy.
For more information on entry requirements and career development in the business sector, see types of jobs.
To find relevant postgraduate courses in the UK, search business and management studies courses and research.
Membership of an industry-specific professional body will enhance your status within your field of expertise. In many business, consulting and management roles, membership of a professional body is compulsory.
By joining a professional body, you can also:
The following professional bodies give members the opportunity to obtain professional qualifications: