Business studies : Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Management consultant - provides objective advice, expertise and specialist skills with the aim of creating value, maximising growth or improving the business performance of their clients. Consultants operate across a variety of services and are primarily concerned with the strategy, structure, management and operations of an organisation. 
• Systems analyst - examines existing business models and flows of data to help decide whether new IT solutions will improve productivity and efficiency. Working closely with the client, they design an appropriate improved IT solution and give costings. 
• Chartered accountant - provides trustworthy information about financial records. They may be involved in financial reporting, audit/assurance, tax, corporate finance or accounting systems and processes. Generally, they play a strategic role by providing professional advice, aiming to maximise profitability on behalf of their client or employer.
• Chartered management accountant - analyses business performance and provides financial information to set policy necessary for the planning and financial protection of organisations. They establish and maintain financial policies and management information systems. The role combines accounting skills with business management skills.
• Insurance underwriter - decides whether to accept insurance cover applications and what the terms of acceptance are. They assess a risk according to the likelihood of a claim being made by weighing up a number of factors and asking for detailed information from prospective clients (policyholders).
• Logistics and distribution manager - manages the supply, movement, distribution and/or storage of goods and materials. They handle processes involved in a supply chain, liaising with a variety of parties including suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
• Corporate investment banker - provides investment and advisory services to client companies, institutions and governments. They manage corporate, strategic and financial opportunities, including mergers, acquisitions, issuing bonds and shares, and overseeing initial public offerings (IPOs).

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Marketing executive - develops marketing campaigns that promote a product, service or idea. The role includes planning, advertising, public relations, organising events, product development, distribution, sponsorship and research.
• Human resources officer - develops, advises on and implements policies for the effective deployment of an organisation’s human resources (HR). The work may involve recruitment and selection, training and development, employee relations and discipline, pay and conditions, departmental restructuring and diversity.
• Advertising account executive - works for an advertising agency that serves outside clients, acts as a link between client and agency and coordinates the client’s campaigns.
• Retail merchandiser - responsible for retail product planning and works closely with buying teams to forecast trends, plan stock levels and monitor performance.
• Banker - provides financial services to individual and business customers including bank accounts, cash handling, cheque clearing, credit and debit cards, loans and mortgages, foreign currency, and insurance products.
• Sales executive - maximises sales of a company’s goods or services in designated markets at home or overseas. Opportunities include those in FMCG, consumer durables (e.g. clothing, footwear, domestic equipment, toys) and in specialist industrial supply.

Other options

A business studies degree prepares you for a career in business which may stretch across any sector or industry. Your career options are therefore varied. Decide on the area you want to work in and try to get relevant work experience. This may be in the form of a structured programme, part-time job or work shadowing.

You may consider further study in a related area, such as an MBA. Ensure you research possible qualifications thoroughly and take into consideration the costs involved. It may also be possible to start your own business, but this involves many risks and you need to ensure you have covered all factors. See self-employment for more information.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.