Options with business studies
Business studies courses give you a broad overview of how the commercial world operates. They usually cover the areas of markets, customers, finance, operations, communication and information technology, and business policy and strategy. Business issues are often addressed at a European and international level.
As well as developing the essential transferable or ‘soft’ skills that employers demand, the following strengths are also cultivated through business studies:
These attributes are much sought after by employers, since they build commercial awareness and allow graduate recruits to start contributing to the organisation quickly.
The course structure and design of assignments also boost employability, with presentations, group work, independent projects and business simulation activities giving ample opportunity for development. Some courses aid career development by including modules which provide exemptions from professional qualification examinations for roles in accountancy, marketing or human resources. Check with your department to see if this is the case with your degree.
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.
A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that six months after graduation over 64% of business studies graduates were in paid employment, suggesting this broad course of study is vocationally relevant.
Business studies graduates are found in almost every employment sector but around 22% typically enter employment in commercial, industrial and public sector management. Commercial roles exist in all types of industry, including:
Around 19% of business studies graduates enter employment in business and finance professional roles. Relevant opportunities include those in:
Significant numbers of business graduates also head for the media sector and take up administrative positions, or work in marketing, sales and advertising.
Industries as diverse as chemicals, utilities, fashion, health, grocery and construction all require functional managers with a clear understanding of systems, efficiency and operational issues. Apart from the private sector, suitable opportunities also exist in the public and voluntary sectors.
Graduate training schemes offered by large employers frequently focus on ‘commercial’ roles and may be of interest to business studies graduates. Many give experience in several departments but others encourage specialisation from the outset. These recruitment schemes are advertised in directories available free from your careers service as well as online.
For more detailed information about the range of options, check out the following employment areas:
See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas.
Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do? and your degree...what next?
In 2010 six months after graduating, almost 8% of business studies graduates had opted for further study with another 7% combining work and study. Popular options include: Masters in marketing, human resources and international business management; the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Common Professional Examination (CPE) for conversion to law; the MBA and computing/ICT courses.
Those combining study with a job often work towards a professional qualification, usually supported by their employer. The UK’s various accountancy bodies all offer qualifications:
Those in city careers such as investment analysis may study with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and city traders may work towards Financial Services Authority (FSA) qualifications.
These trends show only what previous graduates in your subject did immediately upon graduating. Over the course of their career - the first few years in particular - many others will opt for some form of further study, either part time or full time. If further study interests you, start by thinking about postgrad study and search courses and research to identify your options.
Look at funding my further study for details relating to finance and the application process.
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