Business studies : Your skills

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:

• understanding organisational behaviour and structure;
• critical thinking and analytical skills, alongside familiarity with evaluative techniques;
• a creative problem-solving approach and sound, logical decision-making skills;
• effective and persuasive written and oral communication skills;
• numeracy and the ability to research, interpret and use business and financial data and information;
• self-reliance, initiative and the ability to manage time, projects and resources;
• appreciation of the causes and effects of economic and other external changes.

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.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.