Your HND...what next? : Popular areas of work

Advertising and marketing

Do not be discouraged by the fact that some larger companies prefer to recruit graduates. There are many jobs in this sector where your qualification can be a good start. Some of the examinations set by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) enrol HND holders and those with considerable work experience may progress directly to the Chartered postgraduate diploma in Marketing.

The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) have an online Diagonal Testing Self-assessment Tool, which as a recruitment aid, is designed to help applicants decide if they are suited to the advertising and communications business.

Business

Work experience is highly valued in this sector. In some cases relevant experience can be more valuable than qualifications. There are various opportunities available in the sector, including administration, clerical roles, marketing and human resource management.

Finance and accountancy

Many careers in banking, finance and accountancy are open to HND holders. Accountants are required to study for professional qualifications through the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or pursue the status of Chartered Certified Accountant with the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) through professional exams and work experience.

HND holders may be exempt from certain exams, depending on the specific area of accounting they would like to train in. Degree holders are exempt from more professional-level exams than an HND holder but, once qualified as an accountant, there is little difference between those who began with a degree and those with an HND.

Information technology

This is a significant field of employment for Diplomates, with many companies recruiting on the basis of experience and skills as much as qualifications. Your HND is a good entry point into a web design career and specialist software roles such as systems development. Refer to the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) for further information on qualifications, training and careers.

Retail

HND entry is possible with considerable work experience of the retail sector and knowledge of the environment. Retailers highly regard good communication, teamwork and leadership skills as well as sound commercial awareness. Consider your coursework or work experience, and include past supervisory jobs. Refer to Skillsmart Retail: The Sector Skills Council for Retail for further careers and labour market information.

Social care

Relevant experience is highly valued in the sector. Your HND qualification increases possibilities in this field, including advice and counselling, working in community projects, youth work and care management.

Teacher training

There are a few routes into teacher training for HND students. Please see getting a teaching job, which explains all of your options and is updated annually. 

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the qualifications required for specific occupations.