What Jobs Can You Get with a Business Degree?
Most business studies graduates (61.2%) are in full-time employment within 15 months of graduation - significantly better than the 57.3% average across all disciplines.
Business graduates enjoy higher employment rates than the average graduate. This hints at the broad value a business degree has. Such value may stem from the diversity of subjects it touches upon and the cross value of the skills it trains. Finance, law, and HR are three examples of this cross-relevance:
- Finance: Business degrees equip students with vital skills in financial management, budgeting, and forecasting: essential for managing the financial health of a business.
- Additional Qualifications in Finance: The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is an optional further accreditation in finance, enhancing expertise and industry recognition of skills.
- Law: Business courses cover corporate law and the legal aspects of UK business operations, providing a foundation for those interested in the legal side of business.
Additional Qualifications in Law: Business graduates who might like to extend into a legal career could consider a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
- HR (Human Resources): Business degrees address organisational behaviour and UK employment laws, preparing students for roles centred around managing and understanding people in a business context.
Additional Qualifications in HR: A CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) certification is a good master’s degree level certification to enhance credentials in the people’s profession. It isn’t required for top jobs, but it does add extra value when applying for senior positions.
- Top Jobs for Business Graduates: Business graduates can look forward to excellent job opportunities. Whether you want to work in a large multinational corporation or a small agile startup, start your own business, or help start a business for other people - there is always a need for the skills and knowledge learned at university. Many rewarding jobs directly use the skills taught in a university business degree. Top examples could include Management Consulting; Financial Analysis; Marketing Management; Human Resource Management; and Business Development.
Management Consultant
Management consultants analyse an organisation's inefficiencies and create strategies to address them. They work closely with senior leadership to improve the company's business model, processes, and strategies. They help organisations optimise their performance and achieve their goals by identifying weaknesses and offering actionable solutions.
- Key Skills: Analytical thinking; problem-solving; communication; project management; financial expertise; and specific industry knowledge.
- Who would enjoy this job? This job is ideal for individuals who thrive on tackling diverse challenges, have a genuine interest in the inner workings of businesses, and possess an aptitude for identifying opportunities for improvement. If you enjoy driving impactful change inside companies by collaborating closely with their stakeholders, then this job is likely a good fit for you.
- Useful Further Training and Qualifications: Certification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is common among experienced consultants who enjoy established high-profile careers.
- Earning Potential: Management Consultants typically earn between £23,591 - £61,387 with an average income of £42,328 per year.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts research a company's financial data to identify patterns and trends. Their insights inform decisions on investments, budgeting, and long-term strategic planning. By understanding past performance and predicting future financial conditions, they shape the company's financial strategy and growth.
- Key Skills: Quantitative abilities, statistics, financial modelling, and analytical thinking.
- Who would enjoy this job: Those who are detail-oriented; have a natural aptitude for numbers and finance; and are interested in the economic landscape. If you appreciate the nuances of financial data and understand the significance of informed financial decision-making then this role would be a good fit.
- Useful Further Training and Qualifications:
- The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is ideal for those aiming at more specialised roles in asset management, investment banking, and research. The CFA Society of the UK is the local professional body for CFA charter holders in the UK.
- The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) offers further qualifications for a broader range of specialised financial services topics in wealth management, compliance, and other sectors.
- Earning Potential: Financial Analysts typically earn between £19,903 - £53,040 per year, with average income being £36,828.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers craft and oversee promotional campaigns, research untapped markets, and determine optimal pricing models to drive product or service success. They combine data-driven insights with creative vision to ensure their marketing strategies effectively reach and engage the target audience.
- Key Skills: Creativity, analytical thinking, and understanding of digital marketing.
- Who would enjoy this job: Those who are adept at combining creative insight with analytical thinking, and who have a passion for understanding and engaging with target audiences over multiple media platforms.
- Useful Further Training and Qualifications: Accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) can enhance a marketing professional's credentials.
- Earning Potential: Marketing Managers typically earn between £32,675 - £55,595 per year, with the average income being £44,363.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources managers are responsible for the recruitment, training, and development of employees. They also play a pivotal role in fostering a company's culture and ensuring a harmonious work environment.
- Key Skills: Interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and organisational capabilities.
- Who would enjoy this job: Those who are skilled at understanding and addressing both individual employee and broader organisational needs, and who value being directly involved in creating a conducive and positive work atmosphere.
- Useful Further Training and Qualifications: Certification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is advantageous when applying for senior HR management positions. However, it is not legally required, and strong candidates with good experience will also be able to land senior positions.
- Earning Potential: Human Resources Managers typically earn between £24,676 - £64,830 per year, with the average income being £44,321.
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager typically seeks opportunities for company growth, whether through acquiring new clients, forming partnerships, or entering new markets. They often engage in networking events and have one-on-one interactions with potential clients or partners to build and foster relationships. The relationships they establish can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships, contracts or growth.
- Key Skills: Networking, negotiation, and market research.
- Who would enjoy this job: Those who enjoy recognising and capitalising on potential business opportunities, who like to network and build strong mutually beneficial business relationships, and who excel at strategic planning.
- Useful Further Training and Qualifications: Membership with the Institute of Sales Management (ISM) is common among senior BDMs. Membership provides access to skills development, industry information, and networking opportunities.
- Earning Potential: Business Development Managers earn between £25,074 - £70,346 annually, with the average income being £46,837.
What’s Right for You?
While all the top jobs mentioned above are suited to business graduates, the truth is that a top job, for you, will need to satisfy your particular priorities. When considering applying for your next job, or what career goals you would like to achieve, it is important to ask, “What is a top job…for me?”
Everyone has different priorities when it comes to employment or career concerns. For some, earning money will be the most important factor, for others it might be work-life balance, the social aspects of the job, or the intellectual challenge of doing the job.
Finding the right job or career is about finding the right ‘fit’ for you. It is helpful to assess your priorities and then look at jobs and evaluate three things:
- Earning Potential: What potential for earnings does a job have? Is there the possibility of growing earnings with experience or further qualifications? A job’s earning potential is an indication of its demand and value within an industry.
- Job Satisfaction: Big earnings do not always mean greater job satisfaction, and vice versa. Job satisfaction encompasses work-life balance, career growth, and fulfilment from the job itself. It’s important to consider whether you’re a good fit for the job’s role, responsibilities, and daily activities.
- Clear Career Path: Your degree should lead to a job where you can learn and grow - developing a skillset over time. If your job allows for further education and training to advance your chosen career, so much the better. Make sure it all lines up.
Investigating jobs in terms of these factors will help to identify your dream jobs - enabling you to align your education and career choices with your priorities.
The road ahead…
A business degree imparts highly desired skills and knowledge to graduates. These skills unlock diverse job options and provide a solid foundation upon which entire careers can be nurtured and grown.
As industries evolve, continuous learning and further qualifications are vital for staying competitive and relevant. Successful business degree graduates around the world are always learning!
So, whether you land a top job or not, the key to success is to evaluate your priorities and harness the skills you have to leverage value in the open job market - a business degree is the first step in being able to do just that.
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