Business degrees are qualifications offered by universities that give students a general overview of most aspects of running a business, such as accounting, finance, business administration and management. Increasingly, courses include entrepreneurial skills. Some business degrees specialize in particular areas of business, such as marketing or economics, but the broad range of subjects included in a business degree prepares graduates to enter the corporate world at entry or management level.
Job options for business graduates
Business analyst
A business analyst uses data to help companies make better decisions. Business analysts investigate and assess problems, processes and systems by analyzing data, creating solutions and planning for the future to help businesses achieve their goals. They can work on a specific project, or across the business, to help increase efficiency. Business analysts (also known as process or systems analysts) collect and analyze data to develop potential solutions to organizational challenges.
Business development manager
Business development managers are primarily responsible for business growth for a company. They create development plans, forecast sales targets and identify sales opportunities, as well as create marketing strategies and sales presentations. A business development manager spends most of his time outside the office. They will meet with clients, attend trade shows and conferences, and try to win new business.
Product manager
Product managers work to find out what products customers want to buy, help businesses manufacture or source the right products, and assist in selling them. The Product Manager also provides product vision and leadership for the development and marketing of products, ensuring they support company strategy and goals. Product managers oversee a product throughout its life cycle. Good negotiation and analytical skills are particularly useful for budding product managers.
Asset manager Asset managers manage and monitor company assets. This can include property, money, stocks, shares and bonds, commodities, equities and other financial products. As an asset manager, your goal is to maximize the profitability of your company's assets by analyzing inventory and negotiating with suppliers to get the best price. You work with assets to improve business income and financial stability.
Project manager
Project managers oversee the planning and delivery of projects. They ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. Project managers organize logistics, delegate work and track costs. As a project manager, you liaise with clients and colleagues to agree on timescales, costs and resources, select and lead teams, communicate progress and resolve issues or delays.
Starting a career with your business degree
Work experience
You can gain work experience in a variety of ways as part of studying for your business degree.
Some business degrees will have the option of a one-year work placement, giving you valuable work experience with a company. You will be developing your business skills by working on real projects. Work placements will be credited as part of your degree.
You can also apply for a work internship in a company. Internships are less formal than placements and can last from a few days to several months during the summer holidays, usually but not exclusively.
You can also gain experience by volunteering with a charity or in a university club or society.