What can you do with a business degree?

Not to be confused with business studies, a business degree is a great route to a career in business. There are numerous career options available to graduates with business degrees, in almost every sector.  

What is a business degree?

A business degree is a qualification offered by universities that gives students a general overview of most aspects of running a business, such as accounting, finance, business administration and management. Increasingly, courses also include entrepreneurial skills. Some business degrees specialise in particular areas of business, like marketing or economics, but the broad range of topics covered in a business degree prepares graduates for entering 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 analysing data, helping businesses achieve their goals by creating solutions and planning for the future. They can work on one specific project, or across the business, to help increase efficiencies. Business analysts (also known as process or systems analysts) gather and analyse data to develop potential solutions to organisational challenges.  

Business development manager 

Business development managers  are primarily responsible for driving business growth for a company. They create development plans, forecast sales targets and identify sales opportunities, as well as producing marketing strategies and sales presentations. Much of a business development manager’s time is spent outside the office. They will be meeting customers, attending trade shows and conferences, and trying to win new business.  

Product manager 

Product managers work out what products customers want to buy, help businesses to manufacture or source the right products and support selling them. Product managers also provide the product vision and leadership to develop and market products, ensuring they support the company’s strategy and goals. A product manager oversees 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 a company’s assets. This could include property, money, stocks, shares and bonds, commodities, equities and other financial products. As an asset manager, you aim to maximise the profitability of your company’s assets through inventory analysis and negotiating with suppliers to get the best price. You work to ensure assets improve the income and financial stability of the business.  

Project manager 

Project managers oversee the planning and delivery of projects. They ensure that work is completed on time and to budget. Project managers organise logistics, delegate work and keep track of spending. As a project manager, you would liaise with clients and colleagues to agree on timescales, costs and resources, select and lead a team, communicate progress and resolve issues or delays. 

Starting a career with your business degree

Work experience 

There are many ways you can gain work experience as part of studying for your business degree.  

Some business degrees will have the option of a one-year work placement, in which you will gain valuable work experience with a company. You will be developing your business skills by working on real projects. The work placement will be credited as part of your degree.  

You could also apply for a work internship with a company. Internships are less formal than placements and can last from a few days to several months, usually but not exclusively, in the summer holidays.  

You could also gain experience by volunteering with a charity or at a university club or society.  

Apprenticeships 

Higher or degree apprenticeships are available in many roles within business management, business development and business administration. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and studying at college or university.