Career opportunities Business and Management
In the UK graduates can use their degree to find employment that's not necessarily related to their degree subject. This is because the employer is looking for the skills they have developed through their academic study, rather than a specific subject.
Given the increased competition for graduate positions, it is important to consider a range of occupational areas. Bear in mind that many careers require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
We advise you to thoroughly research your career choices as early as possible, particularly in relation to experience required, any differences that relate to where you live, or where choice of courses may affect future opportunities.
Career opportunities in business and management are wide ranging and precise entry points depend on the qualification you have gained, and your experience and skills. A qualification in business and management can lead to opportunities in areas such as:
- middle and senior management positions across all sectors
- advertising and marketing
- accountancy
- human resources
- banking, including investment banking
- sales and retail
- management consultancy
- business journalism
- transport and logistics.
Employers are keen to utilise the commercial awareness and leadership skills that Business and Management graduates offer. Don't forget that the OU also offers postgraduate courses in management.
Remember also that opportunities in careers related to business and management may not necessarily be via a graduate management scheme, but may be more appropriate to those who already have significant relevant experience and skills.
Ask yourself these questions.
- Are there opportunities within your current job to get into management, perhaps moving sideways first?
- Which area of management interests you – human resources (HR), financial, IT, consultancy, marketing, sales?
- If you are working, could you approach your personnel or HR department and ask to work-shadow a manager?
- Would you prefer to work for a large or small organisation?
Answering these questions will help to identify relevant information sources.
Useful links
You will also find information about general job vacancy sites, work experience and volunteering at:
Postgraduate Study
Many business and management graduates undertake further study on completion of their first degree and/or after gaining some relevant work experience. Reasons for doing so include wanting to explore an aspect of their studies in more depth, to further or change their career or because a specific postgraduate qualification is either an entry requirement for their career of choice or would be an advantage if entry is competitive.
Generally postgraduate study can open up opportunities to work in higher education and teaching at other levels and in professions related to this area such as accountancy, human resources and marketing management.
There are a range of business related OU postgraduate study options, both taught and research awards, such as business administration, technology and development management and the Masters in Business Administration (MBA).
It is important to thoroughly research postgraduate study options as this will help you make the right choice for you. This would include checking you can afford it as the way you pay for postgraduate study is different to how undergraduate study is funded. On the Prospects website you can search postgraduate courses, and find information on funding postgraduate study.
