Skills you can develop Business and Management

As well as the specific subject knowledge gained from studying for an OU degree, you'll develop many transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers and which will increase your employability.

For Business and Management graduates the employability skills you will develop include the ability to:

• understand key business functions such as marketing, human resources, information management, accounting and finance and operations in their wider organisational and social context
• put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions
• draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information
• understand the nature of leadership skills and behaviours within organisations
• communicate effectively, clearly and accurately with others
• use ICT to research, identify and present information
• manage time and take on responsibility for your own development.

To see specific learning outcomes that relate to degrees in this area have a look at the OU Business and Management courses.

The OU Careers and Employability Services define student employability as: 'A set of capabilities and achievements that support students in developing their careers, raising their aspirations and enhancing their contribution to society.'

Whatever your motivations for study, your goals and career aspirations, you are entitled to supported personal development planning either as an intrinsic part of your programme of study or through signposted optional activities. You can view the full Student Employability Policy Statement on our website.

You will also find information about employability skills developed through study of specific degree subjects on the What can I do with my degree? pages on Prospects website.

Student stories

I’ve really enjoyed the OU experience – and hope to soon repeat it.

Matthew Groves, Business Analyst

My employers have been wonderfully supportive.

Lee Sterry, Business Management

To see the experiences of other OU students visit Student careers stories.

If you’re a registered OU student, you can find further careers information tailored to your qualification at your Study Home site, under the Succeed tab.

OU qualifications

Find out more about undergraduate study and postgraduate study in Business and Management.

Find out about all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications at OU Courses.

You can also find more information on the OU Business School website.