Job options with a business management degree A degree in business management open up a wide range of job opportunities in various industries, including small start-ups and large corporations, both in the public and private sectors. Employers often prefer candidates with a business management degree due to their extensive knowledge and skills in essential areas. Graduates of this degree program possess the skills required to thrive in different business areas. Here are some of the most popular career paths for business management graduates.
Finance A business degree typically covers finance and accounting topics. A career in accounting entails examining a company's current and past financial situation and advising on taxes, expenses, record-keeping, and transactions. You may also be involved in mergers and acquisitions, whether actively or as an advisor, and have responsibilities for preventing fraud and misconduct.
To specialise in finance, additional qualifications are required beyond a business degree. However, most major accounting firms provide on-the-job training programs with their graduate roles, so there is no need to worry.
Finance Analyst A finance analyst guides businesses and individuals on investment opportunities. They utilise their expertise in the industry, market trends, and financial data to develop the most effective strategies for sustainable growth. This job also requires the analysis of economic trends, business news, and financial information to keep up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
Business Analyst A business analyst assesses historical and current business data to enhance decision-making processes in organizations. They collaborate closely with stakeholders to identify objectives, optimal practices, and effective techniques for collecting and evaluating data.
Chartered Management Accountant A chartered management accountant is responsible for creating, developing, and analyzing financial information to make informed decisions that contribute to future growth, stability, and profitability of an organization. The accountant also evaluates the performance of the business and provides advice on how to mitigate potential problems.
Retail and sales Retail sales offer diverse career opportunities ranging from managing a single store to overseeing global operations. These roles require more than just stocking shelves or making cold calls. Many large companies offer fast-track programs to new graduates aspiring to management positions. These programs provide hands-on experience to further develop business management skills.
Sales jobs are not limited to scanning items at a cash register. It includes diverse products such as automotive, technology, medical supplies, homes, businesses, and intellectual property. Regardless of the product, a solid understanding of business practices is crucial for successfully closing deals.
Marketing Manager The role of a marketing manager involves coordinating and overseeing marketing campaigns to promote products and services, with the aim of increasing awareness and generating demand.
Sales Manager A sales manager is responsible for leading and managing a team of sales executives while overseeing the daily sales operations of a business. Key responsibilities include establishing the sales strategy, setting sales targets, and monitoring sales performance.
Account Manager The role of an account manager is to ensure that all departments within a business meet the needs of their clients and customers. This involves managing customer complaints, identifying solutions to their concerns, and maintaining positive relationships between the parties involved for future projects.
Data Analyst A data analyst is responsible for interpreting data and using it to make strategic and informed decisions. This technical role typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in analytics, computer science, or mathematics.
Retail Manager The role of a retail manager encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including overseeing overall store operations, managing employee recruitment and scheduling, providing training and support to employees, and handling numerous other tasks essential to the efficient functioning of a retail establishment.
Human Resources Human resources is a crucial aspect of any business management skill set, with a primary focus on people management. Individuals interested in recruitment, training, managing budgets, and payroll may find the HR field to be a good fit. HR managers and directors typically adopt an open-door policy, requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The HR function is very diplomatic, requiring a gentle approach that benefits both employees and the business.
HR Manager The role of an HR manager involves leading and directing the HR department, which includes hiring and interviewing staff, managing salaries, pay raises, annual leave, and enforcing company policies and practices.
Management Managerial roles can be found in any company and industry, making it possible to shift between fields once you've gained a strong track record in this area. The primary responsibility of a manager is to offer structural and strategic guidance to a company or team. If your aim is to achieve a managerial position, you will need to work on developing your skills in people management and strategy through mid-level roles.
Management Consultant A management consultant is a professional who assists organizations in identifying and solving complex business problems, improving operations, and maximizing profits. They provide expert advice to help businesses develop the necessary skills to succeed. This involves analyzing business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to increase efficiency and effectiveness. The consultant may work with a variety of businesses across different industries and may specialize in a specific area such as finance, marketing, or operations.
Project Manager A project manager is a professional who oversees the planning, organization, and implementation of specific projects for a business. They are responsible for ensuring that the project is completed within the allocated time frame and budget, while also making sure that the project meets its objectives and scope. This involves coordinating with various teams and stakeholders, allocating resources, managing risks, and maintaining effective communication throughout the project lifecycle. A project manager is a critical role in any business that undertakes complex projects.
Business Adviser A business adviser provides expert advice to organisations to help them improve their overall efficiency in terms of operational and financial management. They develop and execute business strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of the business, prepare budgets, provide guidance on projects and marketing, and conduct a risk analysis. Their goal is to help the business achieve its objectives, increase profitability and ensure long-term sustainability.
Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship is starting and running a business venture by taking on financial risk. With a strong skill set in business management, individuals may have the ability to pursue entrepreneurship and bring their own ideas to fruition. Starting a small business requires perseverance, patience, and a clear vision. Graduates interested in gaining experience in this area can seek out job opportunities at start-ups and learn about the process of building a business from scratch.
Director of Operations A director of operations plays a critical role in evaluating and improving the efficiency of an organization's operations. They are responsible for overseeing the implementation of business strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure that everything runs smoothly and in compliance with the company's goals and objectives. They work closely with other department heads to ensure that each area is operating effectively and efficiently, and they may also be involved in budget planning and management. Overall, the director of operations plays a key role in driving the success and growth of the organization.
Year 0 modules include: - Development for Success in Business (core, 30 credits)
- Orientation for Success in Higher Education (core, 30 credits)
- The Context of Business (core, 30 credits)
- Using and Managing Data and Information (core, 30 credits)
Year 1 modules include: - Digital Business Management and Emerging Technology (core, 15 credits)
- Financial Accounting (core, 15 credits)
- Learning Through Organisations (core, 15 credits)
- Managing People in Organisations (core, 15 credits)
- Principles of Management (core, 15 credits)
- Principles of Marketing (core, 15 credits)
- Understanding and Managing Data (core, 15 credits)
- Understanding the Business and Economic Environment (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include: - Fundamentals of Project Management (core, 15 credits)
- International Selling and Negotiation (core, 15 credits)
- Leadership in Practice (core, 15 credits)
- Organisation Design and Management (core, 15 credits)
- Creating a Winning Business 1 (alternative core, 15 credits)
- Learning through Work (alternative core, 15 credits)
- Problem Solving: Methods and Analysis (alternative core, 15 credits)
- The Practice of Consultancy (alternative core, 15 credits)
- Artist Management (option, 15 credits)
- Company and Business Law (option, 15 credits)
- Developing Inclusive Organisations (option, 15 credits)
- Field Trip (option, 15 credits)
- Marketing Communications (option, 15 credits)
- Principles of Finance (option, 15 credits)
- Risk and Crisis Management (option, 15 credits)
- Sustainability, Business and Responsibility (option, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include: - Financial Decision Making for Managers (core, 15 credits)
- Leading Innovation (core, 15 credits)
- Practising Business Strategy (with simulation) (core, 15 credits)
- The Practice of Management (core, 15 credits)
- Consultancy Project (alternative core, 30 credits)
- Dissertation (alternative core, 30 credits)
- Creative Media Practice and Music Business Models (option, 15 credits)
- Marketing Communications in Practice (Context Fashion) (option, 15 credits)
- Organising and Managing Across Cultures (option, 15 credits)
- Personal Finance (option, 15 credits)
- Service Excellence for Creative industries (option, 15 credits)
- Social Marketing (option, 15 credits)
- Strategy in Tourism and Travel (option, 15 credits)