Want a job in business? Making the most of your university days can help you get ahead
How do you get a job in business? Well, we could say it depends on the business.
But there are core skills that all businesses look for, and your time at university - whether you’re studying at undergrad or postgrad level - is the perfect time to learn and develop those.
Central to that learning is your course. At a good business school you’ll be getting your hands dirty with real-world business challenges - both in the lecture theatre and potentially in the workplace itself. But your wider university life will also teach you lots about business and the careers available.
Of course, going to university isn’t the only way to get started in business. But if it’s your chosen route, you’ll find a business degree presents some unique opportunities to get your foot on the ladder.
Making the most of your course
A good business programme will cover things like finance, management theory and marketing. Some courses are accredited by professional bodies, which means they're recognised by the industry as giving grads relevant business skills – always useful.
A solid degree will also show you what all the theory means in the real world. BangHyun Son studied MSc Business with Marketing. During his course, he would regularly work on the challenges faced by real-world businesses, to see how they might be solved in real life.
“I once designed a marketing mix strategy for a camera brand. During that time I had the chance to apply the academic theories that I learnt from marketing-related modules to a real-world case,” he says. “This is a great way to develop analytical skills.”
You’ll probably find this kind of real-world exposure is offered by your university in other ways, too. Employer events, careers fairs, skills sessions and networking opportunities are typically organised for students throughout the year. These are particularly common in the autumn term, when many corporate employers are recruiting for the following summer’s intake.
Build your extra-curricular experience
A business qualification alone won't necessarily be enough to get you hired, though. The extra things you do at uni count too, so throw yourself at student life.
Employers love to meet candidates who played sports, joined societies, volunteered, played in bands...it all shows that you're interested in the world and the people in it, and helps build confidence and communication skills.
Any experiences, which will essentially improve your ‘soft skills’ - such as team work, communication, organisation, leadership and problem-solving - are great to include on a CV. These are skills many employers are looking for.
Get out in the workplace
Nothing will teach you more about business than actually doing it, which is where work experience, internships and summer placements come in. It looks sweet on a CV, too, so don't skip it.
Alejandra Yanes completed an investment banking internship during her BSc International Management course. She’s now working as a global investment banking analyst at RBC Capital Markets.
“I would definitely recommend gaining an internship during your studies,” she says. “It is not only a fantastic opportunity to increase your knowledge and skills, but is also a way of networking with incredible professionals who can guide you in your career path.”
A good way to land a placement is to talk to any employers who come in to speak to you at uni and ask about opportunities, or for some tips. Don't worry, they'll be expecting this, and it shows initiative.
Use your university’s careers support
Of course, it's all well and good having the skills, the experience and the idea for an app that will make Mark Zuckerberg weep bitter tears of sadness, but if you can't get in front of employers, it's all a bit wasted. Happily, unis are increasingly experienced at advising students on their next steps, so see what's on offer.
You should expect your university to be able to help you with choosing a career path, as well as providing support in researching your preferred companies and making a good application.
“You should also get help preparing for interviews and assessment centres,” says Davina Noonan, careers coach. “We run a series of workshops called Careers Step by Step which covers everything from deciding what job you want to do all the way through to assessment centres and final interviews.”
And don’t leave all this until your last few weeks at university. Employers are now starting to tap in to students at a very early stage during their degree course. Spring weeks and insight programmes are becoming increasingly popular, and open to first or second year students.
They're opportunities that can act as a springboard to being offered a placement or internship with a company for the following year.
Or they might simply help you decide whether a certain company or industry type is the right fit for you.
Get to work
We'll let the employers have the last word. What do they look for?
“We have had great results with graduates who have had varied experiences gained during degree modules, which are then transferable to a real business environment,” says Emma Bailey, head of operations at retail consultancy firm Summit.
All the little things that matter during your degree - attention to detail, appropriate research and considered responses – count for a lot at interview, and at work.
But ultimately it's not just about the qualifications: getting a job in business is also about you. “We always look for the same things in students,” says Emma. “Enthusiasm, attitude and the ability to articulate themselves well.”
Our partnership with Lancaster University Management School
Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) is one of the longest-established business schools in the UK and home to a thriving and truly international community.
We are a triple-accredited research-intensive business school that combines world-class research with excellent teaching and high levels of student satisfaction. We welcome students and staff from more than 180 countries and have a presence in 24 countries, including campuses in China, Germany, Ghana and Malaysia.
We challenge and support our creative staff, students and partners to realise their ambitions as they experience a transformational journey that leads to real impact on whole industries, societies and economies.
Lancaster University is among the best in the UK, and has been the top university in the northwest of England for more than a decade.
To find out more, visit the Lancaster University Management School website.