The University of Law runs through a handful of potential roles for business graduates
A business degree can provide a solid foundation for your future career, opening doors to a wide range of graduate jobs. From sales and finance to data analysis, tech and sustainability roles, the variety of opportunities might surprise you.
We spoke to Ben Osborne, employability business development manager at The University of Law Business School, to learn more about the career paths that business students could consider – and get a few top tips on how to boost your employability before you even graduate.
Management consulting
This is a popular employment option for students with a business degree, as they “often develop strong analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills,” says Ben.
These all come in useful as “management consultants work with organisations to solve complex business problems, improve efficiency, and provide strategic advice,” Ben comments.
Furthermore, Ben explains, “a business background is valuable in understanding organisational dynamics, market trends and financial considerations.”
Financial services
The financial services industry covers jobs in banking, investment management or financial analysis.
Business graduates are well suited to this industry, Ben explains, because the degree’s curriculum would “typically cover financial principles, accounting and investment strategies – equipping graduates to work in roles such as financial analysts, investment bankers or financial advisers.”
Marketing and advertising
Business graduates with a creative streak might be drawn to working in marketing and advertising, coming up with attention-grabbing campaigns for clients.
“Business graduates with a focus on marketing can pursue careers in advertising agencies, digital marketing firms, or corporate marketing departments,” says Ben.
They’ll be well suited to this kind of role because “their understanding of market research, consumer behaviour and strategic planning is crucial in creating effective marketing campaigns.”
Human resources
If people are your passion, you could consider a career in HR. “Business graduates often learn about organisational behaviour, leadership and interpersonal skills,” explains Ben.
“These skills are valuable in HR roles, where professionals are responsible for recruiting, training and managing personnel. Business graduates can excel in areas such as talent acquisition, employee relations and organisational development,” Ben continues.
Entrepreneurship
If you’d prefer to work for yourself, you could consider entrepreneurship. “Many business graduates choose to start their own businesses,” shares Ben.
A business degree will set you up well to run your own company, as “the coursework often covers entrepreneurship, business planning, and innovation. The ability to analyse markets, develop business plans and understand financial implications are crucial for entrepreneurs,” Ben says.
Sales and business development
“Business graduates often possess strong communication and negotiation skills,” says Ben.
If this is where your strengths lie, you could consider a career in sales or business development. “These skills make students good at building relationships with clients, identifying opportunities and contributing to revenue growth,” Ben explains.
Corporate finance
Students who have a head for numbers might opt to take a business degree with a concentration in finance.
This could make them well-suited to working for a corporate finance department. In terms of their day-to-day work, “they may be involved in financial planning, budgeting and decision-making processes within organisations,” says Ben.
Data analysis and business intelligence
These fields could be a particularly timely choice for students who’ve taken a business degree.
“With the rise of big data, business graduates with strong analytical and quantitative skills can excel in roles related to data analysis and business intelligence,” says Ben, adding that they can bring particular value by “helping organisations make informed decisions based on data-driven insights.”
Less obvious career paths
The beauty of a business degree is its flexibility. Since it provides students with a range of transferable skills, there’s almost no limit to the types of jobs that graduates of the degree could excel in.
“Business degrees provide a broad skill set that can be applied to various fields. With a business degree the opportunities to move into non-traditional roles are endless,” says Ben.
“These less obvious career paths showcase the adaptability of a business degree, allowing graduates to apply their skills in a wide range of industries and roles beyond the traditional business sectors. The ability to analyse, strategise and innovate is valuable across diverse professional landscapes,” he adds.
And keeping an open mind about your future career could benefit you in the long run. “Business degrees offer versatility, and your interests may evolve during your academic journey. Be open to exploring different opportunities,” comments Ben.
To take one example, graduates could work as environmental sustainability consultants. “As businesses increasingly focus on sustainability, there is a growing demand for professionals who can guide organisations in adopting environmentally friendly practice,” says Ben.
E-commerce specialist is another less expected route. “With the rise of online businesses, e-commerce specialists are in demand. Business graduates can use their understanding of markets, consumer behaviour and supply chain management to optimise online sales channels, enhance customer experiences and drive digital business growth,” Ben comments.
As business students hone their analytical skills, they become well suited to analytical roles. Ben explains that, “business graduates can work in government or non-profit organisations as policy analysts. Their analytical and strategic thinking skills can be valuable.”
And for those with a particular passion for tech, Ben highlights “the field of technology commercialisation, where business graduates help bridge the gap between research and marketable products. They evaluate the commercial potential of new technologies, develop business plans and facilitate the transition from research to market.”
Additionally, “as artificial intelligence (AI) technologies advance, there is a growing need for professionals who can address ethical considerations,” comments Ben.
Transferable skills
A business degree is hugely valuable for the range of transferable skills it equips students with. These “contribute to a graduate’s ability to navigate complex challenges and thrive in different professional environments, across various industries and professions,” shares Ben.
Ben lists a number of the key transferable skills that business students can expect to develop during their course:
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analytical skills
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communication skills
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problem-solving abilities
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strategic thinking
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teamwork and collaboration
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leadership skills
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time management
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adaptability and flexibility
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ethical decision-making
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financial literacy
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negotiation skills
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customer focus
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technology proficiency
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a global perspective.
“These transferable skills make business graduates well-rounded professionals capable of contributing to diverse industries and adapting to evolving professional landscapes. The versatility of these skills allows graduates to pursue various career paths and thrive in different organisational contexts,” Ben comments.
Enhancing your employability
Once you’ve started your degree, there are plenty of things you can do to boost your employability even further and really prepare yourself for a successful future career.
For starters, Ben recommends exploring different areas within business through the various modules available on your degree.
“Business degrees often offer various specialisations such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship and management. Explore these to find what aligns with your interests and career goals,” Ben says.
Next up, make the most of any networking events you're invited to as a student. “Attend networking events, workshops and industry conferences. Building a professional network can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship and valuable insights,” says Ben.
It’s also worth making sure you’re up to date on your sector, staying informed on “industry news, trends, innovations and technological trends relevant to the business world to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions,” Ben advises.
Don’t underestimate the importance of developing soft skills, such as communication, teamwork and leadership. “These skills are essential in the workplace and can set you apart in job interviews and collaborative work environments,” says Ben.
And when you do face setbacks, try to turn them into a positive if you can. “Embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth,” advises Ben. “A growth mindset allows you to learn from experiences, adapt to changes and continuously improve your skills,” Ben adds.
Finally, Ben shares, it’s ultimately all down to you: “Remember that a business degree provides a solid foundation, but your success will also depend on your proactive approach to learning, networking and gaining practical experience.”
Our partnership with The University of Law
The Student Room is proud to work with The University of Law as the official partner of our law hub, where current and future law students can find the advice and guidance they need.
The University of Law welcomes intelligent, ambitious students interested in the world around them; people who question systems, procedures and behaviours, and are not afraid to challenge convention.
Study at The University of Law and you’ll be equipped with the professional knowledge you need to excel in your chosen career, and supported by an award-winning employability service to help you get there.
