Business, consulting and management jobs

Graduates looking for business, management or consulting jobs will find options across most sectors, including roles with environment, finance, healthcare and retail organisations. Explore these popular business careers and get an idea of what's on offer

It's highly likely that you'll need a degree or similar qualification to climb the ranks in this sector - the highest paying business, consultancy and management jobs are offered at graduate level.

The range of jobs you can get with a business-related degree is certainly much broader than if you're entering the job market without one. You may be able to work your way up without a degree working for a small business, but you'll need extensive experience to progress.

Business adviser

You'll provide information, support, coaching, advice and guidance to individuals looking to start a business through to supporting established organisations.

Many business advisers are graduates from a variety of disciplines who started out in a professional and financial service such as HR, recruitment, marketing, accountancy, finance or banking. Many have worked in industry and have run their own businesses.

Learn more about the role of a business adviser.

Business analyst

In this typically IT-focused business job you'll work with an organisation to manage, change and plan for the future in line with their goals, either for specific projects or on a more permanent basis. You'll create solutions to their problems, typically in relation to information and software systems.

You'll need excellent communication skills, the ability to motivate others and lead change and a related degree in a subject such as information systems.

Find out more about what's involved in becoming a business analyst.

Business development manager

Concerned with improving and growing a business, you'll foster and develop relationships with customers, suppliers and other partners. You may work to improve profitability or to enhance the operation of the business, position or reputation in some way.

To be successful, you'll need tenacity, excellent communication skills, initiative, good networking skills and the ability to think strategically.

Discover what else you'll need to become a business development manager.

Economist

You'll use theories and knowledge to provide specialist advice, by studying data and statistics and uncovering trends. You'll carry out research and collect large amounts of information, which will then be used to assess feasibility, produce forecasts of economic trends, determine the implications of your findings and recommend ways to improve efficiency.

Entry is possible with a degree in economics, or a joint degree.

Find out what you could earn as an economist.

Environmental consultant

Not all consultancy jobs confine you to a desk. To become an environmental consultant you'll need an honours degree in environmental science, environmental management, geology or hydrogeology. You'll also need sound business skills and commercial awareness.

You'll work with organisations on a range of environmental issues, offering expert advisory and assessment services to your clients with the aim of minimising or eliminating environmental damage.

Read up on becoming an environmental consultant and discover how to get an environmental job.

Ergonomist

By scientifically studying the relationship between people, environments and equipment, ergonomists use their findings to improve human interaction with processes and systems.

You'll need good numeracy and problem-solving skills, the ability to understand technical concepts and an interest in people's behaviour in different situations.

You'll also need an undergraduate or Masters degree in ergonomics/human factors, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).

Consider what it's like to work as an ergonomist.

Health service manager

Working in either an NHS (National Health Service) or private healthcare setting, you'll manage the cost, delivery and quality of healthcare services. You'll work with both clinical and non-clinical staff, as well as other partner organisations, while considering the demands of policy and local circumstances.

As a graduate with a minimum 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in any subject, you can apply to the fast-track NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS).

Gain an insight into the role of a health service manager.

Hotel manager

In this management position you'll be responsible for the day-to-day management of a hotel and its staff, as well as holding commercial accountability for budgeting and financial management. You'll plan, organise and direct hotel services, including front-of-house, food and beverage operations and housekeeping. In larger hotels you'll often have a specific remit, such as guest services, accounting or marketing.

Read more about the role of a hotel manager and discover 6 reasons to get into hotel management.

Internal auditor

Working in the public sector, for private companies or accountancy firms, you'll provide an independent guarantee that an organisation's risk management, governance and control processes are operating effectively.

While open to all graduates, a degree, HND or foundation degree in accounting and finance, economics or IT may be beneficial.

Discover how to become an internal auditor.

Management consultant

Helping organisations to solve issues, create value, maximise growth and improve business performance, you'll use your business skills to provide objective advice and expertise, and highlight any specialist skills it may be lacking.

Business management consultancy is open to graduates from any degree discipline, but a degree that is numerical or analytical may give you an advantage.

Read more about the responsibilities of a management consultant.

Office manager

Also known as business, administrative or operations managers, office managers are responsible for organising the administrative activities that facilitate the smooth running of an office.

To carry out your duties you'll need excellent organisations skills, strong IT knowledge, the ability to prioritise, teamworking skills, plus interpersonal and communication skills such as speaking, listening and writing.

For further information, see office manager.

Product manager

Opportunities are available with any company that makes a product, whether technical, financial or manufactured.

You'll ensure that the product is being made as efficiently as possible and that the people working on it have access to the latest technologies and techniques. You're also responsible for the life cycle of the product - ensuring that the roadmap is followed, and features are being released on time.

Learn more about a career as a product manager.

Project manager

You're responsible for completing the project work in line with the plan, so you'll need to track work to be completed, set deadlines and delegate tasks to your project team, identifying any potential risks.

You can get into project management with a degree in any subject. However, studying project or business management will provide practical knowledge about the commercial aspects of projects.

Find out more about the role of a project manager and discover how to become a project manager.

Retail manager

Aiming to maximise profits while minimising costs, retail managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of stores or departments. You'll ensure promotions are run according to the company's standards and make sure that staff work towards targets.

Although open to all graduates, an HND or degree in business studies, fashion management, marketing, and retail management may increase your chances.

Gain an insight into the role of a retail manager and discover 6 questions to ask in a retail management interview.

Risk manager

Working to advise organisations on potential risks to the profitability or existence of the company, you'll identify and assess threats, put plans in place if things go wrong and decide how to avoid, reduce or transfer risks.

Technical acumen, decision-making and problem-solving ability, planning and organisational skills, commercial awareness and the ability to understand broad business issues are essential to the role.

Discover what it takes to become a risk manager.

Sustainability consultant

You'll help companies and businesses become more socially and environmentally responsible in how they operate. Your duties will involve evaluating the impact a company is having on the environment and then minimising that impact or planning the use of limited resources.

While you don't always need a degree, most sustainability consultants have one.

Learn more about the role of a sustainability consultant.

Find out more

• Explore 7 skills for a successful management career.
• Consider studying a management course.
• Read about consulting graduate schemes.