7 exciting career opportunities in business management
Thinking of a new career in business management? Navigating career advice when you’ve just completed your studies can be tricky, especially if you aren’t quite sure what you want to do.
A business management qualification is a great pathway to many exciting career opportunities, some of which might not be what you’d typically imagine after studying business (but are exciting nonetheless). Whether you want to improve your current job prospects as a manager or become a successful entrepreneur, here are 7 career opportunities to inspire you to think about what you can do with a business degree.
Jobs and Careers in Business Management
- Business consultant.
- Business analyst.
- Project manager.
- Human resources officer.
- Event manager.
- Operations manager.
- Entrepreneur.
1. Business consultant.
The role of a business consultant is to assess a company’s weaknesses or inefficiencies and recommend solutions. A business consultant for the most part, is a generalist with knowledge and skills in several areas including finance, accounting, management and strategy to come up with a course of action that will improve a company’s performance.
The role requires developing a plan and providing a road map that the company can follow to achieve results. Consultants must also understand the needs of consumers in order to advise companies on how to meet those needs. If you’re someone who enjoys seeing the bigger picture of what it takes to succeed in business, then this is definitely a role to consider.
Average annual salary according to PayScale: $75,580
2. Business analyst.
A business analyst is a specialist whose responsibilities may overlap with a business consultant, however they are expected to have a greater depth and breadth of knowledge in one area. For example, a business analyst might need to handle a specific problem in finance, accounting or IT and will need to utilise specialised skills to handle the problem.
A business analyst is likely to spend more time in a specific area of a company and success is only achieved once the specific problem is overcome. This is a role that suits individuals who enjoy thinking analytically and find reward in solving complex business problems.
Average annual salary according to PayScale: $81,722
3. Project manager.
A project manager is a wide-ranging role that can be adapted to most areas of an organisation. In a nutshell, a project manager typically plans and oversees all aspects of a project, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and summarising the project.
Project managers may work closely with upper management to ensure that each project stays on schedule, as well as manage a team of people since most tasks require many hands on deck. One of the most important aspects of this role is to put together a budget for the project and keep on track with the finances required. This is a role that suits those who are highly organised and enjoy overseeing a project from idea to execution and beyond.
Average annual salary according to PayScale: $98,362
4. Human resources officer.
A business management degree doesn’t necessarily mean you have to work within the confines of business strategy, analysis or operations. If you prefer to work more closely with people, a role in human resources might be right for you. A Human Resources Officer manages the day-to-day operations of the Human Resource team, including the administration of policies, procedures and training programs.
They are responsible for the logistics of recruiting, performance management, employee relations, employee services and counselling, organisation development and more. Their primary objectives are to ensure the safety of the workplace, development of an employee-orientated company culture, development of a strong workforce and ongoing employee development.
Average annual salary according to PayScale: $57,647
5. Event manager.
In the event managing profession, job titles and roles are as diverse as the companies who need them, and responsibilities can vary widely. An event manager is responsible for creating and developing large-scale events including conferences, concerts, conventions, trade shows, festivals and other types of events. Event management involves creating the event concept and planning the logistics such as reserving the venues, obtaining the right permits and hiring the speakers or entertainment.
They are also responsible for the budget and managing the team of people who are also involved in the event. Depending on the scope of the project, an event manager could be spending up to a year or more preparing for an event. If you’re someone with great interpersonal skills and a knack for staying on top of things and multi-tasking this could be a suitable role for you.
Average annual salary according to PayScale: $61,607
6. Operations manager.
An operations manager manages and monitors a team to maximise the efficiency, productivity and profits for a business. Depending on the type of organisation, operations managers may create budgets, examine business forecasts, formulate procedures and systems and analyse financial data to control expenses.
They can also supervise staff and set goals and expectations, checking in regularly to oversee the team’s progress. This is a role best suited to individuals who prefer a well-rounded position that allows them the flexibility to oversee multiple areas of the business.
Average annual salary according to PayScale: $90,714
7. Entrepreneur.
There is no shortage of useful skills to learn as an entrepreneur. Whether you dream of owning your own business, or want to fill any gaps in your knowledge, a business management qualification can give you the skills you need to take your business to the next level. Many first-time business owners or entrepreneurs find that updating their skills and learning the fundamentals of business management puts them in a better position to succeed in a competitive space.
An entrepreneur may wear many hats, but ultimately is an expert at running a business. This career path is suitable for people who consider themselves visionaries or innovators and want to break free from the more constrictive forces of a corporate structure.
Average annual salary for a small business owner according to PayScale: $66,929
Business management careers and courses for everyone
At the end of the day, the careers you can take through business management vary widely and aren’t limited by industry. You can work in virtually any industry including in marketing, retail, media, accounting and more. Interested in studying business? Browse Upskilled’s Administration and Business Courses to learn more and start your career journey today.
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