A business management degree will help you prepare for many different careers in a variety of sectors. It will give you the tools to become a leader, introduce you to many different strategies for financial and business decision-making, and equip you for a wide range of different job roles. In this blog, we will show you lots of different jobs that require the kind of knowledge and skills you gain with a business management degree.
Corporate Management Positions
General Manager
Role and Responsibilities
A general manager (GM) handles a company’s operations at all levels: formulating its strategic goals, managing its budgets, and ensuring its departments meet their objectives. GMs are in charge of steering the company towards growth and productivity. Such professionals converse with those who run different departments to optimise the organisation’s processes.
Skills Required
According to Sparkers, essential skills for a general manager are a strong leadership and business track record, excellent oral, written, and presentation communication skills, the ability to prioritise and make decisions, perform under pressure, and prepare financial projections, all in a fast-paced and ambiguous business environment, often under strict time deadlines.
Operations Manager
Role and Responsibilities
An operations manager is tasked with overseeing a business’s operations to ensure that they run smoothly. Operations managers’ responsibilities include overseeing production processes, ensuring adequate quality, and optimising supply chains. They also design and analyse processes to reduce costs and increase productivity.
Skills Required
As well as a sound, logical way with words, operations managers need to be able to communicate with everyone involved in a project, from workers on the shop floor to members of management or finance, so they should be comfortable working with all manner of people. A good grasp of supply-chain management, along with lean manufacturing techniques, is often helpful, too.
Project Manager
Role and Responsibilities
Project managers (PMs) are responsible for an organisation’s projects. They manage a project from planning and implementation through completion. This includes defining the scope, preparing a detailed project plan, assigning resources, and monitoring progress. They ensure that each project is completed on time, within budget, and with the quality expected by the organisation.
Skills Required
PMs must have a strong context of organisational skills and time management, as well as that of managing people, money, budgets, and resources. Additionally, interpersonal skills, such as communication and negotiation, are essential if coordination with stakeholders and team members is required. Identifying socio-emotional aptitudes should involve asking people whether they ‘feel’ uncomfortable discussing their interpersonal skills when selecting and appraising performers. Finally, much like healthcare professionals, PMs are expected to be proficient in project management software and methodologies (e.g., Agile or Scrum).
Financial Management Roles
Financial Analyst
Role and Responsibilities
A financial analyst is someone who analyses financial data in order to help organisations make better decisions about their business. A financial analyst prepares financial reports, forecasts of future performance, financial planning, and investments that can have a positive impact on the company and can also take part in business decisions. Financial analysts work primarily with budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.
Skills Required
As a financial analyst, you must be truly skilled at analysing and interpreting financial data, finance modelling, understanding research and financial software, and working with Excel. Strong communication skills are needed to interpret senior management’s data and create graphs and charts for presentations.
Financial Manager
Role and Responsibilities
Financial manager and coordinate an organisation’s financial activities. The social manager directs investment in Andes as well as develops the organisation’s capital structure, working with financial markets to raise capital so that a more secure and financially solid position can be attained; the work manager’s work focuses on an organisation’s financial aspects. Financial managers make decisions about capital structure, mergers, acquisitions, and dividends and ensure compliance with various financial regulations. This work allocates the organisation’s financial resources and instruments to achieve its objectives.
Skills Required
Essential skills you need to succeed as a financial manager are advanced analytical and strategic-thinking skills, as well as the ability to master financial planning and analysis. Leadership skills are required to manage finance personnel, while a good grasp of financial regulations and compliance is essential. In addition, to communicate with executives and stakeholders, you will need effective communication skills.
Budget Analyst
Role and Responsibilities
Budget analysts work with organisations to establish budgets, ensure that they are appropriate for the organisation, and analyse and track them. This includes preparing financial requests for review, forecasting future organisational and budgetary requirements, and comparing budget estimates to organisational goals. Budget analysts also work with department heads to help ensure that organisations utilise their funds in appropriate ways.
Skills Required
Budget analysts must have a love of numbers and be precise and methodical. They must have good skills in spreadsheet and budgeting software, as well as the ability to analyse and interpret financial results. Most importantly, they must be able to use narrative skills to explain recommendations in a clear and effective manner to other departments. Problem-solving skills are also necessary to resolve the odd mistakes found in the budget and to cope with any other financial challenges that arise.
Marketing and Sales Positions
Marketing Manager
Role and Responsibilities
Marketing managers research and implement marketing strategies to promote a company’s products or services and create brand awareness for the target audience. Their tasks include analysing market data, running advertising campaigns, and managing marketing budgets. Marketing managers aim to meet sales quotas by implementing quality marketing campaigns for target audiences.
Skills Required
These include being creative, innovative, strategic, and thoroughly familiar with the latest theories on marketing and its tools, specifically digital. Other skills include the ability to analyse data and interpret results from marketing research, track the success of marketing campaigns, communicate effectively, and lead marketing staff to gel as a high-performing team.
Sales Manager
Role and Responsibilities
The main duties of a sales manager are to supervise a company’s sales team. He or she is responsible for creating sales targets, devising sales strategies, and keeping track of performance. Sales managers have to raise the company’s revenue by identifying new sales opportunities and improving long-term relationships with clients. Moreover, sales managers go through clients’ incoming inquiries to give answers and provide guidance on a product or service.
On the other hand, sales managers work on sales force training to help their sales force reach their goals.
One of the most interesting points on this topic is that a sales manager must remain in constant contact with their clients to maintain mutual trust and cooperation whenever a sales opportunity presents itself.
Skills Required
Sales managers should be good at leadership, inspiring their team members to put in their best efforts, being motivational, and continuously striving for the best for the customers they serve. They should also communicate, interact smoothly with customers, understand their needs, and negotiate the prices of the merchandise that they sell.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving are important for this. Additionally, excellent salespeople should be proficient in numbers, namely, have a good understanding of sales metrics and knowledge of CRM software for pricing and stock-keeping.
Market Research Analyst
Role and Responsibilities
Market research analysts collect and analyse information on customer demands, market factors, and competitors. Their role is to carry out surveys, focus groups, and data analysis in order to provide supporting news-like information and insights for marketing strategy and decision-making processes. In short, they help businesses reveal market dynamics and opportunities for development.
Skills Required
Our results suggest that strong analytical and research skills, along with knowledge of statistical analysis software (such as SPSS) and data visualisation software (such as Power BI), are critical. We also identified good attention to detail and critical thinking skills as keys for accurately interpreting and analysing complex ‘messy’ data, for example, structuring data in a meaningful way so as to allow for sound generalisations rather than just presentation. Effective communication skills are also important for conveying findings to stakeholders, either in text format or through oral communication. While market research is not part of the job description, familiarity with market research methodologies and techniques is likely to have at least some bearing on preparing for this job.
Human Resources and Talent Management
Human Resources Manager
Role and Responsibilities
HR managers are responsible for ensuring that employees within an organisation have been recruited and trained to competent standards. They are also responsible for their employees’ welfare. HR managers combine the details of HR policies, take care of employee relations, ensure compliance with labour laws, provide employees with performance evaluations, promotions, and grievance handling, and contribute to the success of the organisation.
Skills Required
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: With frequent conflict resolution being part of the managerial duty, HR managers need to build sound relationships with employees from top to bottom and listen to what they have to say.
Organisational abilities and attention to detail: Employee records and compliance are equally important, and HR managers should be able to handle them with precision.
Strategic mindset: HR managers must ensure that the department’s HR practices sync with those of the business.
Proficiency with HR software: HR software is mandatory in most companies, and the manager needs to be well-versed in the different tools available, such as recruitment software, performance management software, reward management software, learning and development software, etc.
Training and Development Manager
Role and Responsibilities
Training and development managers design, deliver, and manage training programmes for organisations. Their primary duty revolves around planning and organising training programmes. They analyse an organisation’s training needs, and afterwards, the curriculum is developed and implemented. Overall, their primary role is to improve employee skills and knowledge to deliver enhanced performance.
Skills Required
Communication and presentation skills are key to training and development managers delivering training on specific topics in the most effective way possible. Organisational skills allow managers to keep track of training sessions both in the present (by managing schedules and timetables) and in the future (by preparing documentation and materials). These managers must have analytical skills, enabling them to assess training needs and outcomes. Finally, creative ability and problem-solving skills are crucial to the design of training programmes that can keep an audience engaged and, hopefully, learning.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Role and Responsibilities
Compensation and Benefits Managers plan, implement, and administer employee compensation and benefits programmes. Their job involves conducting market analysis to keep salary structures competitive, administering benefits plans, and managing payroll programmes. They are responsible for attracting and retaining employees with competitive compensation packages.
Skills Required
Compensation and Benefits Managers are expected to have strong analytical and quantitative skills so they can develop and manage compensation structures and understand compensation and benefits legislation and regulations. In addition to strong numeracy, pay and benefits managers have to be able to pay close attention to detail and organise information in a logical way to manage employees’ benefits programmes. They must also have the verbal and written communication skills needed to explain company compensation policies to workers.
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Entrepreneur
Role and Responsibilities
Entrepreneurs identify business opportunities, write business plans, and create ventures. They are also responsible for product development, marketing, finance, and operations. Stakeholders have different requirements for entrepreneurs. They want entrepreneurs to be flexible and determined, able to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of a prosperous business.
Skills Required
Skills necessary for an entrepreneur include creativity and innovation, which are needed to come up with business designs. Being a successful entrepreneur requires very strong strategic planning and decision-making skills. Because a business has to go through all kinds of hardships on its way to success, financial literacy is essential for entrepreneurs to be able to create a budget and find ways of raising funds. Strong leadership and communication skills are also essential, as without an outgoing, enthusiastic team leader who is able to communicate a vision of how things can be, even the best product will fail.
Small Business Owner
Role and Responsibilities
As small business owners, we undertake all tasks in the day-to-day operations of our businesses, from staffing, marketing, customer service, supplier relationships, financial management, and every aspect of running the business. We are part of every facet of our businesses. We are ‘hands-on from the bone’. Small business owners are proactive in managing challenges and opportunities. They are part of the pulse of the business. They are intrinsic to the fabric of business operations.
Skills Required
Strong multitasking abilities would be required for small business owners to juggle numerous responsibilities. At the same time, good time-keeping skills are necessary to ensure punctuality for appointments. Financial management is needed for budgeting and planning financial matters. Outstanding customer service skills would help small business owners obtain and retain more customers. In addition, problem-solving skills and the ability to cope with pressure would help them deal with ups and downs in the business.
Business Consultant
Role and Responsibilities
Business consultants analyse a business, identify problems, and propose solutions to improve performance and reach clients’ goals. They improve and add value to a business by implementing change through specialised expertise and experience.
Skills Required
Responsible for diagnosing business problems and generating solutions, business consultants need expert analytical and problem-solving talents, strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with clients and present recommendations, effective project management skills to oversee the implementation of changes, and specific industry expertise to provide applicable business advice.
Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Supply Chain Manager
Role and Responsibilities
Supply chain managers manage the flow of products through the various processes of the supply chain. They oversee the procurement of raw materials, stock control, production planning and procedures, as well as the distribution, delivery, and strategy for moving products to their final destination. Supply Chain Managers work to reduce costs, help the company achieve its goals, and fulfil its ambitions. They might do this by optimising efficiency, keeping cost margins as lean as possible, and maintaining the same standard of product quality.
Skills Required
Supply chain managers need excellent analytical skills to measure performance and develop opportunities for improvement. Strong organisational and planning skills are essential for managing complex logistics. They also need strong communication skills for negotiating with suppliers and coordinating with various departments. Knowledge of supply chain software and technology is also vital.
Logistics Manager
Role and Responsibilities
Logistics managers coordinate the transportation, storage, and distribution of products. Logistics managers plan and coordinate logistic operations to help ensure that products arrive on time and in the proper condition. Logistics managers account for logistics budgets and try to improve logistical processes and systems.
Skills Required
An important part of the job of a logistics manager, therefore, is the ability to organise their priorities to be able to work in such a way. Above all, skills related to the planning process matter in the logistics discipline; this can be seen in one of the most important job responsibilities, which is the optimisation of routes for improving efficiency or the problem-solving skills necessary to overcome logistical barriers. The third skill set is necessary for interaction with various business partners, such as suppliers, transport companies, and internal logistics operations teams, focusing on the element of communication.
Inventory Control Manager
Role and Responsibilities
An inventory control manager is expected to control a company’s inventory levels so that it can fulfil various production and sales obligations without accumulating excess inventory. Among their duties are maintaining inventory control systems, carrying out inventory audits, and analysing data related to inventory to arrive at optimal decisions.
Skills Required
Subsequently, inventory control managers are required to possess robust analytical skills for the continuous monitoring of inventory levels and demand forecasting, in addition to the importance placed on attention to detail, given the fundamental function of inventory records. Moreover, a team-working outlook is valued with reference to the organisational skills needed to manage inventory systems and processes (exceptional communication, in particular, being fundamental for collaboration with suppliers and internal departments alike).
Nonprofit and Government Roles
Non-profit Manager
Role and Responsibilities
Non-profit managers run the show at non-profit organisations, including labour unions, social service providers, and advocacy organisations. Their role involves staying on top of strategic and operational goals, fundraising, developing programmes, developing annual budgets, hiring staff, creating evaluation plans, staying up-to-date on grant opportunities, and engaging donors, volunteers, and community partners to support their activities and mission.
Skills Required
What subjects would non-profit managers need to take? In order to lead an organisation that has employees and projects with lots of moving parts, a non-profit manager needs to be a good leader with strong organisational skills. He or she also has to be good at selling and securing large sums of money via fundraising and grant writing. S/he has to be a good communicator in written and verbal form since this will enable her/him to network and engage effectively with all the stakeholders of the organisation. Strategic planning and financial management to ensure sustainability are also important skills.
Government Administrator
Role and Responsibilities
Government administrators supervise public programmes and services to ensure that they operate efficiently and effectively. They oversee budgets, implement policies, and allocate public resources. Government administrators work with elected officials, civil servants, and citizens to meet public needs, evaluate programmes, and improve services.
Skills Required
Analytical and Decision-Making Skills: Government administrators must be able to analyse data and develop policies that best meet the needs of the community. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Government administrators must be able to negotiate with different stakeholders, which requires excellent written and verbal communication skills. Organisational and Project Management Skills: Since government administrators are usually responsible for coordinating programmes and services, organisational and project management skills are essential. Knowledge of Public Administration: Public servants must be familiar with the rules and policies that govern how the government functions. Knowledge of the principles of regulatory compliance is also an important aspect.
Programme Manager
Role and Responsibilities
Programme managers are responsible for leading specific programmes and projects in the non-profit and government sectors. They plan, implement, and monitor a programme’s activities to achieve desired results and meet objectives. Specific day-to-day responsibilities of a programme manager include managing budgets, coordinating with various stakeholders, and reporting on the programme.
Skills Required
Programme managers need strong programme management skills to oversee the running of the programme from start to finish. Such a job requires a good understanding of metrics and data analytics to monitor and evaluate the programme outcome and make good decisions based on the evidence of the collected data. Clearly, programme managers also need the very best communication skills and interpersonal skills to deal with stakeholders and team members. Lastly, OE staff need to be highly resilient, capable of coping with international relocations and new language challenges, and able to adapt to and cope with new experiences and environments. How would you describe your ideal overseas employee based on the given criteria?
Technology and Information Systems
IT Manager
Role and Responsibilities
An IT manager manages the information technology infrastructure and operations of an organisation. They must manage IT teams, make sure that the organisation’s network and data systems are secured, decide on and implement new technological solutions that can improve the organisation’s business process and performance, and develop IT policies and guidelines to make sure that all IT objectives are met. IT managers are also responsible for the budget, and, very importantly, they need to liaise with other departments and business units in order to understand and plan for their technological needs.
Skills Required
As an IT manager, you should have excellent technical skills and deep knowledge of IT systems, networks, software, and so forth. You must also have great leadership and management capabilities to supervise IT personnel in charge of various tasks, as well as team-leading and project management skills. You should have good problem-solving skills as well as analytical abilities, as you would have to identify problems and come up with creative techniques to solve them. You should also have excellent communication skills to deal with non-technical stakeholders.
Business Analyst
Role and Responsibilities
Business analysts are a connective tissue between IT and the day-to-day goings-on of a firm. They analyse the existing processes and systems of an organisation, improve them, and recommend and present solutions to make business operations efficient and effective. They interview subject-matter experts, determine the functional and non-functional requirements of a system, conduct market and competitor research, define stakeholders and conduct interviews with them, and advise business leaders about the likely impact and consequences of changes.
Skills Required
Business analysts need good analytical and critical thinking skills to analyse business needs and create solutions. Communication skills and interpersonal skills are essential for liaising with stakeholders, while project management skills are needed to manage the implementation. Knowledge about business processes and IT systems is important.
Systems Analyst
Role and Responsibilities
Systems analysts study an organisation’s computer processes and systems and aim to improve them. They analyse user requirements, design systems to address those requirements, and set up system changes in collaboration with developers. Systems analysts ensure the functionality and efficiency of IT systems while aligning them with business needs.
Skills Required
Systems analysts will need to be analytical in assessing and designing IT systems capable of solving the whole problem; technically able to establish the exact nature of the system requirements; problem solvers to identify the root cause of system problems; good communicators when dealing with users and with IT functions; and knowledgeable in the field of software development processes and systems integration.
Education and Academia
Business Teacher/Professor
Role and Responsibilities
A business teacher and professor teach students about different business subjects such as management, finance, marketing, and economics. They create course curricula, deliver lessons, conduct workshops and seminars, and help students analyse their performance. Business teachers and professors are also involved in researching their fields of interest and publishing publications.
Skills Required
Specialised subject matter expertise and qualifications are needed for business teachers and professors. Strong communication skills and teaching abilities are also essential. Organisational skills and the ability to manage time are needed to balance the responsibilities of teaching, research, and administration. Critical thinking skills and research abilities are important, too.
Academic Administrator
Role and Responsibilities
Academic administrators organise and manage the general administration of higher education establishments. They also act as directors of study programmes and coordinate with faculty and staff across the institution. They are responsible for the budget, overall strategy, and student services.
Skills Required
Academic administrators must be good leaders and organisers to manage academic departments and programmes. Effective communication skills are also essential to working with faculty, staff, and students. Strategic planning and financial management skills are needed to manage the institution and external relationships. Leadership and management play a crucial role in delivering a good educational experience and the overall success of the institution. This might involve finding an influential donor or attracting researchers and faculty. Educational policies and accreditation standards need to be understood to run an academic department.
Career Counsellor
Role and Responsibilities
Career counsellors help students and professionals plan their careers and develop various skills required for their lifetime career development. They are involved in providing counselling regarding educational and career options. They also conduct aptitude, personality, and other necessary assessments.
Furthermore, career counsellors assist clients and other individuals in searching for jobs and preparing strategies to seize the desired opportunities in the job market. They also help people formulate their career goals.
Skills Required
Career counsellors need excellent interpersonal and communication skills to help clients and to advise them about skills assessments. They need a broad knowledge of career development and counselling theories. They must be able to use counselling techniques and analyse assessment results to provide appropriate advice based on the client’s personal choices. They also need very good organisational skills to manage the caseload, allocate time and resources, and maintain the office or programme.
Conclusion
A business management degree provides quite a wide set of career choices in a number of areas, including corporate management, the finance industry, marketing, human resources, non-profit management, technology, education, and so many others. Get a business management degree, and you will gain a wide set of transferable skills, giving you a good advantage in getting your next job. Most industries will value someone with a business management degree and their flexibility.