What can you do with a business degree?

Not to be confused with business studies, a business degree is a great route to a career in business. There are numerous career options available to graduates with business degrees, in almost every sector.  

What is a business degree?

A business degree is a qualification offered by universities that gives students a general overview of most aspects of running a business, such as accounting, finance, business administration and management. Increasingly, courses also include entrepreneurial skills. Some business degrees specialise in particular areas of business, like marketing or economics, but the broad range of topics covered in a business degree prepares graduates for entering the corporate world at the entry or management level.  

Why is a business degree valuable in the construction industry?

Graduates with business degrees are in demand within construction because the skills they have can be applied to many different industry roles. Business graduates often move into managerial jobs in construction, such as some of the ones listed below. Construction businesses require staff with a wide range of business management skills, so there are always plenty of job opportunities for people with a business management degree.

Business graduate careers

Asset manager

Asset managers manage and monitor a company’s assets. This could include property, money, stocks, shares and bonds, commodities, equities and other financial products. As an asset manager, you aim to maximise the profitability of your company’s assets through inventory analysis and negotiating with suppliers to get the best price. You work to ensure assets improve the income and financial stability of the business.

Business analyst

A business analyst uses data to help companies make better decisions. Business analysts investigate and assess problems, processes and systems by analysing data, helping businesses achieve their goals by creating solutions and planning for the future. They can work on one specific project, or across the business, to help increase efficiencies. Business analysts (also known as process or systems analysts) gather and analyse data to develop potential solutions to organisational challenges.

Business development manager

Business development managers are primarily responsible for driving business growth for a company. They create development plans, forecast sales targets and identify sales opportunities, as well as producing marketing strategies and sales presentations. Much of a business development manager’s time is spent outside the office. They will be meeting customers, attending trade shows and conferences, and trying to win new business.

Construction manager

Without construction managers, building projects would be disorganised, have no structure or plan and would almost certainly not be completed on time and within the agreed budget. Construction managers ensure that work takes place when it should and to the right standard and that sub-contractors and the client have confidence in the way the project is developing.

Depot manager

Also known as a Goods Manager, despatch manager or warehouse manager, a depot manager in the construction industry is responsible for managing building supplies and materials. This includes managing goods coming in and out of depots, warehouses and factories, overseeing depot staff and monitoring stock levels to ensure all requirements and orders can be met.

Human resources manager

Human resources managers develop and implement policies relating to the working practices of their organisation. They recruit new employees and arrange training and other initiatives to help with the career development of staff. HR managers are instrumental in overseeing conditions of employment, contractual terms, pay negotiations and issues relating to equality and diversity.

Logistics manager

Logistics managers, also known as transport managers, are responsible for directing, coordinating, planning and overseeing tasks and operations within an organisation involving transportation activities. They ensure that goods reach their destinations safely, securely and on time and that the legal requirements for road haulage are met, including the maintenance and inspection of vehicles.

Product manager

Product managers work out what products customers want to buy, help businesses to manufacture or source the right products and support selling them. Product managers also provide the product vision and leadership to develop and market products, ensuring they support the company’s strategy and goals. A product manager oversees a product throughout its life cycle. Good negotiation and analytical skills are particularly useful for budding product managers.  

Project manager

Project managers oversee the planning and delivery of projects. They ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. Project managers organise logistics, delegate work and keep track of spending. As a project manager, you would liaise with clients and colleagues to agree on timescales, costs and resources, select and lead a team, communicate progress and resolve issues or delays. 

Risk manager

Risk managers identify and assess possible threats to construction projects. They take into account financial, legal, environmental and reputational risks, plus risks to the workforce and organisation they work for. They work closely with project managers, health and safety teams, human resources and legal teams. Risk managers create policies to protect assets and minimise accidents, mistakes, budget loss or public liability.

Starting your business graduate career

Skills & qualifications

Jobs that require business degrees are usually looking for candidates who have a wide portfolio of business management skills, are good dealing with people and have a strong interest in business development. Business graduate jobs are filled by people who also can demonstrate excellent attention to detail, organise their time well, work effectively under pressure, enjoy the detail of projects and have strong verbal and written communication skills.

Work experience

There are many ways you can gain work experience as part of studying for your business degree.  

Some business degrees will have the option of a one-year work placement, in which you will gain valuable work experience with a company. You will be developing your business skills by working on real projects. The work placement will be credited as part of your degree.  

You could also apply for a work internship with a company. Internships are less formal than placements and can last from a few days to several months, usually but not exclusively, in the summer holidays.  

You could also gain experience by volunteering with a charity or at a university club or society.