What can you do with Business?

Care home managers are responsible for budgeting, agreeing contracts, fundraising, and monitoring business performance. They run a care home much like running a business, needing to balance financial sustainability with quality of service.

Chief inspectors manage budgets, allocate resources, and oversee staff performance across their teams – all core management tasks. Planning operations effectively requires the same strategic thinking and organisational skills taught in business studies.

Civil Service managers lead teams, manage contracts, plan resources, and oversee projects – all of which draw on business management skills. Understanding organisational structures, strategic planning, and stakeholder management is central to the role.

Company secretaries work at the heart of how organisations are run, dealing with corporate governance, board meetings, and strategic decision-making. They need to understand how businesses are structured, how shares and dividends work, and how companies report their performance.

Construction contracts managers use business management skills to oversee budgets, manage timescales, and coordinate teams of contractors and suppliers. Understanding how organisations operate, how to manage resources, and how to negotiate effectively is central to the role.

Construction managers are responsible for hiring staff, managing budgets, organising schedules, and reporting to clients – all core business management tasks. They need to understand how projects are planned and resourced to deliver them on time and within budget.

Digital delivery managers plan projects, manage budgets, and build relationships with stakeholders and senior managers. Understanding how organisations operate, how to allocate resources, and how to manage teams effectively is central to their day-to-day work.

Digital product owners develop business cases for new features, manage stakeholder relationships, and make strategic decisions about what to build next. Understanding business models, market analysis, and how organisations create value is central to prioritising what matters most for customers and the company.

E-commerce managers need a strong understanding of business strategy, brand management, and how companies operate. They manage budgets, research competitors, and develop plans to grow online sales – all core business skills.

Economists advise businesses and financial institutions on commercial decisions, market conditions, and investment strategies. Understanding how organisations operate, compete, and make strategic decisions is central to much of their work.

Executive assistants need a strong understanding of how organisations work, including business operations, strategy, and management structures. They support senior leaders with decision-making and project management, so knowing how businesses function helps them anticipate needs and contribute effectively.

Financial advisers negotiate with product providers, meet sales targets, and manage client relationships – all core business skills. Many also run their own advisory firms, so understanding how to manage and grow a business is directly relevant.

GP practice managers run the business side of a doctors' surgery, including managing budgets, meeting financial targets, and overseeing day-to-day operations. Understanding business planning, financial management, and organisational strategy is central to keeping a practice running smoothly.

Headteachers manage school budgets, oversee staffing, and make strategic decisions about how resources are allocated. They essentially run a large organisation, so understanding financial planning, leadership, and organisational management is directly relevant.

Health service managers set and manage budgets, oversee recruitment, and make strategic decisions about how services are run. Understanding business management concepts like organisational structure, financial planning, and leadership is central to their daily work.

Hotel managers manage budgets, set sales targets, forecast income, and oversee the overall commercial performance of the hotel. Understanding business planning, marketing, and financial management is central to running a profitable hospitality operation.

Insurance account managers develop business accounts, pitch to new clients, and work towards sales targets. Understanding how businesses operate, how markets work, and how to build commercial relationships is central to this role.

Insurance brokers operate in a commercial environment, negotiating deals between clients and insurance companies. Understanding how businesses work, including concepts like risk management, customer relationships, and market competition, is central to the role.

Insurance loss adjusters work at the heart of the insurance industry, so understanding how businesses operate is essential. They assess business interruption claims, evaluate financial losses, and negotiate settlements – all of which require a solid grasp of business concepts.

Insurance risk surveyors work within the commercial insurance industry and need to understand how businesses operate, manage risk, and make financial decisions. They advise clients on reducing risk, which requires understanding business processes, supply chains, and organisational structures.

Insurance underwriters work within the financial services industry and need to understand how businesses operate, manage risk, and generate revenue. They negotiate terms with brokers and clients, so understanding commercial relationships and business strategy is essential.

Investment analysts research how companies operate, compete, and grow within their industries. Understanding business strategy, market positioning, and how organisations are structured helps them judge whether a company is likely to be a good investment.

IT project managers manage budgets, allocate resources, and ensure projects deliver value to the organisation. Understanding business planning, stakeholder management, and how organisations operate is central to keeping projects on track and aligned with wider goals.

Management accountants are closely involved in business decision-making, from setting budgets to planning strategies for reducing costs. Understanding how organisations operate, how markets work, and how different departments fit together helps them give useful financial advice to senior leaders.

Management consultants need to understand how organisations operate – from strategy and marketing to operations and supply chains. This knowledge helps them quickly diagnose what's going wrong in a client's business and recommend practical improvements.

Market research data analysts need to understand how businesses operate so they can frame their findings in a way that helps companies make better decisions. They work closely with clients to understand commercial goals, and their analysis often directly shapes marketing strategies and product development.

Marketing managers need a strong understanding of how businesses operate, including strategy, competition, and customer behaviour. They set budgets, manage campaigns, and make decisions that directly affect a company's revenue and brand positioning.

Mortgage advisers work within the financial services industry and need to understand how businesses operate, including sales targets, customer relationships, and regulatory compliance. Many also become self-employed, so understanding how to run and market a business is directly useful.

Music promotions managers negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and may run their own promotions companies. Understanding business planning, financial management, and how to sell products and services is central to making events and campaigns commercially successful.

Operational researchers need to understand how organisations work so they can identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements. They speak to managers, analyse business processes, and present recommendations that affect how companies operate day to day.

Planning and development surveyors negotiate contracts and tenders, bid for investment funds, and advise clients on the commercial aspects of development projects. Understanding business strategy, finance, and how markets work is central to making sound recommendations.

Prison governors manage large budgets, oversee staffing, and run what is effectively a major organisation. They need strong business management skills to allocate resources, meet government targets, and ensure the prison operates efficiently day to day.

Private practice accountants work closely with businesses of all sizes, helping them manage costs, plan budgets, and grow sustainably. Understanding how businesses operate – including cash flow, profit margins, and business strategy – is central to the advice they provide.

Production managers need to understand how a business operates, from managing budgets and controlling costs to working with suppliers and meeting customer demands. They balance resources, plan schedules, and make decisions that directly affect the company's profitability.

Public finance accountants manage financial systems and processes within organisations, present reports to boards, and help with strategic decision-making. Understanding how organisations are structured, managed, and governed is central to this work.

Public relations directors manage client relationships, oversee budgets, and report to boards or company owners. Understanding how organisations operate, how brands are built, and how to think strategically about reputation is central to the role.

Purchasing managers need a strong understanding of how businesses operate, including supply chains, contracts, and organisational strategy. They work closely with senior leadership teams and must understand how purchasing decisions affect the wider business.

Quantity surveyors negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and advise clients on the financial viability of construction projects. Understanding how businesses operate, how contracts work, and how to manage risk is central to the role.

Retail managers run a store as a business – they control budgets, forecast sales, manage stock levels, and report financial performance to senior executives. Understanding business concepts like profit margins, cash flow, and strategic planning is central to the role.

Sales managers need a strong understanding of business operations, from setting sales targets and developing strategies to managing budgets and understanding market conditions. They use business management skills daily when planning how their team will approach customers and grow revenue.

School business managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a school, from ordering goods and services to managing contracts with suppliers. Understanding business management principles – including strategy, operations, and organisational planning – is central to the role.

Social services managers control budgets, negotiate contracts, manage teams of senior staff, and plan resource requirements. Strong business management skills help them run services efficiently while ensuring quality care is maintained.

Solutions architects need to understand their client's business strategy, goals, and how the organisation operates before designing a technical solution. They assess the costs, risks, and benefits of different options, which requires strong commercial awareness and the ability to think about technology in business terms.

Stockbrokers work with companies' financial reports, understand how businesses generate profit, and assess whether a company is a good investment. They also need to generate new business, manage client relationships, and meet commercial targets.

Systems analysts must understand how a business operates so they can identify where IT systems can solve real problems or improve efficiency. A large part of the role involves defining business needs, managing stakeholders, and making sure technology solutions align with what the organisation actually requires.

Tax advisers work closely with businesses of all sizes, so they need to understand how companies operate, how they're structured, and how financial decisions affect tax obligations. Knowledge of business concepts like cash flow, profit margins, and company ownership is used daily.

Tax inspectors visit businesses, interview directors, and examine how companies are structured and run. Understanding business operations, revenue streams, and corporate structures helps them assess whether tax affairs have been handled correctly.

Technical architects act as a bridge between clients and technical teams, so they need to understand business needs, budgets, and organisational strategy. They assess the cost-effectiveness of different IT solutions and advise senior managers on how technology can support future business goals.

Trade mark attorneys help businesses protect their brands, logos, and designs – all of which are key commercial assets. Understanding how businesses operate, compete, and build value helps them advise clients on the strategic importance of trade mark protection.

Advertising media planners need to understand how businesses operate, including budgets, target markets, and competitive strategy. They work closely with clients to align advertising plans with broader business goals and ensure campaigns deliver value for money.

Bank managers put business, marketing, and sales plans into practice, and are responsible for meeting targets across their branch. Understanding how organisations operate, how to manage people, and how to attract and retain customers is central to the role.

Bid writers need to understand how businesses operate, including financial records, organisational structures, and competitive markets. They work closely with planning teams and clients to identify business opportunities and present a compelling case for why their organisation should win a contract.

Business advisers need a thorough understanding of how businesses operate, from marketing and sales to operations and strategy. They assess clients' business ideas, help develop business plans, and advise on how to reduce costs or increase revenue – all of which requires strong business knowledge.

Business analysts need to understand how organisations operate, including their structures, processes, and strategies. They speak to managers, map out how a business works, and suggest improvements – all of which requires a solid understanding of business concepts like operations, finance, and customer service.

Civil Service executive officers use business management skills to organise teams, manage projects, and ensure public services run efficiently. Understanding how organisations are structured and how resources are allocated is a key part of the role.

Construction site supervisors manage staff schedules, coordinate subcontractors, and handle material orders – all of which require strong organisational and management skills. Understanding how projects are planned, resourced, and delivered on budget is a core part of the role.

Consumer scientists advise manufacturers and retailers on how to improve their products and services. Understanding how businesses operate – including marketing strategies, supply chains, and competitive positioning – helps them give practical, commercially relevant advice.

Corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioners work within businesses to shape strategy, manage budgets, and persuade departments to adopt more ethical practices. Understanding how organisations operate, make decisions, and measure performance is central to this role.

Customer services managers use business management skills every day – from managing budgets and developing policies to improving how a team operates. Understanding how organisations work, how to manage resources, and how to plan strategically is central to the role.

Data protection officers need to understand how organisations operate so they can assess data processes across different departments. They develop management policies, advise on risk, and work closely with senior leaders to make sure data protection is built into everyday business operations.

Driving instructors are usually self-employed and need to manage their own business, including setting prices, handling bookings, tracking payments, and marketing their services to attract new learners. Understanding how to run a small business is a big part of making a good living as an instructor.

Estates officers use business management skills daily – from negotiating property purchases to setting rent prices and managing tenancy agreements. They need to understand how organisations operate and how to make sound decisions about the use of public assets.

Facilities managers need strong business management skills to oversee budgets, negotiate contracts with service providers, and ensure buildings operate cost-effectively. They regularly make decisions about spending, resource allocation, and service delivery that directly affect an organisation's bottom line.

Farmers plan production, manage budgets, negotiate with buyers and suppliers, and oversee staff. Running a farm is running a business, so understanding financial planning, marketing, and management is central to making a farm profitable and sustainable.

Fashion designers work closely with production managers, merchandisers, and customers to manage costs and bring collections to market. Many also go freelance or start their own fashion companies, so understanding pricing, marketing, and how the fashion industry operates commercially is really important.

General practice surveyors negotiate deals for buying, selling, and renting property on behalf of clients, so understanding markets, investment, and commercial decision-making is essential. They also advise on the economic viability of developments, which requires strong business and financial awareness.

Health and safety advisers develop organisational policies, manage budgets for safety programmes, and advise senior managers on compliance strategies. Understanding how businesses operate helps them implement safety measures that are practical and effective within real workplace structures.

Human resources officers work at the heart of how organisations are managed, from workforce planning to developing company policies. Understanding business structures, management principles, and organisational strategy helps them align HR decisions with wider company goals.

Insurance claims handlers work within the financial services industry and need to understand how insurance companies operate, including policies, premiums, and risk. Knowledge of business processes, customer service, and organisational management is central to the role.

IT trainers often work within businesses, helping staff learn new software during company-wide rollouts or digital transformations. Understanding how organisations operate – including workflows, departments, and business goals – helps them design training that is relevant and practical for the workplace.

Land and property valuers and auctioneers need to understand how markets work, including supply and demand, investment strategy, and how economic conditions affect property prices. They also market auction sales, manage client relationships, and many go on to run their own consultancy or become company partners.

Legal secretaries carry out a wide range of administrative tasks including diary management, record keeping, filing, and handling correspondence. Understanding how offices and organisations run helps them keep a busy legal practice operating smoothly.

Marketing executives need to understand how businesses operate, including how products are positioned in the market, how pricing strategies work, and how marketing fits into a company's overall goals. They manage budgets, work with clients, and make decisions that directly affect a company's revenue and growth.

Paraplanners work within financial services firms and need to understand how businesses operate, how financial products are structured, and how client needs are met. Many paraplanners also go on to become self-employed, where business knowledge becomes even more important.

Publicans run a business day to day – handling bookkeeping, managing accounts, ordering stock, and controlling costs to keep the pub profitable. They also need to understand marketing and pricing strategies to attract customers and maximise sales.

Recruitment consultants run their desks like a small business – generating leads, managing client relationships, negotiating fees, and hitting revenue targets. Understanding business strategy and management is also essential for those who progress into running their own recruitment agency.

Restaurant managers handle budgets, stock control, supplier negotiations, and staffing costs on a daily basis. They need to understand how to run a profitable operation, and many go on to set up their own independent restaurant businesses.

Retail buyers need to understand how businesses operate, from supply chains and stock management to marketing strategies and competitive analysis. They develop retail strategies, manage supplier relationships, and make decisions that directly affect a company's profitability.

Road transport managers use business management skills every day – from managing contracts and meeting targets to controlling costs and working with suppliers. They need to understand how to run operations efficiently and make decisions that keep the business profitable.

Rural surveyors essentially provide business advisory services to landowners and farmers, helping them manage their assets profitably. They need to understand financial planning, market conditions, and how to run a rural enterprise effectively.

Sales representatives need to understand how businesses operate, including how products reach customers, how pricing strategies work, and how companies compete in the market. They also need to understand concepts like profit margins, market share, and customer relationship management to sell effectively.

Social media managers develop strategies to grow audiences and increase engagement, which directly supports a company's commercial goals. They need to understand branding, target markets, and how social media fits into a wider business and marketing plan.

Stage managers use project management and organisational skills every day, from scheduling rehearsals to coordinating multiple departments working to tight deadlines. Many also go on to manage theatre companies or run their own businesses, where budgeting, planning, and leadership are central to the role.

Supply chain managers need a strong understanding of how businesses operate, from managing supplier contracts to meeting sales targets. They work across procurement, distribution, and retail, so understanding business strategy, operations, and customer needs is central to the role.

Trading standards officers need to understand how businesses operate so they can assess whether trading practices are fair and legal. They work closely with retailers, manufacturers, and service providers, so understanding business structures, supply chains, and commercial practices is essential.

Visitor attraction general managers run an attraction as a business – managing budgets, developing new revenue streams, and working with suppliers and trade bodies. Understanding business planning, financial management, and organisational strategy is central to the role.

Warehouse managers oversee budgets, manage teams, coordinate with suppliers and clients, and make decisions that affect the profitability of operations. Understanding business principles like resource management, logistics planning, and customer service is central to the role.

Advertising account executives manage client relationships, handle budgets, and try to win new business for their agency. Understanding how businesses operate, how to manage finances, and how to build commercial relationships is central to the role.

Advertising account planners work closely with clients to understand their business objectives, target markets, and competitive landscape. Knowledge of branding, market positioning, and how businesses operate helps them develop strategies that deliver real commercial results.

Advertising media buyers need strong commercial awareness to manage client budgets, negotiate rates with media companies, and understand how advertising fits into a company's wider marketing strategy. They build and maintain business relationships with both clients and media sales teams.

Art valuers work within the art market, where understanding supply, demand, and pricing is essential. Many also run their own valuation businesses or work in auction houses, where skills in client management, marketing, and financial planning are used daily.

Arts administrators manage budgets, organise ticket sales, recruit staff, and handle the day-to-day running of arts venues. Understanding business management, financial planning, and organisational skills is central to keeping museums, galleries, and theatres operating smoothly.

Automotive parts advisors work in a sales and retail environment, dealing with payments, invoicing, and stock management every day. Understanding how businesses operate – including supply chains, customer service, and financial transactions – is central to the role, especially for those who go on to run their own parts supply business.

Barrister's clerks run the day-to-day operations of a chambers, which functions much like a small business. They handle finances, negotiate fees with solicitors, bring in new work, and manage the overall administration – all of which require strong business awareness.

Bilingual secretaries work in business environments, supporting managers with scheduling, travel arrangements, and correspondence. Understanding how businesses operate – including areas like sales, marketing, and international trade – helps them handle their responsibilities effectively.