Careers

A degree in Business and Management equips students with the tools to analyse, organise and manage universal and global forces.
Dr Sadhvi Dar, School of Business and Management, Queen Mary, University of London

Career prospects

“In 2009, over 55 per cent of business studies graduates were in full-time paid employment, suggesting this broad course of study is vocationally relevant.” (Source: www.prospects.ac.uk)

To gain an advantage in today’s competitive work environment the earlier you start planning your career, the better. If you are studying business and management, then chances are that you’ve already given some thought to your future. That’s because the subject combines an academic approach with very practical tools and knowledge. You will gain valuable transferable skills over the course of your studies. For example, you will:

  • know how to do basic financial analysis – constructing and reading (and understanding) balance sheets
  • be numerate
  • have good research skills
  • have good analytical abilities
  • be able to present ideas logically and critically
  • be able to use a wide variety of IT packages
  • have excellent writing skills, through producing reports and essays.

These are the kinds of things that will impress potential employers, and prepare you for the world of work.

What kinds of jobs do Business and Management graduates do?

The short answer is – a real mix. After all, industries as diverse as chemicals, utilities, fashion, health, grocery and construction all require functional managers with a clear understanding of systems, efficiency and operational issues.

Business studies graduates are found in almost every employment sector but around 23 per cent typically enter employment in commercial, industrial and public sector management. Commercial roles exist in all types of industry, including:

  • retail
  • distribution
  • hospitality and leisure
  • financial institutions
  • sales
  • marketing
  • production management.

Around 20 per cent of business studies graduates enter employment in business and finance professional roles. Relevant opportunities include those in:

  • professional services (chartered accountancy, business consultancy, law and tax)
  • finance (banking, city markets, insurance)
  • major industrial and manufacturing organisations. Significant numbers of business graduates also head for the media sector and take up administrative positions.
    (Source: www.prospects.ac.uk)  

Working while you study

Gaining work experience while you study is a great way to boost your employability. If you already know which area you want to specialise in, then you will be well set to look for relevant work experience, for example through a summer placement.  

Even if you don’t know which area you want to work in, then having some experience of the working world will stand you in good stead. At the very least it shows that you are reliable, disciplined and ready to take on responsibilities.

Volunteering can also be a good way of building up your CV – as well as a very rewarding activity. Queen Mary’s Students’ Union runs an excellent volunteering service, Provide, with a great variety of student opportunities. For more information, see Provide

Careers service

The careers service at Queen Mary is available from the start of your studies, right through to when you graduate and beyond. Expert advisers can help you with your career exploration, decision-making and self-marketing.

You can make use of the comprehensive information library, as well as find out about a variety of events such as careers fairs, workshops and employer presentations.

Many ‘blue-chip’ companies such as John Lewis, Selex, Galileo and Procter & Gamble organise graduate training programmes which can get you off to a good start. Many of them come directly to Queen Mary searching for suitable applicants. For more information about the careers service, see http://www.careers.qmul.ac.uk/