Building a career in business is an exciting journey that offers numerous possibilities. Whether you are just starting out or looking to up-skill, we will cover some steps to consider.
First, let’s look at the different types of careers you could be working towards, each requiring different skills and expertise.
- Management: General / Operations / Project / Product
- Sales and Marketing: Sales / Marketing / Digital Marketing / Market Research
- Finance and Accounting: Analyst / Accountant / Investment / Financial Planner
- Human Resources: Recruiter / Training / Compensation and Benefits Specialist
- Entrepreneurship and small business: Start-up Consultant / Small Business Owner / Founder
- Technology: Software Engineer / Developer
- Legal: Compliance
- Customer Service: Account Manager / Customer Support
- Creative and Design: Branding / Graphic Design / Web Design
- Property Management: Estate Agent / Lettings Negotiator
The careers listed above are only scratching the surface. There are many more careers in Business but hopefully we have given you some ideas to ponder over.
When considering your career in business, you may also want to think about the following points too:
Career Path
What type of industry would you like to end up in? For example, you have chosen to work within human resources but what sector? You could work in retail, healthcare, technology, education etc.
Would you prefer a supermarket chain such as Tesco where progression and further training could be given or would you like to work within a school where hours could be more flexible and work is only term time. There are so many choices.
Progression
Next, you may want to think about if the role you have chosen leads to progression. For example, in sales, you may begin as a sales representative but eventually move into a sales manager or sales director role.
Flexibility
Finally, the skills you gain, would they be transferable across sectors? If you decide you want to make a career change further on down the line, would it be easy to switch fields?
How do I build my career in business?
Building a career in business is exciting as you will be presented with many opportunities. However, it requires a certain amount of dedication and hard work in order to achieve this. Let’s see what you need to do.
Define your goals
This has been covered briefly above. Therefore, decide on the industries that interest you and the job role that excites you the most. Next, think of your short- and long-term objectives. For example, are you looking for a role within a certain company that offers good rewards such as a good pension, starting salary and holidays. Or do you aspire to build your own business one day – be your own boss.
Develop key business skills
Certain skills within business are essential. Here they are:
Communication – Ensure you communicate clearly and confidently. You will require these skills for meetings, presentations and interviews. The more you practise, the better you will be!
Leadership – You may not be looking for a leadership role, however sometimes you may be expected to help train and motivate others. Having ‘people skills’ is important and understanding how to lead people and manage projects.
Problem-solving – You will always come across obstacles within your work and it will all be down to how you overcome these.
Financial understanding – Even if you are not in finance, being able to understand basic finances will help you make smarter decisions.
Education
If you are looking to get your foot in the door and begin at the bottom of the chain, the most important qualification to have would be English and Maths in Functional Skills if you have not previously gained a GCSE in these subjects. These two qualifications are normally what everywhere would require as a minimum.
If you are looking to apply for jobs where more skills are required, you may then want to also consider another course. On our Business Page, we have a range of courses suiting different business industries from Business Admin to Human Resources. These would suit more specialist roles.
Alternatively, you may want to consider a Business A Level which would carry UCAS points for University and give you a very good overview of Business as a whole.
On the other hand, some individuals gain their A Levels and decide University isn’t for them and that is a great decision too. There are many employers accepting candidates based on A Levels alone with excellent starting salaries and progression benefits too. In the past places such as the BBC, Met Office and the Civil Service have had schemes available that can lead to employment.
Networking and Building Relationships
It can help to have a chat with the National Careers Service. These people have experience in your field and can point you in the right direction. It is also good to build a professional network online. Places like LinkedIn offer jobs, advice and networking.
If you are working within a company it is important to build relationships with colleagues, managers and customers. Many opportunities come from referrals and recommendations.
Gain relevant experience
When attending interviews, your employer will want to see that you have the relevant experience in the area that you are applying for. If you are looking to work in a media company, a small portfolio may help or an example of previous work you have carried out.
When you do begin a job, be sure to take on challenging projects that push you out of your comfort zone. Learn and pick up as much as you can as this is all experience and will help you grow as a person.
Seek feedback and be adaptable
Try not to take criticism badly. Learn from it and improve on your skills by being adaptable. The business world can change rapidly and the quicker you can adjust, the less disruption to your work.
Also review your experiences, goals and growth. Are you on track to meet you long-term objectives? If not, look to adjust your approach.
Don’t let work take over
While career growth is important, maintaining a balance between your work and personal life is equally crucial. Burnout can set in if you don’t take time for self-care, hobbies, family, and relaxation. A healthy work-life balance leads to sustained success.
Final Thought
Building a successful career in business takes time, effort, and persistence. While success won’t come overnight, focusing on continuous learning, networking, and gaining relevant experience will provide you with a solid foundation for long-term growth.
If you’re in the early stages of your business career, or you have specific questions, feel free to ask us!
