10 In-Demand Jobs You Can Get with a Business Degree (2025)

The United Kingdom’s business landscape is diverse and dynamic, with a mix of small, medium, and large enterprises creating opportunities for those with the drive and skills. Business degrees allow you to work in multiple industries and qualify for more diverse roles in the job market.

You may apply the skills you develop whilst earning a business degree in many fields, such as marketing, advertising, finance, or human resources. Whether you’re just graduating or looking to pivot to a new career, getting a business degree can open the door to various quickly growing (and high-paying) jobs. Explore your options in more detail to find the path best suited to your interests.

10 business degree jobs in demand

Learn more about roles you may qualify for with a business degree—including job description, salary, career outlook, and additional requirements—to help you decide if a career option for business graduates is right.

1. Health service manager

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £30,955 [1] Typical requirements: Upper second-class degree or higher, completion of the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme

As a health service manager, you work behind the scenes at a hospital, doctor’s office, or other care facility to keep it running safely and efficiently. You manage many operational duties of a healthcare facility, including tasks such as the following: 

• Training, recruiting, and managing hospital staff

• Managing digital healthcare records and data

• Creating schedules for healthcare providers

• Communicating with health insurance representatives

To qualify for the role of a health service manager, you must have strong communication skills and the ability to work well with other team members. After completing your bachelor’s degree in any subject, you must complete the National Health Service (NHS) Graduate Training Scheme. Additionally, to advance in this role, you may want to pursue your master’s in business administration, which can help you qualify for higher-paying managerial roles in the healthcare sector.

2. Cybersecurity analyst

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £40,748 [2] Typical requirements: Degree or level 6 degree apprenticeship, knowledge, and understanding of technical cybersecurity skills; postgraduate qualifications optional (but helpful)

As a cybersecurity analyst, you play a crucial role in protecting an organisation’s computer networks and systems. You serve as the gatekeeper for information systems and help safeguard a company’s reputation by:

• Identifying weaknesses in network security

• Planning and implementing security protocols and systems

• Responding to breaches and cyberattacks

• Training users to navigate new systems

To advance in this role, you may consider earning your master’s degree in a subject related to information networking or cybersecurity. The National Cyber Security Centre also certifies many apprenticeships and integrated graduate programmes. 

3. Operational researcher

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £36,975 [3] Typical requirements: Degree or level 7 degree apprenticeship; knowledge of mathematics

As an operational researcher, you leverage your critical thinking skills to help organisations operate efficiently and effectively. You will transform raw data into actionable insights using data mining, statistical analysis, and mathematical modelling. Some everyday tasks include:

• Collecting and analysing large data sets

• Developing mathematical models to solve problems

• Testing and validating models to ensure accuracy

• Advising leadership teams on business solutions

Operations research analysis sits at the confluence of business and mathematics. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, management science, operations research, or analytics is valuable. You might also boost your CV by gaining experience with SQL or machine learning.

4. Market research data analyst

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £31,578 [4] Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree, communication and analytical skills, level 4 higher apprenticeship; postgraduate qualifications optional (but can be helpful)

As a market research data analyst, you must study the marketplace. You determine your company’s position versus competitors and help research market products and services. As the consumer marketplace continues to evolve, you are always looking for new ways to engage and delight customers by:

• Monitoring and predicting sales trends

• Researching consumers, competitors, and products

• Developing new ways to gather meaningful consumer data

• Presenting actionable insights in a simple, visually appealing way

While robust maths and analytical skills are essential in this role, the communication and problem-solving skills you’ll learn through a business degree are equally important. Consider a bachelor’s degree in market research, business administration, communications, or statistics.

5. Financial manager

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £56,679 [5] Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a field related to business or finance; entry possible higher national diploma or higher national certificate plus relevant training

As a financial manager, you oversee the overall financial health of an organisation. You help your company achieve its short and long-term financial goals by:

• Producing financial reports and forecasts

• Assisting with budgeting activities

• Analysing market trends for opportunities

• Developing plans for long-term financial goals

• Assisting management in financial decisions

Financial management positions typically require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a business-related field, such as finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. Pursuing a postgraduate programme or certificate may help you stand out to employers. Certificate options include the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 2 Certificate in Accounting or the Associate Chartered Accountant qualification offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). 

6. Charity fundraiser

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £22,480 [6] Typical requirements: Fundraiser advanced apprenticeship or bachelor’s degree 

As a fundraiser, you may work in the political or not-for-profit sectors to raise money for an organisation. You achieve this goal by:

• Analysing what’s essential to potential donors

• Crafting strong and compelling messages

• Organising campaigns and events to bring in donations

• Maintaining donor information records

• Training volunteers in fundraising best practices

While fundraisers come from various academic backgrounds, many have a bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or public relations. To advance in the role and the fundraising industry, consider joining the Chartered Institute of Fundraising to find additional opportunities.

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7. Management consultant

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £59,869 [7] Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 at degree level, commercial experience helpful; postgraduate degree optional (but can be valuable)

As a management analyst, sometimes called a management consultant, you help organisations become more profitable by finding ways to reduce costs and boost revenue. You may work as a consultant meeting with various client companies and:

• Interviewing and observing on-site to evaluate company performance

• Examining financial data and employment reports

• Recommending organisational changes and new procedures

• Training and managing workers in newly implemented strategies

As a management analyst, you’ll often rely on the business and leadership skills you’ve acquired from a business, economics, finance, or marketing degree. It’s a competitive field, and earning an MBA may make you even more attractive to top consulting firms. Additionally, joining groups such as the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) or the Institute of Consulting (CMI) may assist you with networking and gaining more job opportunities. 

8. Human resources officer

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £32,348 [8] Typical requirements: Foundation degree or higher national diploma in a subject related to business or human resources

As a human resources (HR) officer, you will hire, oversee, and maintain talent within a company. Tasks vary from day to day and may include:

• Recruiting, screening, and interviewing workers

• Processing new hire paperwork and exit interviews

• Conducting training for new hires

• Managing compensation and benefits

• Addressing complaints and harassment allegations

Although requirements vary by company and industry, HR specialists typically start with a foundation degree or higher national diploma in business or human resources. Some positions require previous experience in customer service or other related positions. Completing a human resources graduate scheme may expand your options to advance into a human resources manager position.

9. Marketing manager

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £44,511 [9] Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher national diploma, qualifications obtained from an accredited marketing organisation

As a marketing manager, you serve as the link between a company and its customers. You work on a public relations or marketing team to manage services or products by:

• Crafting promotional messages for various media channels

• Managing budgets for marketing campaigns

• Testing marketing strategies and messages

• Evaluating trends and developing strategies based on them

The first step towards a successful career in marketing management is earning a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field like marketing or advertising. Some companies will also look for previous work experience in the business world, such as as a sales representative or public relations specialist.

10. Auditor

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £36,877 [10] Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a field related to business, finance, or economics; higher or level 7 apprenticeship also an option

As an auditor, you work with organisations to maintain accurate financial records, keeping them up-to-date and compliant with industry regulations. Whilst accountants often prepare financial records and reports, auditors verify the accuracy of those documents. You do this by:

• Examining financial records for accuracy and compliance

• Preparing or verifying tax returns

• Analysing accounting systems for maximum efficiency

• Making business and financial recommendations to management

If you want to work in auditing or accounting, earning a bachelor’s degree and then a graduate scheme focused on accounting training can set you up for success. To become a registered auditor in the United Kingdom, you must register with one of the accountancy bodies, pay applicable fees, and meet the specific requirements of each body. 

Pursuing your business degree with Coursera

Getting your business degree may lead to many high-paying, in-demand roles in various industries, such as marketing and finance. To begin your educational journey as a business professional, consider online business degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels from top universities on Coursera. Additionally, explore courses and Professional Certificates that expand your knowledge of business management and practices, such as the Business Foundations Specialisation offered by the University of Pennsylvania, to boost your skill set and CV.

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