What can I do with a degree in Business?

What can I do with a degree in Business?

A degree in Business (top up) or International Business from the University of Kent provides a strong foundation in global markets, strategic decision-making, marketing, operations, and management. These programmes develop your leadership, critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and analytical skills, making you attractive to employers across industries worldwide. Get ideas and inspiration here before booking a one-to-one appointment with a Careers Adviser.

Careers in Business

The following roles are examples of the types of job opportunities available to graduates of Business and International Business programmes, drawing on skills in leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and organisational analysis.

Business Development Executive/Manager - Identify growth opportunities, build partnerships, improve profitability and drive strategic expansion.

Marketing Executive/Digital Marketer - Develop strategies to promote products or services and engage customers through digital marketing, maintaining brand identity, ensuring customer engagement and market growth across local and global markets.

Human Resources Officer - Conduct recruitment processes, maintain employee relations, contribute to organisational development and act as a liaison between managers and employees.

Management Consultant - Use business and finance acumen to assist organisations to improve business performance by cutting costs, increasing productivity, creating value and maximising growth.

Project Manager - Oversee projects to ensure timely and budget-compliant completion. Project managers are prevalent in a wide range of industries from construction to IT or healthcare, enabling graduates to link business expertise to other interests.

Logistics and Distribution Manager - Ensure efficient business processes, supply chain management, and global delivery of services, from raw product to consumer.

(International) Sales Executive/Manager - Build and manage client relationships, sales strategies and product expansion into overseas markets using skills in communication, analytics and forecasting.

Global Supply Chain Analyst/Manager - Optimise logistics, supplier relations and inventory control across borders.

Alternative career paths

Entrepreneur/Start-up Founder - Launch and manage your own business venture, leveraging the entrepreneurial skills gained at Kent through ASPIRE.

Civil Service Fast Stream - Rapid career progression in policy, business strategy, or international trade for the UK Government.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)/Charity - Apply your international perspective in programme coordination, fundraising, research, project management or development work.

Sustainability & ESG Consultant - Advise global firms on environmental, social, and governance practices using business acumen and transferable skills in research and analysis.

Law Conversion (SQE) – Transition into a legal career with a business specialism through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.

Where do University of Kent graduates work?

This is a selection of organisations that have employed University of Kent graduates in the past. There are many more possible employers in these and other industries. These employers value the international outlook, problem-solving ability, and cultural awareness that Kent graduates bring.

  • Professional Services & Consulting: PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG, Accenture
  • Retail & E-commerce: Amazon, ASOS, Unilever
  • Banking & Finance: Barclays, HSBC, Bloomberg, NatWest
  • Technology: IBM, SAP, Reflect Digital
  • Public Sector & NGOs: Civil Service, NHS, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • Start-ups & SMEs: Across sectors including fintech, sustainability, education, and logistics

Graduates can pursue careers unrelated to their degree by combining transferable skills, like communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking, with their interests and experiences. Book an appointment with a Careers Advisor to explore your options.

Find a job

The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes Uni Kent Careers Hub, advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.

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Business recruitment platforms

Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) – HR and people management roles

Chartered Management Institute (CMI) - Management and leadership-focused positions

Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

Association of Project Management (APM)

Efinancialcareers  - Roles in business analysis, finance, and tech.

DataJobs UK

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General graduate job search platforms

Gradcracker

Prospects

TargetJobs

LinkedIn Jobs

Tips to stand out

Gain real-world experience: Engage in internships, placements, or part time roles to build industry experience and client-facing skills.

Build international exposure: Apply for study abroad or virtual exchange programmes to develop global competence.

Pursue certifications: CMI Level 5, PRINCE2, Google Digital Marketing, or CIPD (if interested in HR) etc.

Develop commercial awareness: Regularly read business news such as the Financial Times, Harvard Business Review, and The Economist or listen to business podcasts to maintain commercial awareness.

Network with alumni and mentors: Use LinkedIn and Kent’s Career Mentoring scheme to build connections with alumni and professionals and attend university events to gain insights into your target roles and industries.

Engage in Extracurricular Activities: Participate in societies such as The Kent Business Society, The Investment Society and UKC Women in Business, and engage in leadership programmes and initiatives like ASPIRE to develop transferable skills.

Year in industry

A  year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain on your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contribute to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.     

Further study 

Graduates may choose to pursue postgraduate qualifications to specialise further or transition into research roles or they may decide to enhance their career prospects with professional certifications such as Chartered Management Institute (CMI), PRINCE2 or CIPD.

Postgraduate Courses at Kent

Prospects – Postgraduate Study

Find a Masters

What is an MBA? | Prospects.ac.uk