Business & management graduate jobs & schemes 2026

Business and management graduates have a wide range of career options, including:

• Management Consulting: Advising companies on strategy, operations, and efficiency.
• Project Management: Overseeing projects and ensuring they meet goals, budgets, and deadlines.
• Supply Chain & Operations Management: Managing logistics, procurement, and efficiency in product delivery.
• Human Resources (HR) & People Management: Handling recruitment, training, and workplace culture.
• Sales & Business Development: Driving revenue through client relationships and partnerships.
• Marketing & Brand Management: Developing strategies for branding, advertising, and customer engagement.
• Finance & Risk Management: Managing company budgets, investments, and financial strategies.
• Entrepreneurship & Startups: Building and scaling businesses from the ground up.

Many large firms offer business management graduate schemes, rotating through different departments before settling into a permanent role.

No, but it helps. Employers also hire graduates from economics, finance, psychology, engineering, and humanities backgrounds. Some fields, like management consulting and finance, value strong analytical and problem-solving skills over specific degrees.

• Leadership & decision-making – Managing teams and making strategic choices.
• Analytical & problem-solving skills – Evaluating business challenges and proposing solutions.
• Communication & negotiation – Writing reports, presenting ideas, and dealing with stakeholders.
• Commercial awareness – Understanding how businesses operate and make money.
• Project & time management – Handling multiple priorities efficiently.
• Financial literacy – Understanding budgets, profit margins, and financial planning.

Salaries depend on the sector and role:

• General Business Management Schemes: £28,000 – £35,000
• Management Consulting: £35,000 – £50,000
• Project Management: £28,000 – £40,000
• HR & People Management: £25,000 – £35,000
• Supply Chain & Logistics: £28,000 – £38,000
• Business Development & Sales: £25,000 – £40,000 (often with bonuses)

Salaries increase significantly in consulting, strategy, and senior management roles.

Nearly every industry needs business professionals, but popular sectors include:

• Consulting & Professional Services – McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte, PwC, Accenture.
• Banking & Finance – Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, HSBC, Barclays.
• Technology & Startups – Google, Amazon, Salesforce, fintech companies.
• Retail & FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) – Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Nestlé.
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals – GSK, AstraZeneca, NHS management roles.
• Manufacturing & Supply Chain – Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson.

Business and management graduate schemes are highly competitive, especially at top consulting and finance firms. To stand out:
✔ Gain internships or work experience in business roles.
✔ Show leadership experience (societies, projects, or volunteering).
✔ Develop data analysis skills (Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau).
✔ Stay updated on business trends (read The Economist, Financial Times).
✔ Network with professionals on LinkedIn and at industry events.

• Get real-world experience – Internships, business case competitions, or freelancing.
• Learn key tools – Excel, PowerPoint, CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot), project management tools (Asana, Trello).
• Develop commercial awareness – Stay informed on business news and trends.
• Network strategically – Engage with professionals on LinkedIn, attend industry events.
• Tailor applications – Highlight leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.