Explore the best opportunities for high-paying employment in Australia with a business degree.
You might be studying business, or perhaps you've got a business degree already. Great! A Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Commerce is like a golden ticket. It opens doors to a world of high-demand career options.
Now, you might be wondering, "What jobs can I get with a business degree?" Good question!
Business degrees are incredibly versatile. They're designed to provide a well-rounded understanding of the corporate landscape – from accounting to marketing, finance to human resources. You can also specialise, becoming highly competitive for certain roles.
Want more? A postgraduate course like an MBA or a specialised master's degree can enhance your skills, accelerate your career, and even help you become an expert in your preferred field.
Jobs You Can Do With a Business Degree in Australia
If you're curious about the types of jobs that come from studying business, this list is for you. Here are seven of the most common occupations for which a university degree, particularly one in a business discipline, is the ideal qualification to have.
To help you gain insights into these business degree jobs, we've included salary statistics and employment numbers. You'll also find job descriptions, details about the education and training required, and similar roles that business graduates can consider.
1. Accountant
Average salary (sourced from au.indeed.com): $76,015, based on 3k observations.
Job outlook (projected employment from ABS): 198,800 jobs with 9.2% growth of new jobs over 5 years.
An accountant manages financial records, prepares tax documents, conducts audits, and provides financial planning and reporting services for organisations or individuals. Key hard skills include proficiency in accounting and financial software, mathematical competence, and the ability to generate accurate financial reports. Top soft skills are analytical thinking, and attention to detail.
Qualifications: An accounting degree, Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting or Master of Professional Accounting is required, along with professional certification from a recognised organisation like CPA Australia.
Similar jobs: Auditor, financial analyst, budget analyst.
2. Business Analyst
Mean salary (from au.indeed.com): $105,846, with 1.5k salaries reported.
Employment outlook (job data from ABS): 102,900 jobs for 'Management and Organisation Analysts' exist in Australia, with 32.2% projected growth over 5 years.
A business analyst helps guide companies in improving processes, products, services, and software through data analysis. To be a good fit for this role, you should understand corporate structures, be familiar with data analysis tools, and have the ability to communicate technical requirements. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities are beneficial.
Qualifications: To become a business analyst, a degree in business, data science or information technology provides a solid foundation. Specialised business analytics courses can be highly valuable, such as a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics, Masters in Business Analytics or MBA (Business Analytics).
Similar roles: Business intelligence analyst, data analyst, marketing analyst.
3. Business Development Manager
Average pay (from au.indeed.com): $98,286 annually, based on a sample size of 2.9k.
Job growth (data from ABS): 176,300 employment of 'Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers' with projected 5-year growth of 4.4%.
A business development manager identifies and creates growth opportunities for an organisation. They formulate strategic plans, forge new partnerships, improve relationships with clients, and drive market expansion. Key skills include strategic planning, knowledge of market research, negotiation skills, and familiarity with business laws and regulations. Critical soft skills include decision-making, communication, and leadership.
Qualifications: Typically, a degree in business, marketing, economics, or a related field is required. Postgraduate courses such as an MBA online can be beneficial for career advancement.
Other job titles: Sales manager, account manager, marketing manager.
4. Finance Manager
Average pay (from au.indeed.com): $129,446 annually based on a sample size of 903 salaries.
Job growth (data from ABS): 72,600 employment with projected 5-year growth of 11.7%.
A finance manager ensures the fiscal well-being of an organisation. They generate reports, guide investment activities, and devise strategies aimed at long-term economic goals. Key skills include planning and strategic development, knowledge of business laws and regulations, and proficiency with financial software and financial management. Strong decision-making, communication, and leadership skills are also necessary.
Qualifications: Typically, a degree in finance or accounting, economics, or business administration is required. Postgraduate courses such as a Graduate Certificate in Finance, Master of Finance, Master of Applied Finance or an MBA (Finance) are useful for building expertise.
Other job titles: Financial analyst, treasurer, controller.
Related: Is a Master of Finance Worth It?, What Do You Do In a Master of Finance?
5. General Manager
Yearly earnings (from au.indeed.com): $135,152 based on 806 reports.
Job statistics (from ABS): 67,400 employed, with forecast 5-year growth of 9.6%.
A general manager oversees diverse aspects of an organisation's operations, from formulating strategic plans and coordinating teams to setting budgets and implementing policies. GMs should excel in strategic planning, budgeting, and project management, and understand their industry or field well. Essential skills include leadership, decision-making, and effective communication.
Qualifications: General managers typically hold a bachelor degree relevant to their primary profession. They often enrich their management acumen with an MBA or other business management course, such as a Masters in Leadership and Management.
Other job titles: Operations manager, division manager, project manager.
6. Human Resources Manager
Average salary (sourced from au.indeed.com): $119,433, based on 682 observations.
Job outlook (projected employment from ABS): 95,000 with 16.3% growth over 5 years.
A human resources manager oversees the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consults with top executives on strategic planning; and serves as a link between an organisation's management and its employees. Key hard skills include knowledge of HR systems and databases, ability to develop HR strategies aligned with organisational goals, and legal compliance. Top soft skills are decision-making, communication, and leadership.
Qualifications: Standard HR manager qualifications are a degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Postgraduate courses include a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management and Masters in Human Resource Management.
Similar jobs: HR specialist, training and development manager, recruitment consultant.
7. Marketing Manager
Mean salary (from au.indeed.com): $103,990, with 707 salaries reported.
Employment outlook (job data from ABS): 83,400 jobs for 'Advertising and Marketing Professionals' exist in Australia, with 11.4% growth projected over 5 years.
A marketing manager plans, directs, and coordinates marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services, and identifying potential customers. You need to know marketing strategies and trends, and be able to perform data analysis and manage budgets. Good communication skills and some creativity are beneficial.
Qualifications: A marketing degree or other business qualification is valuable. Postgraduate courses include a Graduate Certificate in Marketing, Master of Marketing and MBA (Digital Marketing).
Similar roles: Digital marketing specialist, product manager, market research analyst.
Related: Digital Marketing Salary in Australia, 5 Reasons to Get a Master’s in Marketing
Is a Business Degree Worth It?
A business degree in Australia has considerable value and must generally be considered worthwhile. This fact is evident from the impressive salaries and strong employment numbers across a range of roles.
From accountants to general managers, the diverse occupations present attractive compensation and a wealth of job opportunities.
Looking at job growth, the business sector in Australia offers a promising landscape. There is significant growth projected across sectors, which suggests a high likelihood of securing stable, long-term employment. It signals excellent prospects for finding work in your chosen field consistently.
The real strength of business degrees is versatility. Students develop skills that are transferable across a multitude of roles and sectors. This adaptability allows you to navigate career paths and shift between jobs as your career progresses. Regardless of where your professional journey takes you, your business degree will continue to deliver value.