Business administration and professional services

• Clerical and customer service roles are decreasing in number as more tasks are done by computer software. AI (artificial intelligence) is also performing more tasks in financial and legal services.
• Many job types in this sector overlap with other sectors. For example there’s high demand for people who have skills in cyber security, accounting, sales, marketing, and who can work with data.
• Did you know, over 88% of businesses in Norfolk employ fewer than 10 people? Small businesses often look for people who can offer a range of business skills such as bookkeeping, HR (human resources) and legal experience.
• Look out for apprenticeships which offer training in many professional service roles.
• Businesses are becoming increasingly socially and environmentally aware and there are careers in sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
• Employers are seeking people who have a good understanding of how business works – in the UK and internationally; management and modern language skills are in demand.
• The Norwich Business School at UEA is one of the most highly rated business schools in the UK offering a range of business, finance and management courses.

• Advanced digital skills
• ICT skills
• English
• Communication
• Sales
• Maths
• Problem solving
• Business knowledge
• Teamwork
• Languages
• Customer awareness
• Leadership & management skills
• Analytical skills
• Presentation

• Politics
• Psychology
• Modern languages
• Sociology
• Business studies
• Law
• History
• Computer science
• Maths
• English
• Religious studies

• Aviva
• KPMG
• Capita
• RBS
• Marsh
• Moneyfacts
• Breakwater IT
• Hansells
• Spire Solicitors

Contact centre worker                                 £17,200-£24,850

Payroll manager                                          £17,800-£36,750

Sales executive                                           £21,000-£47,700+

Public relations professional                       £22,000-£36,700+

Marketing associate professional               £22,450-£77,400

Financial accounts manager                      £25,000-£53,000+

Legal professional                                      £26,950-£92,250+

Human resources officer                            £20,000-£39,000

IT business analyst                                    £29,250-£67,500+

(figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

Getting good grades in English and maths will help you to get into this sector; digital skills may also help, however this sector is open to a wide range of talents.

Options at 16

A levels – many subjects are useful for getting into this sector. Subjects which encourage you to think logically, critically or analytically are helpful.

Apprenticeship An apprenticeship can lead to work or further study or training; entry requirements vary so check before you apply.

These are just a few:

Intermediate apprenticeship (level 2)

• Finance assistant
• Investment operations administrator

Advanced apprenticeship (level 3)

• Payroll administrator
• Compliance and risk officer
• Business administrator
• Learning and development practitioner
• Recruitment consultant

T level and other vocational qualifications

You can study a T level in digital business services with accounting and finance options on offer from September 2022. Business-related vocational qualifications (such as a BTEC) are also available.

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree A wide number of degrees can lead to a career in this sector – research and check requirements carefully for the areas you’re interested in. Look out for graduate schemes with large organisations once you’ve graduated.

Apprenticeship There’s a wide range of higher and degree apprenticeships at different levels in this sector. Competition can be high for some apprenticeships – check entry requirements carefully.

Examples include:

• Paraplanner (level 4)
• Conveyancing technician (level 4)
• Corporate responsibility and sustainability manager (level 4)
• Data protection practitioner (level 4)
• HR consultant (level 5)
• Improvement leader (level 6)
• Senior compliance and risk specialist (level 6)
• Chartered legal executive (level 6)
• Project manager (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Internal audit professional (level 7)

You can also study for further qualifications to progress you career while you are working.

Gaining experience

Work experience, a paid job or voluntary work will allow you to demonstrate your skills and qualities. Keeping up with current affairs in business and economics may also help, along with gaining digital skills.