Considering a Business Degree? Here’s What You Need to Know

Understanding today’s ever-changing business environment can help managers and business owners anticipate all types of problems. If you are interested in people, organisations and performance then a qualification in business studies could be for you. Read on to find out more about this fascinating subject area …

What is business studies?

Business studies is the study of management and people within an organisation and their effectiveness in reaching a set of specified goals. Goals are unique to each business but are usually centered around generating profit. A general business degree aims to give learners an overview of the key elements required to run a successful business including:

• Accountancy
• Finance
• Marketing
• Organisational studies
• Human resources
• Operations

Specialised programmes such as a business marketing degree or accounting course aim to give learners a broad understanding of business but are geared towards a specific area.  

What does business studies teach you?

Business studies teaches learners how businesses are managed and how key functions like marketing and human resources can impact an organisation’s overall success. Business studies teaches you about strategy and how to make decisions in line with an organisation’s overall goals. Successful graduates will acquire a range of technical skills such as financial management and business analysis. Learners will also develop their communication and teamworking skills as well as creativity in relation to entrepreneurship, all of which are very attractive to employers.

Is a business degree worth it?

When it comes to standing out to employers, progressing your career or obtaining a higher salary, a business degree can be a game-changer. Some argue that a business degree is generic, but employers need people who understand every aspect of a business and how one function impacts another. Having a breadth of knowledge also gives employees more scope to transition between different roles throughout their careers. Equally, if you are attracted to one area of business, there’s always the option to specialise. Interestingly, a 2019 ZipRecruiter survey found that business is one of the least-regretted college majors among job seekers.

Which business degree is best?

Luckily, there is a wide range of business degrees available in Ireland. If you’re unsure what direction you’d like your career to take, you’re best off starting with a general business degree. Alternatively, you might prefer to focus more heavily on one area which you can do through Griffith’s alternative Business degrees:

• BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance – one of our popular accounting courses which develops the analytical techniques and economic expertise needed for a career in finance. Graduates are also entitled to nine ACCA fundamental exemptions.
• BA (Hons) in Business (Marketing) – our business marketing degree is aimed at nurturing a student’s interest in the marketing discipline, while providing a solid foundation in business.
• BA (Hons) in Business (HRM) – a business degree that develops the skills necessary to become an effective and dynamic human resource practitioner in any sector both in Ireland and internationally.

Equally, if you’re already working in a business role, you might consider a postgraduate degree like Griffith’s MSc in International Business Management. To gain insight into a student's perspective of this course, you can watch this interview with Griffith College alumni John Hearty.

Can you get a business degree online?

Yes. Griffith College offers Business Studies via blended learning. This study mode gives learners more autonomy over their studies by enabling them to attend weekly online lectures at a time that suits them. However, if you feel you would benefit from more face-to-face class time, full-time or part-time options might be more suitable.

What can you do if you study business?

Many business graduates go on to specialise in areas like accounting, management, HR, finance and marketing. Others prefer to take the entrepreneurial route and develop their own businesses. Business graduates go on to work in a range of areas, including:

• Accountancy
• Advertising
• Financial services
• Management
• HR
• Public relations
• Retail management
• Sales and marketing

For more information on the wide variety of jobs, you can do with a business degree, take a look at this career guide by Indeed.

For those looking to progress academically, Business Studies graduates can progress onto various Level 9 options, including Griffith’s MSc in International Business Management, MSc in Global Brand Management or MSc in Procurement and Supply Chain Management.