In this largely capitalist global society, business makes the world go round, and a good course could be the ideal first step towards a career in one of the many areas of business.

Business, in its various forms, touches on almost every aspect of our lives. It refers to the act of buying and selling, whether it be computers or cakes, airline tickets or houses, and so it goes without saying that there is much demand for those with the skills and the know-how to succeed in the world of business and commerce.

Many would-be students make the mistake of assuming that studying business at university is the preserve of those eager entrepreneurs who want to start their own business. In fact, a general business course offers a foundation in a whole ream of skills, and can prepare students for careers in areas such as administration, sales, management, marketing, or human resources.

There are also more specialised courses available – Business and Accounting, for example – which focuses on a certain area of business and can be useful for those who already have an idea of what section of the industry they would like to work in. If you are not yet sure exactly which aspect of business interests you, choose a more general course and widen your options.

Business can be studied alone as a degree (three years) or diploma (two years), or it can be combined with other subjects such as a language or law, which can be useful for students with a particular interest in a country or an industry (eg, Business and French; Business and Law).

While many universities offer business programmes, there are also stand-alone, specialised business schools and centres which often offer a wider variety of specialised courses and may have access to more resources. That said, many good universities have good business schools within them, recognising the popularity and importance of studying business.

Whatever form it takes or where it happens, all good business programmes should touch on certain key subjects, thereby providing students with a good grounding in the basics to equip them for a range of career options. These subjects might include accounting, business analytics and forecasting, business law, marketing, statistics, international business, entrepreneurship and human resource management.

Some courses will also include a placement in the industry, which is a great way to get some first-hand experience and understand the realities of your chosen career. It can also help students get an idea of which area of business they might be interested in working in, and where their natural skills lie.

The most common careers for those who graduate with a business degree include accounting, insurance, financial management, human resources and recruitment, sales, advertising and marketing, administration and insurance. 

Another popular graduate option is to study for professional qualifications. These require students to pass exams and provide successful candidates with a qualification that can often improve their chances of finding a job. These credentials are provided by such organisations as the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). Students who studied accounting as part of their course can also choose to obtain professional accounting qualifications that enable them to work as accountants.   

No matter what your specific future ambitions within the working world, a business course is a superb way to start, and introduces students to ideas, concepts, and a way of thinking that prepares the mind for the heady world of business and money. In a world so dominated by business and commerce, a business degree is a useful step towards a range of careers.