Business adviser

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• business management
• business enterprise
• marketing
• project management

Entry requirements:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can start by doing a junior management consultant higher apprenticeship.

This typically takes 24 months to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to employers if you've got proven experience like running your own company, or working in management, finance or human resources.

You'll need to show a wide range of skills, including:

• marketing
• finance
• business planning
• project management
• professional networking

OtherRoutes

You could develop your knowledge and skills by doing business support and mentoring qualifications, like those offered by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative .

Qualifications include:

• Level 3 Certificate in Coaching
• Level 3 Award in Enterprise Mentoring
• Level 5 Certificate in Professional Business and Enterprise Support Services

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• business management skills
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of training and the ability to design courses
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• excellent written communication skills
• maths skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Business advisers give advice and support to new business start-ups and help established businesses to grow.

In your day-to day duties you could:

• assess clients' business ideas to see if they have potential
• help clients to develop business plans
• advise on finance and grants
• do research on behalf of a business
• give business improvement advice, like how to reduce costs or increase sales
• network with the business community and enterprise organisations
• run advice workshops and seminars
• offer personalised business coaching sessions

Location : You could work at a client's business, in an office or remotely.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £54,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Career Path:

You could be employed by a local business support organisation.

You could also get involved with community or social enterprises and charities that support business start ups, or do freelance work.