What creative careers can you do with a Business degree?

A business degree provides far more than financial and management knowledge. It develops strategic thinking, leadership, communication and commercial awareness.

These are all skills that are essential in the creative industries. From fashion and film to design and games, creative organisations rely on skilled business professionals to grow and succeed.

In this guide, we explore the main career paths available to business graduates and how you can apply your skills within creative and cultural sectors.

Jobs for business graduates

Business careers in the creative industries

Many business graduates work directly within creative organisations in roles that support artists, designers and performers.

• Creative Industries Manager:  oversee operations within studios, agencies, theatres, galleries and production companies. Responsibilities include managing budgets and resources, supporting creative teams, developing business strategies and coordinating projects.
• Arts and Cultural Manager: work for cultural organisations such as galleries, festivals and charities, balancing artistic vision with financial responsibility. This could include managing funding and sponsorship, events and community engagement opportunities.
• Studio or Agency Manager: support design and media agencies by overseeing daily operations, client relationships and workflow systems.

Marketing and communication careers

Marketing and communications are central to the success of creative organisations. Business graduates with strong communication skills are well suited to these roles.

• Marketing Executive: plan and deliver campaigns that promote creative products, services, and events. This will include conducting market research, campaign planning, social media management, content strategy and performance analysis.
• Brand Manager: shape how creative businesses present themselves to audiences, ensuring consistency across products, platforms and campaigns. These roles are common within fashion and lifestyle brands, media companies and entertainment organisations
• PR and Communications Officer: PR professionals manage media relations, press releases and public image for artists, companies and institutions. Strong writing and networking skills are essential.
• Digital Marketing Manager: specialise in online campaigns, data analysis and audience engagement across digital platforms.

Entrepreneurship and creative start-up careers

Many business graduates use their skills to launch their own creative ventures.

• Creative Entrepreneur: start and grow businesses in areas as broad as fashion, photography, games, publishing and digital media. This pathway requires resilience, innovation and strong financial management.
• Creative Start-Up Founder: some graduates establish businesses that support creative production.
• Freelance Business Owner: many freelancers in creative industries rely on business graduates to manage contracts, pricing, marketing and growth strategies.

Production and project management careers

Behind every successful creative project is a strong management structure.

• Project Manager: coordinate timelines, teams and budgets for creative productions. Project managers are required in all sectors, but within the creative industries they are commonly found within film and television projects, events and festivals, game development and design campaigns.
• Production Manager: oversee logistics, scheduling and resources for creative productions, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently.
• Operations Coordinator: support day-to-day business processes, improving systems, workflows and productivity.

Digital business careers

• E-Commerce Manager: oversee online retail platforms for fashion, design, and lifestyle brands. Responsibilities include website performance, sales strategy, customer experience and logistics.
• Product Manager: work on apps, platforms and digital tools used by creative professionals and audiences. They need to balance user needs with business goals, managing technical development and analysing market trends.

Finance and business development careers

Creative organisations rely on strong financial planning and funding strategies.

• Business Development Manager:  identify new opportunities and revenue streams. This includes sponsorship deals, licensing agreements and strategic partnerships.
• Finance and Accounts Officer: manage budgets, payroll, forecasting and financial reporting for creative organisations.
• Fundraising and Development Officer: in arts and cultural organisations, development officers secure funding through grants, donations and sponsorship.

Business education and consultancy careers

Some business graduates move into teaching, training, and advisory roles.

• Business Lecturer or Tutor: with further qualifications, graduates can teach business and entrepreneurship in colleges and universities.
• Creative Business Consultant:  advise creative organisations on growth, strategy and sustainability.
• Enterprise and Careers Adviser: support emerging creatives in developing business skills and career plans.

More advice for business applicants 

• How to write a great UCAS personal statement for a Business Management degree

Related courses

Undergraduate

• Business and Management BA (Hons)
• Fashion Business & Management BA (Hons)
• Fashion Branding & Communication BA (Hons)
• Digital Marketing & Social Media BA (Hons)
• Music Business & Management BA (Hons)

Postgraduate

• Fashion Business & Management MA
• Global Marketing & Communications MSc
• Global Master of Business & Management MBM
• Luxury Business Management MA
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