How to become a business adviser
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
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You can start by doing a junior management consultant higher apprenticeship.
This typically takes 24 months to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Direct Application
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, planning and project management. You'll also need to be good at building a network of contacts.
Other Routes
You could develop your knowledge and skills by doing business support and mentoring qualifications, for example, 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
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Career tips
You can use online social media sites, like LinkedIn, to promote yourself, build up your network and display recommendations from colleagues and clients.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about working in business advice from GOV.UK and your local Growth Hub.