Business Services

The Business Services sector is very large and diverse, meaning you could work in many different types of organisations. Staff in this sector provide a range of skills and professional assistance that is needed to keep a business operating efficiently. You may be employed in administration, governance, communications, leadership and management or compliance.

What does this industry cover?

Business administration occupations could include receptionists, executive assistants, personal assistants and clerical workers.

Governance workers are normally found on the board of community groups, associations, clubs or businesses. You are involved in setting the strategic direction of such organisations.

Business communications employees could be found in call or contact centres, working with social media engagement or answering inquires. You may be working in advertising or marketing and public relations.

Business compliance employees work within businesses or with specialist organisations to ensure compliance with relevant quality management standards. You may work as an auditor in food safety standards, or a recordkeeper who is responsible for records to be retained to meet regulatory requirements.

Business leadership and management are roles that are often responsible for the strategic direction of a business. You may be employed as a project manager, program manager or manage support services.

Job hunting preparation

Every business needs employees with administration, financial, advertising and marketing skills, and even though some jobs may become automated, reports have indicated that the human resources sector is experiencing continuing growth, so training is needed in order to meet demand.

To future proof yourself look at roles that are customer orientated, or if that isn’t for you, the need for data analysis experts in every industry is on the increase.

Employers look for those with strong people skills, provide good customer service, and can communicate clearly, pay attention to detail, digital technology and analytical skills.

The Business Services sector does give you the opportunity to have fairly stable employment and, once you have required a core set of skills, the ability to be able to move between industries and associated occupations, adding micro-credentials as you go.

The Business Services sector is predicted to grow over the next several years, with uptakes in technology allowing staff in this sector to work remotely or for organisations spread across Australia and the world.

Information for further research

Industry information is published by peak level associations, government and major employers. Accessing industry association sites, including member lists, is a good way of building up an understanding of an industry. Visiting employer websites and looking for careers or employment menus helps identify how employers recruit and the skills they are recruiting.