What can I do with a degree in Strategy and Entrepreneurship?

Through their Strategy and Entrepreneurship degree, graduates build transferable skills such as:

• Creativity, idea generation and testing
• Planning and organisation
• Problem solving and forming strategies
• Research design and data collection skills
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities
• Organising, allocating and managing resources
• Writing and presentation skills.

Opportunities to apply your learning outside the classroom are available through work-integrated learning (eg, internships) and international study tours. These experiences deepen your skillset, working knowledge and employability.

Graduates can start their careers in a wide range of sectors, be it commercial, public or not-forprofit. Recent Strategy and Entrepreneurship graduates have found work in a number of diverse destinations such as:

• Consultancies
• Banks
• Food and drink manufacturers and suppliers
• Insurance
• Transport
• Natural resource management
• City councils
• Retail
• Sports and leisure
• Financial services
• Tourism
• IT
• Logistics.

To be successful, a great idea must be coupled with a solid business model. While some graduates choose to pursue an entrepreneurial idea immediately, either as a new venture or as part of an existing business, others may choose to use their strategic and entrepreneurial skills within large business organisations, consulting firms, or investment banks. See some examples of job titles and activities below.

Note: Some of the jobs listed may require postgraduate study. See the 'Further study' section.

Entrepreneur

• Develops business and budget plans
• Designs financial strategies and seeks funding
• Analyses consumer markets and competitor strategies

Business analyst

• Evaluates an organisation’s business needs
• Analyses the competition, audiences, prices 
• Develops business strategies to increase profit and/or efficiency 
• Works with clients or staff to implement those

Risk analyst / manager

• Identifies and manages strategic, operational and other (eg, credit or regulatory) risks
• Develops risk management policies, procedures
• Oversees staff engagement and compliance

Customer banking consultant

• Manages customer queries
• Advises individuals and businesses on their financial needs and what services are available

Investor, investment advisor

• Does fundamental analysis for securities
• Provides advice to meet a client’s financial goals
• Provides buy or sell recommendations

Insurance consultant

• Meets clients to identify their insurance needs
• Advises on insurance and conditions, risk coverage, premiums and benefits
• Records client and policy information

Marketing specialist

• Collects and analyses market insights
• Prepares and implements marketing plans
• Works with others to promote goods or services

Business development manager

• Identifies and develops new markets/business
• Builds and manages client relationships
• Develops sales messages and presentations

Management consultant

• Analyses organisational performance, processes
• Produces reports and makes recommendations to management eg, on process improvements and ways to minimise financial risk

Operations director

• Improves ongoing business effectiveness
• Ensures health and safety adhered to
• Builds an engaged and skilled team
• Manages day-to-day operations and budgets

Entrepreneur, Director and CEO

• Develops an idea to form their own busines
• Gets involved in a start-up
• Offers their services as a freelancer/consultant

 Get started with Entrepreneurship here

As they progress, students and graduates often join professional bodies relevant to their area of interest. These organisations can provide regular communications and offer the chance to network with others in the same community.

• New Zealand Chambers of Commerce
• New Zealand Private Equity and Venture Capital Association
• Entrepreneurs' Organization
• The Institute of Management New Zealand
• Professional Risk Managers International Association

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues to keep upto-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies.