Business adviser

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

• business management skills
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of teaching 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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need professional indemnity insurance.

You can get into this job through:

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

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.