A qualification in business can be a great way to give your career a kick start. Whether you’re already working in this field or just starting to make your mark on the business world, studying a business course can improve your skills in a range of areas. You might choose to advance your general business knowledge or focus on an area of interest. If you’re not sure which business qualification would be best for you, here are some of the most popular choices for further study:

Certificate III in Business

A Certificate III in Business will give you the skills you need to take on administrative role in the business sector. You might be employed in roles such as administration officer, executive assistant, receptionist, office assistant or business administrator. This course allows you to specialise in an area that suits your career plans such as customer service, accounts, records management, or business technology.

Certificate III in Retail

The Certificate III in Retail is a good choice for anyone wanting to use their business skills in a retail environment such as a shop or specialty retailer. You’ll learn to engage with customers, sell products and services and deal with customer complaints. This course can prepare you for positions such as retail assistant, customer service assistant or cashier. The Certificate III in Retail also looks at safety issues in retail such as identifying and responding to security risks.

Certificate III in Business (Administration)

Get started in an administrative role with the Certificate III in Business (Administration). This course is suitable for a range of industries and will give you the skills to process payroll and financial transactions, purchase goods and services, organise schedules and maintain business resources. The Certificate III in Business (Administration) is ideal for anyone seeking roles such as accounts clerk and data entry clerk.

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

The Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping can help you get started in the accounting industry. You’ll be prepared for roles such as accounts officer, accounts receivable officer, assistant accountant, bookkeeper and payroll officer. This course will give you the skills to carry out accounting duties such as maintaining balance sheets, preparing and lodging activity statements and providing tax advice.

Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business

If you’re planning to start your own business or take over the management of an existing enterprise, a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business could be a great choice for you. Whether you want to be a small business owner, franchisee or store manager, this course will give you the skills you need to succeed. You’ll explore topics such as creating a business and financial plan, undertaking marketing activities and building business networks.

Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety

A Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety is the qualification you need to make your mark as a workplace health and safety officer in a range of industries. This course is suitable for people who are new to the industry as well as those who are already employed in a safety role and need to upgrade their qualifications. The Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety covers subjects such as identifying hazards, assessing risks, responding to workplace incidents and implementing WHS systems.

Diploma of Leadership and Management

Take your career in business to the next level with the Diploma of Leadership and Management. This course is a good option if you’re hoping to move into a managerial role or a position where you lead a team of staff, such as an office manager, assistant manager, project coordinator, team leader or supervisor. You’ll develop your interpersonal skills and also look at topics including administrative systems, operational plans, budget, policy and compliance documents.

Diploma of Quality Auditing

A Diploma of Quality Auditing is a good option if you want to take your business career in a new direction or gain formal qualifications for a position in this area. This course will give you the skills to work as a quality assurance manager, compliance officer, quality assurance auditor, quality controller or RTO administrator. You’ll learn about topics including compliance frameworks, evaluating compliance, analysing evidence and data, managing risk and quality audit reporting.

Diploma of Social Media Marketing

The Diploma of Social Media Marketing is a great way to formalise your skills in this fast-growing area of business. This course will give you the knowledge and skills to work in range of marketing roles such as social media manager and digital marketing assistant. You’ll cover topics including interpreting market trends and developments, niche social media marketing strategies, managing blogs and content marketing, email marketing and personal branding.

Written by Jodie Magrath
Jodie Magrath
Jodie is a freelance writer with a background in communication and journalism. She’s spent almost 20 years working in roles such as Special Projects Writer and Publications Officer.