Finance, business and IT

Employment of UK doctoral graduates in the finance, business and IT sectors has remained consistent over the period 2003-2005.

Analysis of data using standard occupational classifications (SOC) shows that approximately 4% were working as business and financial professionals and associate professionals and 2.5% as information technology professionals. Others are grouped within the commercial, industrial and public sector manager category which averaged at just under 7%.

SOC are used to standardise all labour market surveys, but the categories are broad and do not always shed light on specific occupations.

The majority of roles in this sector are non-research based, though most require high-level analytical and communication skills. Here are some examples of roles that may be of interest to researchers.

• Management consultant
  
• Environmental Consultant
  
• Accountant
  
• Actuary
  
• Systems Developer
  
• Investment analyst
  
• Quantitative analyst in a bank
  

For further ideas and personal perspectives see the career profile and expert views below, and in 'related documents'.

• Career profile: Kelly - chemistry researcher - Innovations adviser