Business services are activities that benefit companies without delivering physical products. They include consulting, logistics (including shipping and facilities management), waste handling, staffing services and more. They are an important part of the service economy and contribute to a country’s competitiveness. In many low-income countries, the service sector accounts for over 50% of GDP.
Some business services are provided internally by an organisation to improve its own operations, while others are provided externally by third parties, such as IT support or recruitment agencies. Both internal and external business services can be highly profitable, but it is important to define and design them for success. This involves understanding their value proposition, the business context (environment), and how they fit together to create a service that will deliver customer value.
If you have the right mix of skills and knowledge, a career in business services can be rewarding and challenging. The work can be fast-paced and require high levels of professionalism. If you are not comfortable working in a pressure-filled environment, it may not be the right industry for you.
If you’re interested in a career in business services, consider completing one of Forage’s free virtual work simulations. They can help you understand the day-to-day tasks that are involved in a role and give you firsthand experience of what it’s like to work in an office setting. Then, if you’re unsure whether it’s the right career for you, talk to a careers adviser.