The Business services industry covers many different categories of work, including consulting, marketing, human resources and information technology. These jobs provide essential support for businesses that produce tangible products, and they contribute to economic growth in a variety of ways. Those interested in learning more about careers in this sector can find a wide range of educational programs and employment opportunities available.
What is a Business service?
A business service is an activity that benefits a company without supplying physical products. Large firms in particular rely heavily on business services to meet their production, cost and marketing needs. Business services can be provided by firms that specialize in a specific aspect of the industry, or by employees who work in a variety of sectors.
One of the characteristics that distinguish business services from other types of work is that they are intangible, meaning they cannot be touched or stored like inventory for future use. Additionally, unlike goods, services are often produced and consumed simultaneously.
This means that companies often outsource business services to third-party providers rather than keeping the work in-house. This can be more efficient for companies, especially when it comes to tasks that are not core to their work, such as hiring a dog walker or exterminator.
In addition, outsourcing can save on overhead costs, such as utilities and office space. These savings can be used to develop and market new products or invest in other areas of the business.
The largest subsector of business services is the professional and technical services, which includes jobs such as accounting, human resources, engineering, management and technical consulting. This subsector is growing rapidly and is expected to continue to grow in the years to come, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many of these jobs require specific qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree or graduate level education. However, some entry-level positions, such as customer support, may only require a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Regardless of the exact requirements, anyone considering a job in this sector should be aware that these jobs can sometimes be stressful and demanding. They can also be fast-paced, and those who do not work well under pressure might not be suited for this type of work.
In tough economic times, people tend to cut back on services that they do not consider essential to their lives. For example, they might stop hiring a pest control company or do their own oil changes instead of paying someone else to do it for them. To combat this, companies must focus on making their business services more valuable and affordable to consumers.
If you have the right skills and experience, a career in business services might be for you. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of this career path before making a decision.