Pros and Cons of a Bachelor of Business at QUT

So, you pretty much are up to speed on everything there is to know about studying a Bachelor of Business at QUT — take a quick look here if you aren’t! 

But you want to know how people really feel about this degree? 

Well, we’ve got you covered! Meet Madison, a QUT Business Graduate (double major in Management and Marketing). She tells us all there is to know about the degree and gives us an insight into what it’s really like studying at QUT. 

Let’s get to it! 

Why should you study a Bachelor of Business at QUT?

Top 3 Pros of a Business Degree

Top 3 Cons of a Business Degree

Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make

Things to Know Before Starting a QUT Bachelor of Business

What Makes this Degree Different

Motivations for Studying a QUT Bachelor of Business

Potential Career Paths

Why should you study a Bachelor of Business at QUT?

“We get the opportunity to attend classes with future leaders of industry, to be inspired by world-class lecturers, to discuss some of the biggest challenges facing business and to work towards attaining a degree that enables us to embrace any industry,” Madison said. 

A Bachelor of Business at QUT is all about getting that real world experience to prepare for a career in the business world! You’ll get a solid understanding of all the different areas of business and then have the chance to specialise in your chosen major.

Top 3 Pros of a Business degree

#1: The student community 

“Student clubs and societies facilitate an incredible opportunity to be part of the vibrant, diverse, welcoming student community at QUT,” Madison told us.

“Some of my fondest memories come from my time participating with club activities and executing a broad range of events. These experiences have allowed me to forge life-long friendships, share my passions with fellow student leaders and to be challenged to become the very best version of myself, as a student and leader,” she added. 

Be sure to check out the QUT Business societies (there’s 12 different ones) because they are the best way to get involved on campus, meet new people and develop your academic/professional skills!

Another one to check out is QUT Entrepreneurship who offer a range of programs to help students reach their entrepreneurial potential! These programs also give you the chance to work with like-minded people who are passionate about what they do. 

#2: Real world learning 

Now, we are definitely all about that real world learning because it means once you’ve finished your degree, you’ve already had practical experience in the business environment! 

“You can be confident that by completing a Business degree with QUT that you will have been equipped with numerous experiences to engage in short term industry experiences and you are able to confidently utilise your classroom knowledge to transition into your chosen professional career,” Madison said. 

That’s the way to go — hands-on learning that sets you up for after uni! 

#3: Professional development experiences

“The Business school is well recognised within the QUT community as going above and beyond to support the professional/personal development of every student,” Madison told us.

There are loads of different programs you can participate in to develop and practice your skills, hear from people in the industry and even represent your university at an international level — now, that’s pretty cool! 

Madison told us that “there is truly something for everyone”. 

Make sure you check out the Business Advantage program which gives students the opportunity to participate in a variety of sessions that focus on leadership, preparation for employment, entrepreneurship and more! These sessions really help prepare you for a job in the business world and life after university.

It’s also worth having a look at the Business Case Competitions where students who are selected represent their university at local and international levels as they solve various business problems! 

Madison took part in the Australian undergraduate Business Case Competition when QUT were the hosts and told us: 

“This program has helped to develop my presentation skills, problem-solving ability, critical thinking, confidence and helped to hone my ability to answer any line of questioning.”

Top 3 Cons of a Business degree

#1: The degree flies by! 

“The challenge with pursuing a single degree is that you are only at university for a limited time,” Madison said.

“It was bittersweet to graduate after three short years in December of 2020 and I would highly recommend making the most out of your time by immersing yourself in the QUT community through student clubs, exchange opportunities, development programs and internships,” she told us.

Yes, that’s right, a Bachelor of Business at QUT is only three years! And trust us, it will fly by so you really have to make the most of it from the start. 

#2: Additional work 

Now, this isn’t really a con but you are expected to do four hours of additional work outside the classroom for each subject!

So, while the contact hours are pretty flexible and manageable (12 contact hours a week), you can’t slack off and need to put the hours in during your own time! 

#3: Class registration

Trying to get those classes you want at that specific time is always a challenge!

Madison told us that it’s especially challenging for first year students who log on and find that their classes are already full because the best time slots go first! 

So, she gave us some advice: “What I’ve found over the years is if you don’t get your ideal first option for classes, is to log back on over the next couple of days and you can usually get the class you wanted or if that doesn’t work you can submit a class change request form.”

Any regrets? 

When we asked Madison if she had any regrets, it was a simple answer: “None, whatsoever.”

Now, that really says something about the degree — pretty sweet, right?! 

What do you wish you had known before starting a Bachelor of Business at QUT? 

Madison said she wished she had known how fast her time at uni would go! Three years really does fly by — you would be surprised.

“My advice would be to enjoy the moment, as there is truly never a better time to discover your passions and to become the best version of yourself,” she said.

What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities? 

#1: Real-world assessments

“One of the unique aspects of the Business degree is the emphasis on linking each assessment piece with real world outcomes that you can discuss with prospective employers and transfer into the workplace,” Madison said. 

So, the assessments you do are actually really useful — not just for putting into practice what you’ve learnt but also to show future employers what you’ve done and what you can do! 

“Some of my favourite experiences throughout the course include the unique composition of assessments to include interaction with industry partners,” she told us. 

In one subject called Marketing Audience and Analytics, Madison worked in a team to develop an “integrated marketing communications plan for a local community organisation in the Brisbane region”. So, you’re actually out there in the real world, applying what you know and getting practical experience which you get assessed on! 

Madison told us that Marketing Planning and Management was “one of the most hands-on and memorable practical learning experiences”.  

“This unit allowed us to design and sell our own business products, taking us through the stages of ideation to business development plans, to the final market day experience,” she explained. 

Throughout the process, Madison and her team got feedback and advice from guest lecturers working in the industry and QUT Business alumni who have started their own businesses! 

#2: The faculty

“My lecturers and tutors have been fantastic — even though there are big class sizes you still feel valued and heard when you have concerns or questions,” Madison said. 

“They take the time to be accessible and invest in every student’s development, seeing us as more than just a number, and they are always eager to support us any way they can,” she explained. 

Madison also told us that many of the lecturers and tutors are still working in the industry so they can connect you with people and opportunities — plus their knowledge is very relevant and up-to-date! 

#3: They’re interested in YOU!

Madison told us that QUT put an “emphasis on developing each student’s potential, seeing us as individuals rather than a number, and having the ability to experience a unique composition of units and extra-curricular experiences that reflect my individual interests”. 

So, you don’t just feel like another number at a university — they take interest in you and want to provide you with the best learning experiences and opportunities! 

What inspired you to choose a Bachelor of Business at QUT?

Madison started studying Business in Year 10 and quickly realised she really enjoyed it and was a natural at it. 

“I was also really eager to study a degree that helps to understand the world we operate in and to gain a degree that could be globally transferable,” she told us. 

Now, when it came to choosing which uni to study Business at, QUT caught her eye because of all the real world experience.

“I wanted to enter my university studies knowing that when I graduated, I would have undertaken learning that facilitated industry connections, gained exposure to jobs that I might like to explore when I begin my career, and had the experience of gaining a global mindset in the classroom,” Madison said. 

“Part of what makes QUT special is the emphasis on helping students to reach their potential and providing a myriad of support mechanisms and opportunities for students to explore at any stage during their studies,” she added. 

What are the possible career paths?

Since the skills are so transferable and you learn all about the foundations of business plus get to specialise in your chosen major, the degree opens up a lot of doors career wise.

Of course, it depends on what you’re most interested in and your major but you could find yourself working in any of the following positions:

• • Accountant
  • HR manager
  • Business analyst 
  • Financial planner
  • Economist
  • Consultant 
  • Marketing specialist
  • Publicist 

Or perhaps you even start your own business! There really are so many possibilities! 

Tanna Nankivell is a Senior Content Writer at Art of Smart Education and is currently in Germany completing a year of study for her double degree in Communications (Journalism) and Bachelor of Arts (International Studies). She has had articles published on Central News – the UTS Journalism Lab and wrote a feature piece for Time Out Sydney during her internship. Tanna has a love for travel and the great outdoors, you’ll either find her on the snowfields or in the ocean, teaching aqua aerobics or creating short films.