Commercial awareness image, wikimedia no copyright

Commercial or Sector Awareness is having an interest in business or relevant work sectors and an understanding of the wider environment in which organisations operate.

It can include an understanding of the business culture, policies and processes, including an awareness of the need for professionalism, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, customer care and knowledge of the market place/sector in which the organisation operates. This can be closely linked to social, economic and environmental awareness.

Simon Reichwald - Transcript.doc

Main attributes include

Understanding of what a makes a business successful
Marketing
Human resources
Management skills
Business finance
Current commercial issues

Further resources

Target Jobs: Business Awareness
The Guardian Business Page
How to develop your commercial awareness
LearnHigher: Business and Commercial Awareness
Do you SimVenture?

Outstanding skills

Work experience is a great eye opener to understand the sector you are working in, the organisation’s structure, products or services, competitors, and the importance of customer/client service, etc.
Researching and keeping up to date with relevant news that affects the sector you are interested in.
Demonstrating an understanding of the greater issues that affect your sector (political, economic, social...)

Skills developed at UoB

PSA Modules: Enterprising Behaviour and Idea Generation
Employability and Professional Development Skills
Join the Birmingham Entrepreneurs Society
Participate in the E&IProgrammes
Work experience
Join business related societies such as AIESEC, SIFE or Bright Futures