Looking for jobs for MBA graduates? We have a top 10 list for you!
So you’re thinking of doing an MBA, or maybe you’re earning your degree now and are looking out for jobs once you graduate. Either way, you’re on the right path. MBAs are very popular, which means there are going to be many jobs and opportunities to choose from. The beauty of an MBA is that it’s so versatile — you can apply it to many different career paths. Let’s go through the ten best jobs for MBA graduates.
How to Get Started With an MBA
Do you want to get an MBA? The good news is that you have tons of options. On campus, online, or tuition-free are some things that divide the large pool of available MBA degrees.
On Campus:
If you think choosing an on-campus MBA is right for you, you have lots of choices available, but,remember, it’s important to look at all the features: cost of tuition, scholarships available, accreditation, and length of the program. Picking the best option for you can make a huge difference in how you continue on after you graduate.
Online:
Online MBAs are more available than ever before. University of the People offers an online tuition-free MBA program for students from around the world. You can also see how to find the world’s cheapest online MBA by clicking here. Other than tuition-free options, there are also more affordable choices as well as scholarships to apply to.
Careers for People With an MBA
Essentially, an MBA prepares you with the skills you need to manage a business. And it leaves you with ample opportunities when it comes to choosing a career path. Generally, an MBA graduate can venture out into banking and finance, entrepreneurship, human resources, and so much more.
Considering the wide variety of career choices, we’ll go through the most popular and in-demand jobs that MBA graduates are qualified for.
Most Popular MBA Jobs
The US & World News Report has a list of “hot jobs.” Among the top hot jobs are Business Operations Manager, Market Manager, Operations Research Analyst, and Management Analyst. To give you an idea of why they’re considered “hot”, the unemployment rates for each are 1.7%, 2.8%, 3.3%, and 3.9% respectively. Those are pretty good numbers.
The Most In-Demand MBA Jobs
According to the AIMS Institutes, the fields that are craving MBA graduates are banking and finance, consulting, marketing, and manufacturing and technology. When it comes to actual career titles, the most in-demand jobs tend to be:
- Financial Advisor
- Management Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Finance Manager
- Information Technology Manager
- Marketing Manager
- HR Manager
- Business Consultant
Don’t forget to check out our article on what no one tells you about jobs for MBA graduates. It goes through everything you need to know in general. Now, let’s go through some steps on how to search for jobs that you can get with an MBA.
Steps to Prepare For Your Job Search
You don’t have to wait until you graduate to start the job search process. The best bet is to start while you’re studying. And one way is through an executive recruiting agency. Firms hire these agencies to recruit qualified candidates. A few steps are involved:
1. Create an “executive” format resume.
Ask alumni that have been working for a few years already to see their resumes. Theirs are going to look different than your graduate/candidate resume.
2. Create relationships with these recruiting agencies.
Ask your peers from your graduate school or other graduate schools for recruiting agency recommendations. The earlier you contact them, the better they will get to know you and have something to offer you when you’re ready to start a job.
3. Create a network.
This involves both the recruiting agency as well as your own network from the school you’re at (or went to) and peers in the industry. The more people you know, the better.
Aside from the industry-related method of job searching, there’s also the good old method of job search engines. Indeed and Glassdoor are great search engines to use when looking for jobs and see what their respective salaries are.
Entry-Level Jobs and Salaries
There are jobs that tend to be popular among recent MBA graduates, and finding those jobs come easier than the more experienced professions. Some of the popular entry-level MBA jobs are:
Source: Pexels
Accountant
The average yearly salary for accountants as of 2016 was $68,150. Within the accounting field, there are many positions, such as Tax Analyst, Tax Manager, and Accounting Manager.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Those who start at the entry level can earn an average salary of $56,000 per year, as of May 2016. Within this field are positions in Healthcare Management, Nursing Administration, and Hospital Management.
Financial Manager
Entry-level employees earn a median salary of $65,000, as of 2016. Within financial management, there are many career options, such as Finance Analyst, Investment Analyst, and Budget Analyst.
Business Operations Manager
People in this profession earn, on average, $99,000 per year. Business Operations also has a lot of options within the industry: Logistics Analyst, Director of Operations, and Purchasing Manager to name a few.
Highest-Paying MBA Careers
Before we get to the actual list of the top 10 MBA jobs, you might be curious to know which careers are the highest paying. Investment Bankers,Chief Technology Officer (CTO),Financial Manager, and Chief Executive Officers are some of the highest-earning positions in the world.
The Top 10 Jobs for MBA Graduates
We searched for the best MBA careers and compiled a list of the best of the best. Here are the top 10 jobs for MBA graduates.
1. Marketing Manager
Marketing managers sell a company’s products, develop pricing strategies, and manage budgets. They also get new clients and aim to continue expanding the company.
| Pros | Leading people, encouraging and educating others, and traveling. Potential for a lot of growth in the field. |
| Cons | Highly demanding, difficult to manage both leading your team and bringing in business. |
| Average Salary | $123,450 |
| Market Outlook | 9% projected growth from 2014-2024, which is considered faster than average for all occupations. |
| MBA Specializations Preferred | A specialization in marketing is preferred, but employers might look for candidates with a background in engineering or science as well. |
Source: Pexels
2. Business Operations Manager
Business operations managers use their skills in supply chain management and operations management to overcome business challenges. The main focus is to manage the global supply chain more efficiently.
| Pros | Good salary, a variety of industries to work in (trading, import/export, etc.), potential to advance. |
| Cons | Long hours, high pressure, competitive. |
| Average Salary | $99,310 |
| Market Outlook | 30% projected growth by 2024. |
| MBA Specializations Preferred | A focus in supply chain management is highly beneficial. |
3. Health Services Manager
Health services managers ensure that companies stick to government reforms to healthcare delivery. They oversee the work of doctors, technicians, and clerical workers and make sure everything runs smoothly.
| Pros | Job security, good working conditions, one of the highest-paid careers. |
| Cons | Long hours, demanding responsibilities, adhering to complex systems. |
| Average Salary | $96,500 |
| Market Outlook | 17% projected growth from 2014-2024. |
| MBA Specializations Preferred | A specialization in Healthcare Management or Healthcare Informatics are excellent for this field. |
4. Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee a company’s financial activities and transactions. They manage cash and investment activities, create financial procedures, and deal with the budget process.
| Pros | High salary, various work settings, job security. |
| Cons | Extensive experience needed, long hours, high stress. |
| Average Salary | $109,740 |
| Market Outlook | 7% projected growth from 2014-2024. |
| MBA Specializations Preferred | A concentration in finance will give you the best prospects. |
Source: Pexels
5. Computer and Information Systems Manager
They are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing all kinds of computer activities in different sorts of organizations. Their primary role is to help to determine the IT goals for the company and make sure the computer systems meet the company goals.
| Pros | Great pay, high job growth, top position in the IT field. |
| Cons | Long hours, stressful, field is constantly changing (skills need to be continually updated). |
| Average Salary | $135,800 |
| Market Outlook | 15% projected growth from 2014-2024. |
| MBA Specializations Preferred | A concentration in information systems or information technology is preferred, and cyber security is also a popular area to focus on. |
6. Investment Fund Manager
Investment fund managers provide financial advice and direct the investment of money for organizations and individuals. Investments are made in stock markets, real estate, and other markets.
| Pros | High pay, rewarding job, ability to lead a luxurious lifestyle. |
| Cons | High stress (meeting deadlines, big decisions), long hours. |
| Average Salary | $121,750 |
| Market Outlook | 7% projected growth from 2014-2024. |
| MBA Specializations Preferred | An emphasis in finance is a major plus. |
7. Chief Technology Officer
Chief technology officers create the technical vision of a company. They manage the technology team and oversee research and development and special projects.
| Pros | High salary, ability to work in many industries and settings, job involves creative elements. |
| Cons | Need to anticipate and prevent problems, longer than average working hours, high responsibility. |
| Average Salary | $151,274 |
| Market Outlook | 15% projected growth from 2014-2024. |
| MBA Specializations Preferred | A specialization in leadership is definitely a good idea. |
8. Information Technology Director
An IT director is responsible for the management of all information technology and computer-related services and activities in a company. The IT director determines what the IT goals are of a company and are responsible for the implementation of the computer systems needed to meet all company goals.
| Pros | Good pay, high career growth, job security. |
| Cons | Long and odd hours, dealing with complaints. |
| Average Salary | $105,812 |
| Market Outlook | 15% projected growth from 2014-2024. |
| MBA Specializations Preferred | A specialization in Information Technology Management will give you the skills needed. |
9. Management Analyst/Consultant
Management analysts are also referred to as management consultants, and they figure out and implement ways for a company to boost their efficiencies and reduce costs.
| Pros | Good salary, good market growth, high employment rate, variety of work assignments. |
| Cons | Long hours and tight deadlines, highly demanding, can require lots of travel. |
| Average Salary | $86,181 |
| Market Outlook | 14% projected growth from 2014-2004 |
| MBA Specializations Preferred | Project management could prove a worthwhile specialization for management analysts. |
Source: Pixabay
10. Operations Research Analyst
This job involves every aspect of a company. Analysts help managers decide the best way to allocate company resources, create efficient production schedules and methods, manage the supply chain effectively, and establish good price structures.
| Pros | High salary, good benefits, room for growth, comfortable work environment. |
| Cons | Long hours, extensive skills and experience needed, high stress. |
| Average Salary | $82,940 |
| Market Outlook | 30% projected growth by 2024. |
| MBA Specializations Preferred | A concentration in supply chain management or operations management is recommended. |
There you have it — a list of the best jobs for MBA graduates. Of course, there are so many options beyond this list. Having an MBA can really open up so many doors for your future. We wish you luck!
FAQs
What kind of jobs do you get after MBA? ›
| Finance Manager | Infrastructure Manager |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | International Business Manager |
| Sales Manager | Disaster Manager |
| Human Resources Manager | IT & Systems Manager |
| Import & Export Manager | Agriculture & Food Business |
An MBA can enhance your marketability as a professional and increase the quality and quantity of job opportunities. Over 98% of Wharton MBA graduates are extended full-time job offers. An MBA also helps you build business leadership skills, as well as a professional network.
Which job has highest salary after MBA? ›| Job Profile | Salary in India* |
|---|---|
| Business Development Manager | ₹597,879 |
| Management Consultant | ₹1,172,738 |
| Marketing Manager | ₹685,280 |
| Regional Sales Manager | ₹1,145,130 |
Some of those industries are corporate banking, credit risk management, corporate finance, asset management, private equity, hedge fund management, sales and trading, and treasury. All of these industries provide an average salary of INR 678,000 to MBA finance graduates.
Is MBA still worth it in 2022? ›An MBA is generally considered a worthy investment for most people with a career in business, however, people pursue this level of education at different points in their careers.
Why is MBA so respected? ›MBA is one of the most popular courses in the world. It is a full-time management program that opens up many career opportunities for any student pursuing the course. MBA provides students with opportunities to work in fields such as finance, marketing, human resources just to name a few.
Why is an MBA so special? ›Develop management skills: An MBA prepares students or professionals to plan for changes in the business world. The skills one acquires at a management school are the best tools for adapting to the unavoidable shift in industries, markets, and business practices.
What type of MBA pays the most? ›An MBA concentration helps students focus their degree and prepare for specialized career paths. The highest-paying MBA concentrations include consulting, finance, and technology.
Which type of MBA has highest salary in USA? ›- Stanford Graduate School of Business.
- New York University (Stern)
- University of Chicago (Booth)
- University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
- Harvard Business School.
The school is ranked within the top 10 best online MBA programs by Princeton Review, US News and World Report, Financial Times, and Quacquarelli Symonds' Global Distance Online MBA Ranking. The program is also offered as a hybrid 16-month accelerated program for students with a background in business.
Which MBA is in demand in USA? ›
Ans. The most in demand MBA specializations include, MBA in finance, marketing, data analytics, and information technology.
Is MBA losing its value? ›This leads to a loss of differentiation and concomitant erosion in value. Simply put, the reason we perceive that the general MBA is losing value is that business schools, for all their preaching about innovation and cutting-edge pedagogy and research, are actually doing very little of it.
Is it worth doing MBA twice? ›A second MBA from a top business school can definitely boost your career and help you achieve your career goals. However, the only thing you need to ask yourself and then convey to the admissions committee is how would it make a difference in your career path?
How much is an MBA worth in salary? ›The median starting salary for MBA graduates at US companies in 2021 was projected to be $115,000, according to a 2021 corporate recruiters survey from the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC).
Is an MBA an impressive degree? ›The master of business administration (MBA) has become one of the most popular and prestigious graduate degrees.
How rare is an MBA? ›The MBA has been the most popular graduate degree in America since 2010-2011 when it surpassed a master's in education as the number one choice for graduate students. Slightly more than 250,000 students are enrolled in MBA programs around the world, according to the AACSB.
Why is an MBA difficult? ›Among the main challenges that can make getting an MBA difficult is transitioning back to life as a student, finding the right balance between the personal, professional, and academic areas of your life, and ensuring you're going back to school for the right reasons.
What can I do with an MBA and no experience? ›- Afterschool Team Lead- Part time. ...
- Compliance Manager – Capital Markets Compliance (Hybrid – 3 Days in Office) ...
- MBA Investment Banking Analyst Career Program (Remote) ...
- Online GMAT & GRE Tutor - Work From Anywhere. ...
- Director of Finance and Operations. ...
- New Graduate - Corporate Opportunities.
MBA(Master in Business Administration) is professional degree which is meant for all types of students wheather for a average or for below average or for above average, the main thing is that from which university or institude one is doing MBA, for example MBA from IIMs are one of the hardest affair to get MBA degree, ...
Does an MBA boost your career? ›Studying for an MBA will give you the chance to enhance your skills and knowledge about your industry, and can offer additional benefits that will span the duration of your career.
Does MBA pay more than masters? ›
Median starting salaries after completing an MBA are higher than those of an MS, though this salary discrepancy is likely tied to the fact that most MBA recipients have already spent a few years in the workforce, while most business masters recipients have not.
What is the lowest salary of MBA? ›An MBA graduate can expect an average starting salary of INR 5 lakh per annum depending on their job role and the highest starting salary is INR 10 lakhs per annum.
Is UoPeople MBA legit? ›Are the programs accredited? University of the People is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Is University of the People a real university? ›University of the People was launched by educational entrepreneur Shai Reshef in January 2009. Although the university has no campus due to its online distance learning nature, it uses a shared office in California as an office of admission.
Is it hard to get into University of the People? ›UoPeople is a private, online university. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 4,032 undergraduate students. The UoPeople acceptance rate is 100%.
How important is an MBA from a top school? ›The answer depends on your intended employer. Some companies focus on where candidates earned their MBAs, while others prioritize the degree specialization or relevant work experience. MBA rankings can give the impression that only graduates from top business schools find jobs, but that isn't true.
How do I know if my MBA is worth it? ›Years to recoup investment is your total investment divided by your initial boost in salary. ROI % after 10 years is your 10-year cumulative earnings with an MBA minus your total investment divided by your total investment.
How will an MBA benefit my career? ›Studying for an MBA will give you the chance to enhance your skills and knowledge about your industry, and can offer additional benefits that will span the duration of your career. During the course, you will develop leadership proficiency and study in-depth management strategy and analysis.