10 Careers Enhanced by an MBA
Most people seek an MBA in part for the career opportunities that the degree provides. A quick look at the numbers will tell you all you need to know. In 2015, 84% of companies around the world said they would hire someone with an MBA, a marked increase from the prior year’s 74%.
If you are still undecided about your post-MBA career goals, or undecided about earning an MBA, remembering the tremendous and varied ways the degree can serve your career may help orient your planning. Below are ten careers which can be enhanced tremendously by the skills developed during an MBA program.
Careers Enhanced by an MBA
Marketing Manager
It is not necessarily required to have an MBA to break into the marketing field, but the skills and knowledge gained during an MBA program, such as budgeting and analytics, can help marketers strengthen their foundation and move into higher management roles.
An MBA holder in a marketing manager position can earn salaries up to $120,559 per year. Other high-level marketing jobs which might be enhanced by an MBA include a Public Relations Manager, Product Marketing Manager and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
Human Resources Specialist
Many MBA programs offer specializations in Human Resources Management. For good reason, the ability to effectively manage personnel coupled with higher-level business skills can open the door to all sorts of new opportunities. HR Specialists with the added knowledge of an MBA degree can take on leadership roles, as well as more non-traditional positions like HR consulting.
Specialists and managers in the human resources field can earn salaries up to $94,074 per year.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Within the ever-growing healthcare services field, graduate degrees are required for several positions. Depending on the size of the facility, managers in healthcare may be responsible for managing a department or even assisting with management of the entire facility. Many MBA programs today offer concentrations in healthcare management, which helps assure employers that potential managers will have the skills to keep the facility running smoothly.
Roles in healthcare administration can offer salaries of up to $134,482 per year.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit organizations have no shortage of passionate employees, but they do suffer from a shortage of employees knowledgeable in business and financial development. With the skills of an MBA education, graduates can quickly move into management positions, whether managing a nonprofit charity or leading the philanthropic division of a for-profit company.
MBA holders in nonprofit manager positions can earn salaries up to $118,417 per year.
Financial Manager
When it comes to the financial industry, MBA degrees can be required for even entry-level positions. Not only is an MBA often necessary just to get in the door, but the financial skills developed while earning your degree open up the opportunity for leadership roles. Financial Manager’s responsibilities include overseeing the cash management, investment and budget process of companies.
Financial Managers with MBA degrees can earn salaries of up to $122,857 per year.
Accountant
The financial and management skills gained with an MBA degree are perfectly aligned with the needs of upper-level accounting positions, such as a Financial Controller, Benefits Manager and Budget Analyst. Many MBA programs offer the ability to specialize in accounting, providing a deeper look into the field, while still developing more “big picture” business skills.
Roles such as a Financial Controller or Accounting Manager can earn salaries of up to $130,337 per year.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
To obtain a job in computer and information systems, experience in business management is a tremendous asset. This role includes responsibilities such as management of an organization’s computer-related activities, installation of software, and development of computer networks. Several MBA programs allow students to concentrate in information systems, providing students with the necessary skills to excel in this role.
Leadership roles in Computer and Information Systems, such as Chief Information Officer, can earn up to $160,000 per year.
High-End Management Consultant
High-End Management Consultants typically focus within specific industries, assisting companies in developing the necessary tools to stay competitive within their industry. Consultants provide guidance to organizations as a whole, as well as chief executive officers and other top executives. Many employers of high-end management consultants prefer hiring candidates with advanced degrees in business administration.
Top management consultants holding MBAs can earn more than $140,000.
Information Technology (IT) Director
Many MBA programs offer a specialization in information technology management, providing special opportunities for individuals in this field. IT directors are responsible for the computing resources of organizations across almost every industry. The combination of industry-specific knowledge with greater leadership skills and business acumen makes MBA graduates competitive candidates in this field.
Information Technology Directors with MBA degrees can earn anywhere from $75,503-$180,129 per year.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for analyzing market trends, creating sales promotions and developing programs to improve sales performance and procedures. For many employers in the industry, candidates with an advanced degree in marketing are highly valuable. Since sales managers can work throughout a variety of industries, a combination of business and technical knowledge can give a competitive edge to those in technical industries.
MBA holders entering the sales management field can earn upwards of $90,000 per year.
About the Author
Alanna Shaffer
Staff Writer, covering MetroMBA's news beat for Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.
