The 10 Best Jobs for MBA Graduates
Updated: June 19, 2024
Published: March 15, 2019
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!