Jobs that require an MBA degree

An MBA from a good business-management school can set up a career like no other postgraduate degree can. Not just for management jobs, this postgraduate degree is an ideal qualification for many other positions, too. Here’s a condensed selection of jobs that require an MBA.
 

Jobs that require an MBA degree

 

Accounting

An MBA can open the key to leadership roles for certified public accountants. Typically, larger firms require sophisticated management skills in an accountant, which are mainly found in business management graduates. MBA aspirants who wish to go into an accounting career are well-advised to choose MBA programs that include a specialization in accounting.

Jobs include budget analyst ($69,000), benefits manager ($95,000), and financial controller ($113,000) (here, salary statistics compiled by websites from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2015) have been used mainly).

Here’s an introduction to accounting concepts.
 

Finance

Bachelor’s degree holders are unlikely to get even a response to their applications for finance jobs unless they have tons of experience. What would make their applications stand out is an MBA. A b-school degree will not only help them secure a job but will also open the doors to higher level positions with experience.

Companies require MBAs with a concentration in finance as investment bankers and fund managers to assist them in raising money in the capital market and provide strategic advice regarding mergers and acquisitions and other financial transactions. Fund managers also help individuals make investment choices.

Jobs include financial advisor ($55,000), financial services sales agent ($72,000), investment banker ($72,000 plus bonus and commissions), financial analyst ($77,000), financial manager ($110,000), and investment fund manager ($118,000).

Read this introduction to finance and learn about investment banking.
 

Global management

With globalization, companies are increasingly extending their operations beyond borders, and they need managers to coordinate their activities in a number of countries at the same time. They require a team of MBAs with specialization in global management.

Jobs include operations manager ($96,000), global business manager ($101,000), and sales manager ($105,000).

Also check out management consulting careers.
 

Business operations

Companies require employees with good communication skills and tact to coordinate the functions of various departments and to negotiate with vendors and suppliers and clients. Supply-chain managers analyze data to find out how their companies’ distribution channels can be improved for efficiency. They find ideal candidates among employees with MBAs.

Jobs include business operations manager ($119,000) and supply chain manager ($96,000).

Another job that is part of the business operations portfolio is management consultant ($100,000-$140,000), who helps a company identify problems in management practices and suggests solutions.

Learn more about operations management and play this supply chain game.
 

Health care management

These days, health care management involves not only specialist doctors and nurses but also savvy administrators who can keep pace with changes in the sector, including the tightening regulatory framework. An MBA with specialization in health care administration will obviously be particularly advantageous to large hospitals and health care facilities.

Jobs include hospital administrator ($83,000), medical and health services manager ($89,000), and health informatics manager ($90,000).

– Best MBA programs for Healthcare
– MBA in Canada vs India decision for Healthcare marketing applicant
 

Human resources

To an organization, its people come first, and no company can function without experts in the HR domain. Specialists in people management can hope to move on to top positions in their companies.

Jobs include training and development manager ($95,000), benefits manager (also $95,000), and HR manager ($100,000).

Read why this HR consultant went for a second MBA (in Switzerland with a scholarship) after 30
 

Marketing

Marketing these days has more use for MBA skills, such as budgeting, projecting growth, and analytics, than ever before. An MBA gives the competitive edge to applicants, be it for a job or promotion.

Jobs include advertising/promotions manager ($94,000), public relations manager ($95,000), sales manager ($114,000), and marketing manager ($116,000).

Read:
– Best MBA programs in Marketing
– Freelance marketing consultant with NGO experience gets $60,000 MBA scholarship
 

Data analytics

As more companies adopt big data into their business strategy, data science and analytics are now part of MBA curricula. Data analysts and market researchers analyze data to help companies identify new opportunities and give their competitors a run for their money.

Jobs include market researcher ($120,000), data analyst ($67,000), marketing analyst ($62,000), and business analyst ($92,000).

Read: Masters degrees in Big Data Analytics: Hot new trend in Business Schools
 

Nonprofit management

A keen interest in a social mission or cause may be a ticket to a job in non-profit organizations, but senior positions usually go to candidates with MBAs. A business management degree can also boost an employee to supervisory or higher posts, including leading a charity or managing the nonprofit activities of a for-profit organization.

Jobs include social and community service manager ($60,000), non-profit director ($73,000), and fundraising manager ($95,000).

Read: Social Impact & CSR Careers after MBA gaining in popularity
 

Information technology

Information technology strategy is vital to all organizations, and companies prefer MBAs with specialization in IT for setting a technology vision for the organization and for overseeing research and special projects. Technology personnel also establish technical standards and ensure adherence, install and upgrade software and hardware, and take care of network security, besides taking care of other functions. Job growth at 15 percent for 2014-24 is faster than for most occupations.

Job include IT director ($132,000), chief technology officer ($150,000), computer and information systems manager ($95,000), and information security analyst ($93,000).

Tech-savvy MBAs help IT organizations promote their brands using their familiarity with tech products. Jobs include technology product manager ($125,000).

Read: Career change options after MBA for software engineers
 

Regulatory functions

Today’s complex regulatory environment makes it essential for companies to appoint compliance officers. Companies operating in various sectors require their services to comply with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Protection Act, and international banking laws, for example.

Jobs: Compliance officer ($69,000)
 
Read these related posts:
– How to select the right career after MBA
– Types of jobs after MBA in Marketing, Finance, Operations, Technology
– From a top engineering job in India to unemployment in 2 weeks
– MBA job opportunities by industry and function
– Sample questions and tips for Case Interviews in Mergers and Acquisitions
– Are MBAs really arrogant, worthless, and overpaid?
 
This isn’t a comprehensive list, but hopefully a good start. Any other jobs you’d like to add to the list?
 
References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Image credit: Oklahoma State University