In the past, there was a perception that an MBA Degree was simply a graduate degree for business professionals, much like a master’s degree in any other field. However, it has been realized in recent years that the diversity of skills and knowledge base an MBA offers is helpful in every profession and industry. That is why we see more working professionals opting for an MBA degree to advance their careers.
An MBA degree helps you develop managerial skills, problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and a range of soft skills required for excelling in the corporate world. Whether you are planning to pursue an MBA degree or are currently enrolled, here is our list of the best career pathways that you can opt for.
Fields You can Consider After Completing Your MBA Degree;
We have discussed some of the job roles that MBA Degree graduates can consider:
1. Supply Chain & Logistics Manager
A supply chain and logistics manager works to ensure that an organization’s supply chain, both external and internal, runs smoothly and without disruption. Since the effective working of the supply chain is pivotal for any business, the logistics manager position is a core role in any organization.
They keep track of the organization’s inventory, oversee operational performance, and work with suppliers and vendors to make sure shipping and deliveries are as per the safety and quality standards.
In addition to handling transportation, logistics managers are responsible for managing customs and clearances and developing healthy work relationships with intermediary parties. Therefore, they must have excellent communication skills and an adept understanding of commercial business. If this role interests you, then pursuing an MBA in supply chain management can help you start your career as a supply chain and logistics manager.
2. Project Manager
Project Management is a relatively new field, only taking root in the mid-20th century. However, with industrialization and a globalized economy, project management has become an essential business function today. Unlike in the past, the high pressure and competition in today’s corporate world have increased the demand for specialized project managers.
With the managerial skills you develop by getting an MBA, you can easily qualify for a project manager role within your field. Almost all businesses work on a project basis, and managers must plan, manage, supervise, document, and monitor these projects. Project managers fill this role based on the specific expertise required.
3. Financial Analyst
If you’re good with numbers and have studied accounting and finance, you are likely eligible for a great position as a finance manager. However, with an MBA, you can learn intrinsic data analysis and quantitative skills that will help you find a financial analyst role, a highly specialized and lucrative field within finance.
Finance managers handle accounts and finance, whereas a financial analyst’s job is much more nuanced. A financial analyst works more in an advisory capacity than an operational one and is involved in an organization’s strategic planning. It includes working with data related to the company’s finances and business to identify business opportunities and growth potential and advise on risks and investment options.
In addition to academic qualifications, obtaining relevant certifications can significantly enhance your prospects in the finance industry. One notable certification for financial analysis and investment professionals is the Series 7 license. By successfully completing the Series 7 exam, individuals demonstrate their knowledge and competence in securities trading and sales. To prepare for this rigorous examination, it is beneficial to take advantage of Series 7 free sample prep tests, which offer valuable practice and familiarize candidates with the exam format. These practice tests not only help you assess your understanding of various financial concepts but also enable you to identify areas that require further study and improvement.
4. Marketing Manager
MBA Degree graduates specializing in marketing can easily land a lucrative career in the ever-expanding marketing field. With relevant experience and a degree, you can be a fit for the role of Marketing Manager. The job of a marketing manager is to build the company’s brand, attract potential customers, boost business, develop and execute marketing campaigns, create social media marketing strategies, oversee media publishing, promotion planning and execution, and much more.
Most MBA degrees offer specialized courses in marketing and public relations, which help build people skills and develop an understanding of market analysis. Further, with the social media boom, digital marketing is a niche worth considering, as most companies seek marketing managers with sound knowledge of digital marketing techniques. Thus, you can advance your skills and career with an MBA Degree in Digital Marketing. However, the creativity required in a marketing manager is something you’ll have to bring to the table yourself.
5. Product Manager
Product management is similar to project management regarding the skills required and the work responsibilities. However, where project managers are needed to look after a specific project, product managers handle an entire product or portfolio. That includes all tasks relating to that particular product/portfolio and has several responsibilities under marketing and branding.
With an MBA Degree, you can equip yourself with the knowledge required to navigate the different processes and find a product manager role. To put it simply, a product manager is the CEO of a specific portfolio. In that role, they are responsible for looking after all business functions relating to that particular portfolio, including specialized functions such as marketing, finance, and business development.
6. Business Development and Strategy Manager
The business development and strategy unit is the brain of an organization. The department is responsible for the organization’s growth by creating effective strategies and monitoring their execution. As a business development or strategy manager, your role will be a combination of a strategist, a marketeer, and a networker. You can learn all the skills required to fulfill these roles with an MBA.
Business development managers work closely with market researchers and financial analysts to develop efficient strategies to boost an organization’s performance. They also work with product managers to develop new strategies for improving a company’s products or services. A successful business development manager requires excellent people skills and in-depth analytical thinking, so if you have both skills and an MBA degree, you can consider working as a business development manager.
7. Operations Management
The backbone of any organization is its operations department. No organization can work without an operations function; therefore, the demand for operations managers remains consistent.
As an operations manager, you must have strong managerial skills to manage your team effectively. From ensuring smooth operations, and timely project/product delivery to overseeing financial procedures, operations managers have a long list of job responsibilities. Additionally, it would be best if you had the sound business acumen to understand the core business processes of your organization. With an MBA, you can effectively develop these skills and make a successful career in this field.
Final Words
An MBA degree teaches many skills required as a professional in today’s world. If you believe there is a manager inside of you or you have leadership qualities, an MBA Degree will help you hone and polish those innate skills. Not to mention, the title of an MBA on your CV itself can open the doors to many more opportunities for you.
