Students and professionals who earn an MBA are on a path to a very rewarding and dynamic career. The direction and nature of your MBA career path will vary depending upon the concentration and occupation that you are most interested in. You will find that there are many business-related jobs today that are growing quickly in demand and potential salary.
As you are deciding upon which MBA degree you want, check out our detailed list below of the most awesome 25 MBA career options:
Healthcare Administrator
Career Description: Healthcare administrators are responsible for the planning, direction and coordination of all kinds of health and medical services. Healthcare administrators or executives may manage a nursing home, hospital, or possibly a department or floor of a medical facility. Among their most critical responsibilities are to stay current with the latest healthcare regulations, laws and technology.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/articles/2017-03-20/explore-5-hot-jobs-for-mba-graduatesSalary Range: $39,050-$100,906; median: $63,414
Recommended Education: Most students choose a Master’s or MBA with a concentration in healthcare management or healthcare administration. Some may have a clinical background as a nurse or healthcare professional, but this is not always necessary.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Healthcare Management – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The US population is aging and living into their 80s in many cases. A longer lifespan as well as better healthcare technology is leading to explosive growth in health care services. Administrators are needed to manage these new and growing facilities efficiently.
Career Outlook: Healthcare administrator employer will rise by 17% by 2024. This is much faster than average.
Information Systems Manager
Career Description: Information systems managers are responsible for the planning, coordinating, and directing a variety of computer activities in many sorts of organizations. These workers’ primary role is to help to determine the IT goals for the company and they also must assume responsibility for all of the computer systems needed to realize company goals. Information systems managers can take the role of chief information officer or chief technical officer.
Salary Range: $48,945-$119,756; median: $81,928
Recommended Education: Obtain an MBA with a concentration in information systems or information technology; cyber security is also a hot area.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Information Systems – University of Colorado Denver — Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: Employment is going to rise particularly in the area of cybersecurity and cybercrime, as more businesses must combat hackers. Information systems manager with these skills will be in enormous demand.
Career Outlook: Information systems managers will see a 15% boost in job demand by 2024, which is much faster than average when compared to other careers.
Operations Research Analyst
Career Description: This operations professional is involved in every aspect of a company. They must assist managers to decide the best way to allocate limited company resources, come up with efficient production schedules, effectively manage the supply chain, and establish good price structures. They rely on the use of complex analytical and mathematical methods to help companies to improve their profitability. They also utilize statistical analysis, predictive modeling and economic simulations to devise practical solutions.
Salary Range: $47,258-$111,763; median: $74,941
Recommended Education: Obtain an MBA with a concentration in supply chain management or operations management
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management – Southern New Hampshire University — Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: Technology is getting better and cheaper, and global competition is growing. Supply chain and operations experts are greatly needed to increase company efficiency and save on costs.
Career Outlook: The job outlook in this career field is outstanding, with 30% increase in job demand anticipated by 2024, which is much faster than average.
Business Operations Manager
Career Description: The business operations manager uses their skills supply chain management and operations management to determine how companies can overcome their business challenges. Their main focus is on managing the global supply chain in a more efficient manner, which in turn will reduce costs throughout the organization. Business operations managers must have a complete understanding of supply chain management, and be able to identify the problems that must be solved or the processed that have to be upgraded.
Salary Range: $44,013-$113,078; median: $71,304
Recommended Education: An MBA with a concentration in supply chain management or MBA with an operations concentration will be the best choice.
Why It’s Awesome: Being able to manage business operations in an efficient manner is becoming more in demand as technology gets better and global competition increases. There also are more global supply chains than in the past, requiring expert business operations managers to have a good handle on the entire supply chain.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for business operations managers is also in the range of 30% by 2024, which is much faster than average.
Management Analyst
Career Description: Management analysts may be called management consultants, and they devise ways that a company may be able to boost their efficiencies and reduce costs of operations. They frequently provide management advice to help companies to enhance their various ways of doing business, with the end desire to increase profits. Many management consultants work for large consulting organizations, while some may be employed with a company full time.
Salary Range: $44,672-$96,361; median: $64,526
Recommended Education: Many management consultants earn a Master of Business Administration in project management.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Project Management or Six Sigma – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The global marketplace is getting more competitive than ever. At the same time, supply chains are stretched across the world, and companies have facilities oftentimes on every continent. Getting an MBA in project management or Six Sigma is a great way for you to accelerate your business career in consulting.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for management analysts will rise by 14% by 2024. This growth rate is quite rapid, and more consulting companies will be required to help companies to find ways to control their costs and increase efficiency.
Market Research Analyst
Career Description: Market research analysts analyze market conditions to determine what the sales could be of a new service, product or suite of products. Their primary function is to assist companies in understanding the products that consumers want the most. They also provide information on who might buy the products and what the price might be. They frequently analyze a particular company’s position in the market, and often conduct detailed research analysis on competitors. These analysts need to be skilled in evaluating large amounts of data with software and statistics.
Salary Range: $36,969-$72,491; median: $50,933
Recommended Education: Marketing research analyst candidates usually have the best chance for work in this field with a Master of Business Administration in Marketing.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Marketing – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The increase in the speed and efficiency of technology is giving companies access to massive amounts of data regarding market research. This is happening in all industries. The ability to mine and interpret data allows companies to better understand the products and services that companies most want. Market research also provides companies with the opportunity to closely monitor if customers are satisfied with current products and services, and what they might want in future offerings.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for market research analysts will grow by an impressive 19% by 2024, which is much faster than average.
Accountant
Career Description: An accountant prepare financial records for individuals and companies. These financial professionals have the important job of ensuring that all financial records for business entities are accurate and that they are paying all of their taxes properly and on a timely basis. Accountants primarily assess the financial operations of companies and maximize the financial efficiency with which they are run. Accountants also prepare tax statements and tax returns and ensure accuracy. Accountants also need to have excellent communication skills because they need to be able to explain findings to executives and upper level managers. Public accountants usually work for corporations, governments and private citizens. Management accountants handle and analyze financial data for the company for which they work.
Salary Range: $36,295-$69,687; median: $49,545
Recommended Education: Aspiring accountants should earn their Master of Business Administration in accounting. Earning your MBA is a requirement if you want to become a Certified Public Accountant or CPA.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Accounting – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The US is seeing a generally growing economy that has mostly recovered from the effects of the last economic downturn. As the economy is growing again, job prospects for accountants are increasing. As companies expand and new ones are created, more accountants will be needed to check tax documents and financial records. There also are many more financial rules and regulations, and accountants are sorely needed to ensure companies are in full compliance.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for accountants will increase by a solid 11% by 2024. This is faster than average; there will be approximately 142,400 new accountant jobs available in that timeframe
Financial Analyst
Career Description: A financial analyst offers guidance to companies and individuals who need to make wise investment decisions. They also play a key role in assessing the performance of various investments, including stocks and bonds.
Salary Range: $43,568-$78,798; median: $58,343
Recommended Education: If you want to become a financial analysts, a good path is a Master of Business Administration in Finance.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Finance – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The US is experiencing a growing economy that is providing more job opportunities for financial professionals. Investment portfolios are more complex than they were decades ago, and there are many more such products available for sale today. There also are new emerging markets throughout the world that will provide new investment opportunities.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for financial analysts will grow 12% by 2024, which is faster than average. This adds up to approximately 32,300 jobs in that period of time.
IT Director
Career Description: An IT manager is responsible for planning and coordinating most or all of the computer activities in a company or organization. These professionals determine the IT goals of the organization, and handle the implementation of computer systems to achieve company goals.
Salary Range: $62,919-$161,216; median: $112,725
Recommended Education: Consider earning a Master of Business Administration in Information Technology Management
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Information Management Technology – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The demand for IT managers and information systems managers is growing quickly as companies are expanding their digital platforms. Also, more and more of company data is being transferred to cloud based services, rather than local servers. This growth will cause the need for more of these computer professionals for many years.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for financial analysts will grow 15% by 2024, which is faster than average. This means there will be approximately 53,700 jobs added in that period.
Marketing Manager
Career Description: A marketing manager is responsible for planning programs that will enhance the interest that customers and potential customers have in products and services. Marketing managers must provide demand estimates for products and services that companies offer, and find new markets to generate new sales.
Salary Range: $40,459-$96,716; median: $62,650
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Marketing is a good background to become a marketing manager.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Marketing – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The demand for marketing managers is expected to increase as companies are facing greater competition than ever before. They need good marketing strategies to expand their market share and to stay competitive in the global marketplace.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for marketing manager will grow 9% by 2024, which is faster than average. There will be approximately 18,200 jobs added by 2024 for marketing managers.
HR Manager
Career Description: A human resources manager is responsible for planning, directing and coordinating all of the administrative roles of an organization. They handle the interviewing, recruiting and hiring of new staff, as well as work with top executives on long term hiring plans.
Salary Range: $58,326-$121,449; median: $83,908
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in in Human Resources is the most common educational path for this career.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Human Resources – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The demand for human resources is rising because the economy is expanding, and new companies are being created, and old ones are expanding. Human resources professionals are needed to manage the hiring of new staff, and to stay up to date of complicated employment laws.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for HR manager will grow 9% by 2024, which is faster than average. This adds up to approximately 10,800 jobs by 2024.
Top Executive
Career Description: A top executive devises new strategies and policies to ensure that a company meets its financial goals. Top executives at a company can include chief executive officers, chief operating officers, and operations managers.
Salary Range: $72,838-$331,400
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Leadership is a good choice to become a top executive.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Leadership – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The global economy is extremely competitive, and there is a growing need for highly experienced and skilled top executives to ensure that companies meet their financial goals.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for top executives is bright, with job growth of 6% expected by 2024. This is about as fast as average. Some sectors, such as information technology and healthcare, could see much faster growth.
Product Manager
Career Description: A product manager frequently is thought to be the CEO of a certain product, often a technology, pharmaceutical or medical device product. He or she is responsible for the roadmap, strategy and general feature set of the product.
Salary Range: $59,200-$126,726; median: $89,418
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Marketing or Project Management is an excellent choice to become a product manager.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Marketing or Project Management – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The global marketplace is intensely competitive today, and it is vital for good product managers to keep their products on the cutting edge. Also, as technology improves and evolves, consumer desires change. Product managers need to keep on top of consumer trends and ensure that their company’s product stay competitive and up to date.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for product managers is bright, with job growth of 11% expected by 2024. This is faster than average.
Project Manager
Career Description: A project manager is responsible for planning, implementing projects, handling quality control and also defining the scope of the project. Preparing the schedule for the project, and updating it as the project evolves is also critical.
Salary Range: $44,995-$106,592; median: $70,496
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Project Management will put you in position to get a good project management position in most industries.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Project Management – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: As more companies are expanding and being created in the current economic expansion, there is a greater need for highly skilled project managers. It is more important than ever for company projects to be completed on a timely basis and on budget.
Career Outlook: Skilled project managers with an MBA can anticipate strong job demand in the area of 12% per year, which is faster than average. Project managers with an MBA often are in strong demand in the management analyst field. You could be a project manager for a consulting company, or even work on your own as a management analyst and project manager for your client companies.
Information Technology Director
Career Description: An information technology 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.
Salary Range: $62,919-$161,216; median: $112,725
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Information Technology Management will provide you with the skills needed to become an IT director.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Information Technology Management – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: There is strong, growing demand for top notch IT professionals who have the leadership and technical skills to help their firms scale up their IT operations as needed in the global economy. Companies are increasingly expanding their IT operations to digital platforms, and many of them are cloud based. This is an era of great change in the IT structure in many companies, and good IT directors are in big demand.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for IT directors is excellent with jobs projected to grow by 15% by 2024, which is much faster than average.
Budget Analyst
Career Description: A budget analyst helps both private and public organizations to effectively manage their finances, frequently preparing budget reports and monitoring institutional spending. Budget analysts also prepare annual budget reports, special reports and evaluate yearly or quarterly budget proposals.
Salary Range: $42,601-$82,280; median: $57,499
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Finance is the normal specialization for professionals who want to become budget analysts.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Finance – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: This is a time of tighter state and federal budgets, and good budget analysts are needed to effectively manage taxpayer dollars in public organizations. Budget analysts also are needed in private sector companies and companies that contract with the state and federal government.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for budget analysts overall is average, with 3% growth expected by 2024.
Finance Manager
Career Description: A financial manager’s main job is to maintain and improve the financial health of a public or private organization. They typically will produce financial reports direct investments, come up with new financial management strategies, and plan for the long term financial health of the entity.
Salary Range: $39,769-$116,161; median: $69,606
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Finance is the best path to enjoy a dynamic career as a financial manager.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Finance – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The economy is getting stronger and it is likely that vital services provided by financial managers will be in strong demand. These include planning, directing and coordinating many types of investments. Also the US continues to be a major financial center for the world. This means that economic growth for most developed countries hinges upon the US. This helps to add growth to the financial industry in the US.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for financial managers is fairly strong with the field expected to grow by 7% by 2024, which is about as fast as average.
Operations Manager
Career Description: An operations manager is responsible for the general oversight of company operations that often include formulating policies, managing the daily needs and operations of the entity, and planning how materials and human resources are used. They also may assign work, make up schedules for staff and ensure that all projects are completed on time.
Salary Range: $38,712-98,344; median: $61,177
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Operations and Supply Chain Management is a great background for this position.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info. SNHU is featured in our America’s Best Online MBA Rankings report for 2017 as seen here.
Why It’s Awesome: Operations managers are in growing demand as more priority is placed upon operational efficiency in the global economy. It also is very important to maintain the global supply chain effectively so that costs are kept as low as possible.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for operations managers is solid, with 6% growth anticipated by 2024.
Securities Analyst
Career Description: A securities analyst offers guidance and advice on securities and other investments to businesses and individuals. They largely assess how stocks, bonds and related investments perform, and then they provide detailed advice to their clients based upon their findings.
Salary Range: $42,360-$76,933; median: $48,714
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Finance is a good background to work as a securities analyst.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Finance – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: There is a growing range of financial products and securities today. Thus there is more need than ever for good securities analysts. There also are emerging markets growing around the world, and many securities analysts are needed for specific geographic areas.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for securities analysts is strong, with 12% growth anticipated by 2024. This is faster than average.
Health Information Manager
Career Description: A health information manager handles the security and maintenance for patient records and data in any healthcare organization, from hospitals to nursing homes. They have to stay up to date on all information technology and laws regarding the safeguarding of patient health information.
Salary Range: $35,011-$75,981; median: $53,557
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management or Healthcare Informatics are excellent degrees for this field.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Healthcare Management or Healthcare Informatics – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The US population is living longer than ever and getting older. As technology is improving, there is much more demand for advanced health care services so that people can live longer and more productively. The increased need for healthcare workers is driving demand for more healthcare executives and information managers.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for health information managers is excellent, with a 17% increase in demand by 204.
Health Policy Analyst
Career Description: Health policy analysts are frequently federal or state government workers who study how effective new and existing health care policies are. Health policy analysts play an important role in helping to improve the health care system so that more of America’s citizens can receive good healthcare.
Salary Range: $42,801-$79,532; median: $57,534
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management or possibly Economics are good choices.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Healthcare Management or Economics – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The demand for healthcare services today is on the upswing as technology is getting more advanced and Americans are living longer. More understanding of effective healthcare policy is needed to provide Americans living longer with high quality healthcare services.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for this field is average, and job demand will increase by 4% by 2024. Many workers are employed by the federal government, and jobs could be affected by reduced federal budgets.
Logistics Manager
Career Description: A logistics manager is responsible for the analysis and coordination of the supply chain for an organization. These managers must accurately manage the entire product life cycle, and this includes how the product is originally acquired, distributed and delivered.
Salary Range: $40,663-$93,043; median: $62,828
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management is an excellent background to work in logistics and operations.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: The effective management of the global supply chain is incredibly important today for companies to maximize their profits. Most global companies have suppliers and facilities on multiple continents, which requires expert logistics managers to manage the supply chain efficiently.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for logistics managers is average, with 2% growth anticipated by 2024. However, there is a strong demand for supply chain managers, thus those with an MBA in this specialty should have little issue finding good work.
Purchasing Manager
Career Description: A purchasing manager is responsible for planning, directing and handling coordination of buying products and materials for companies. They also must oversee the work of buyer and purchasing agents who work under them.
Salary Range: $42,684-$97,329; median: $64,227
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Finance or Supply Chain Management is a good background for a career in purchasing.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: There is more need today for good supply chain managers and purchasing managers to manage the global supply chain effectively for companies in most industries.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for purchasing managers is average, with little growth anticipated by 2024. There could be stronger demand for third party contracting companies to handle the purchasing duties needed by large companies.
Revenue Manager
Career Description: Revenue managers help organizations in the public and private sector to effectively organize revenue and finances.
Salary Range: $38,877-$102,977; median: $60,065
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Accounting is a great choice.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Accounting – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: Companies are under growing pressure to increase efficiency, reduce waste and increase profits. Revenue managers help to accomplish these vital tasks.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for revenue managers is average, with 3% growth anticipated by 2024.
Sports Management
Career Description: A professional in sports management helps various types of sports organizations to run more efficiently from a financial perspective. Many in sports management work in marketing and sales.
Salary Range: $40,459-$96,716
Recommended Education: A Master of Business Administration in Sports Management is a common background.
Recommended MBA Program: Online MBA in Sports Management – Southern New Hampshire University – Get More Info
Why It’s Awesome: There is stronger need today for good business managers in all fields, and sports is no exception. These business professionals are needed to run these organizations profitably and to increase sales.
Career Outlook: The job outlook for sports management professionals is fairly strong, with 9% growth anticipated by 2024.
Summary
Choosing your career path for your MBA program is typically fairly straightforward, it’s the decision on which school program will be best for you to carry out your education. In our next section will review our nine step process involved in choosing the best MBA degree.
References:
- Snider, S. Explore 5 Hot Jobs for MBA Candidates. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/articles/2017-03-20/explore-5-hot-jobs-for-mba-graduates
- Business and Finance Employment Overview. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm
- Healthcare Administrator Salary. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Healthcare_Administrator/Salary
- 13 Awesome MBA Concentrations, from https://onlinembapage.com/13-awesome-mba-degree-concentrations/
