If you’re considering returning to school, you might want to know: what are the best jobs for MBA grads? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of lucrative careers for you to explore. That way, you can determine if pursuing your MBA is the right move.
Quickstart Guide To Landing A Job As An MBA Grad
- Update your resume. Getting a job as an MBA grad is competitive. Think about it like this: you’re selling the company on a major investment in you, so you need to do everything you can to get an edge. Investing a little money to have a professional resume writing service polish up your resume can be the edge you need. Check out our guide to the best resume writing services to get started today.
- Search for opportunities on ZipRecruiter. If you’re ready to find a job as an MBA grad, start your search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter is free and you can apply for jobs with a single click. Additionally, you can upload your resume to their resume database so that recruiters can find you!
Discover Your Dream Job Find freelance gigs and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
What Is An MBA?
MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. People with this degree tend to climb the corporate ladder or command higher salaries in the business world.
15 Of Best Jobs For MBA Grads
Here are ten of the best jobs for MBA grads:
1. Computer and Information Systems Manager
Median National Salary: $164,070/year
Number of Jobs: 557,400
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 15% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Computer and information systems managers develop and implement a company’s computer and information system-related strategy. As a computer and information systems manager, you'll assess the firm’s computing needs, acquire and install appropriate hardware and software, train end users, direct technology department staff, establish and follow cybersecurity best practices, and more.
2. Marketing Manager
Median National Salary: $138,730/year
Number of Jobs: 389,000
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Marketing managers develop and implement informational and persuasive campaigns to spark interest in a company’s service or product. As a marketing manager, you may spearhead social media, email, or content marketing campaigns.
For more career ideas for marketing, check out our guide to careers in marketing. If you want to learn more about the daily duties of a marketing manager, explore our marketing manager job description. You can also learn how to write a marketing manager resume.
3. Financial Manager
Median National Salary: $139,790/year
Number of Jobs: 792,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 16% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Financial managers ensure that an organization will have the monetary resources it needs to continue operating. As a financial manager, you’ll draft financial reports, analyze data, and create and implement a long-range strategy that maximizes firm profits.
Do you want to work as a financial manager? Learn what job duties are common in our financial manager job description and discover how to write a financial manager resume. For more career ideas, check out our guide to the best paying jobs in finance.
4. Sales Manager
Median National Salary: $130,600/year
Number of Jobs: 554,700
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 4% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: Sales managers lead a sales team. As a sales manager, you’ll hire sales professionals, help them develop their sales skills, set aggressive but reasonable sales targets, and track progress towards the firm’s overall revenue goal.
If you're curious about other sales opportunities, explore our round-up of the best sales jobs.
5. Purchasing Manager
Median National Salary: $75,120/year
Number of Jobs: 571,900
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -6% (decline)
Job Duties: A purchasing manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement of goods and services for a company or organization. They must be knowledgeable about supply chain management, negotiate with vendors, and develop purchasing strategies to ensure the organization has the necessary materials and equipment to operate efficiently.
6. Human Resources Manager
Median National Salary: $130,000/year
Number of Jobs: 191,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 5% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Human resources managers oversee part or all of the human resources function at a company. As a human resources manager, you may be responsible for recruiting, training, benefits administration, payroll, employee relations, safety, compliance, and more.
If you want to work as a human resources manager, learn how to write an HR manager resume.
7. Medical and Health Services Manager
Median National Salary: $104,830/year
Number of Jobs: 509,500
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 28% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: Medical and health services managers oversee the operation of medical facilities or departments within them. As a medical and health services manager, you’ll hire and train staff, monitor quality of care, ensure regulatory compliance, keep up-to-date with the latest medical innovations, and more.
8. Financial Analyst
Median National Salary: $96,220/year
Number of Jobs: 376,100
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 8% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Financial analysts help organizational leaders make informed business decisions by breaking down complex financial data into actionable insights. As a financial analyst, you’ll perform financial forecasting, assist with budget creation, write reports, make recommendations to executives, and more.
For more ideas, check out our guide to careers in finance.
9. Budget Analyst
Median National Salary: $82,260/year
Number of Jobs: 51,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: Budget analysts help a company manage its financial resources. As a budget analyst, you’ll create various budgets, monitor spending, plan for future cash outlays, and make purchasing recommendations to management to keep the firm on track.
If working as a budget analyst is your goal, start by updating your resume. Learn exactly how to write a budget analyst resume.
10. Accountant
Median National Salary: $78,000/year
Number of Jobs: 1,538,400
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 4% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: Accountants maintain financial records and draw insights from them. As an accountant, you’ll review financial data for accuracy, prepare financial reports, file tax returns, make recommendations to management to save money and maximize profits, ensure regulatory compliance, and more.
Do you want to become an accountant? Learn more about daily tasks by reading our accountant job description. Take the first step toward an accounting career by updating your resume and creating an accounting resume. For more information, check out the best careers in accounting.
11. Investment Banker
Median National Salary: $67,480/year
Number of Jobs: 482,200
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 7% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: An investment banker is responsible for providing financial advice and services to corporations, governments, and other organizations. They must be knowledgeable about financial markets and investment opportunities, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and execute financial transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and debt offerings.
12. Project Manager
Median National Salary: $95,370/year
Number of Jobs: 881,300
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: A project manager is responsible for leading a team to plan, execute, and complete projects within a specific timeline and budget. They must be skilled in project management methodologies, communication, risk management, and resource allocation to ensure project success and stakeholder satisfaction.
To learn more about working as a project manager, check out our project manager job description.
13. Personal Financial Advisor
Median National Salary: $95,390/year
Number of Jobs: 327,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 13% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: A personal financial advisor is responsible for providing financial advice and guidance to individuals or families to help them manage their finances, investments, and retirement planning. They must be knowledgeable about financial products and regulations, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to develop personalized financial plans that meet clients' goals and needs.
14. Management Consultant
Median National Salary: $95,290/year
Number of Jobs: 987,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 10% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Management consultants are responsible for providing expert advice and recommendations to organizations on how to improve their operations, efficiency, and profitability. They must be knowledgeable about business practices, management strategies, and industry trends, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address clients' needs and challenges.
15. Economist
Median National Salary: $113,940/year
Number of Jobs: 17,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: An economist is responsible for studying and analyzing economic data and trends to provide insights and advice to individuals, businesses, and governments. They must be knowledgeable about economic theory and statistical methods, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to develop forecasts, models, and policy recommendations.
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How To Get A High Paying Job As An MBA Grad
Getting a high paying job as an MBA grad boils down to proper planning, having a solid strategy, and using the power of networking.
Here are some additional things to focus on to improve your chances of landing a high paying job as an MBA grad.
Use Your Campus Career Services
Campus career services often offer a range of resources, including job postings, career counseling, resume and cover letter review, and networking opportunities.
By taking advantage of these resources, you can gain access to job opportunities that may not be available elsewhere and receive guidance on how to effectively market yourself to potential employers. Additionally, campus career services can help you connect with alumni and other professionals in your field, expanding your network and increasing your chances of landing a top-tier job.
Choose A Specialization
Focusing on a particular area of expertise, can help you develop highly sought-after skills and knowledge that are in demand in the job market.
Specializations such as finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship can lead to lucrative career paths and opportunities for advancement. Additionally, a specialization can help you differentiate yourself from other MBA graduates who may have a more general business education.
Get Certifications
Certifications demonstrate to employers that you have acquired specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area, making you a more attractive candidate.
Additionally, certifications can help you stand out from other MBA graduates who may not have pursued additional training. By investing in certifications, you can position yourself as a highly qualified and motivated candidate for top-tier job opportunities.
You can let potential employers know that you have certifications by listing them on your resume. For more information, check out our guide on how to list certifications on your resume.
Build A Strong Personal Brand
Building a personal brand can be a powerful tool for MBA graduates looking to land a high-paying job. By establishing a clear and consistent image of yourself as a knowledgeable and skilled professional, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates and make a strong impression on potential employers.
A strong personal brand can also help you network more effectively and showcase your unique strengths and talents, ultimately increasing your chances of securing a top-tier job opportunity.
You can build a personal brand by creating a strong resume and cover letter and maintaining a professional LinkedIn profile that highlights your strengths, experience, and expertise.
Gain International Experience
International experience demonstrates to employers that you have a global perspective, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability, all of which are highly valued in today's globalized business environment.
Additionally, international experience can help you develop a diverse network of contacts and expand your job search beyond your home country. By gaining international experiences, you can position yourself as a highly qualified and competitive candidate for top-tier job opportunities.
Research Salaries
Taking time to conduct research on the average salaries for positions in your field and location, you can gain a better understanding of what to expect in terms of compensation.
Armed with this information, you can confidently negotiate your salary and benefits package, demonstrating to potential employers that you have a realistic understanding of your worth in the job market.
Additionally, researching salaries can help you identify top-paying companies and industries, allowing you to target your job search more effectively.
Networking
Networking is incredibly powerful because it exposes you to opportunities that might not otherwise exist. Put yourself out there and build your reputation as an expert in your industry. Attend industry events, conferences, and use online networking tools like LinkedIn, professional association websites, Facebook groups, and Slack communities, to name a few.
By connecting with professionals in your field, you can gain insights into job opportunities and industry trends, as well as receive referrals and recommendations for potential job openings.
Additionally, networking can help you develop relationships with hiring managers and recruiters, increasing your visibility and credibility as a job candidate. By investing time and effort into networking, you can position yourself as a highly qualified and well-connected candidate for top-tier job opportunities.
For more tips, check out our guide on how to network.
Best Places To Find Jobs For MBA Grads
Once you finish your degree, you can find jobs for MBA grads in many different places. Check out the best job posting sites to start your search:
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is a popular job board that makes it easy to find your next opportunity. Just enter your desired title and location, use filters to narrow your results, and submit your resume to the ideal matches.
For more information, check our ZipRecruiter review.
Discover Your Dream Job Find freelance gigs and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
LinkedIn gives you a job board inside of a social media platform for professionals. You can use the website to share your resume, post exciting career updates, connect with potential employers, and apply to open positions.
For more information, check out our LinkedIn review.
Indeed
Indeed is a well-known job aggregator that helps you see job listings from across the web listed in one place. Similar to ZipRecruiter, Indeed lets you search and apply for open roles with just a few clicks.
For more information, check out our Indeed review.
The Bottom Line
We hope this article gives you an idea about the best jobs for MBA grads. But, if you already have your degree, it may be worth overhauling your resume before you apply for your next role. We encourage you to work with one of our best resume writing service providers. Then, once your resume is polished, visit ZipRecruiter to make your next professional move.
